Remote assessment of the fate of phytoplankton in the Southern Ocean sea-ice zone

Moreau, Sébastien; Boyd, Philip W.; Strutton, Peter G.

doi:10.1038/s41467-020-16931-0

Cited by 47 publications

(52 citation statements)

References 71 publications

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“…In the Weddell Gyre, for example, microzooplankton grazing is a major controlling factor and more important than larger zooplankton, while viral infections are suggested to be of less importance (reviewed in Vernet et al, 2019). Regarding total losses, a recent study partly concerning our study area and based on bio-optical observations from BGC-Argo floats, concluded that grazing (including viral lysis) was responsible for 83% of the losses on average and was by far more important than phytodetritus sinking (Moreau et al, 2020). In addition, grazing was found to be more important in the later part of the production season.…”

Section: Bloom Endmentioning

confidence: 88%

Phenology and Environmental Control of Phytoplankton Blooms in the Kong Håkon VII Hav in the Southern Ocean

et al. 2021

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Knowing the magnitude and timing of pelagic primary production is important for ecosystem and carbon sequestration studies, in addition to providing basic understanding of phytoplankton functioning. In this study we use data from an ecosystem cruise to Kong Håkon VII Hav, in the Atlantic sector of the Southern Ocean, in March 2019 and more than two decades of satellite-derived ocean color to study phytoplankton bloom phenology. During the cruise we observed phytoplankton blooms in different bloom phases. By correlating bloom phenology indices (i.e., bloom initiation and end) based on satellite remote sensing to the timing of changes in environmental conditions (i.e., sea ice, light, and mixed layer depth) we studied the environmental factors that seemingly drive phytoplankton blooms in the area. Our results show that blooms mainly take place in January and February, consistent with previous studies that include the area. Sea ice retreat controls the bloom initiation in particular along the coast and the western part of the study area, whereas bloom end is not primarily connected to sea ice advance. Light availability in general is not appearing to control the bloom termination, neither is nutrient availability based on the autumn cruise where we observed non-depleted macronutrient reservoirs in the surface. Instead, we surmise that zooplankton grazing plays a potentially large role to end the bloom, and thus controls its duration. The spatial correlation of the highest bloom magnitude with marked topographic features indicate that the interaction of ocean currents with sea floor topography enhances primary productivity in this area, probably by natural fertilization. Based on the bloom timing and magnitude patterns, we identified five different bloom regimes in the area. A more detailed understanding of the region will help to highlight areas with the highest relevance for the carbon cycle, the marine ecosystem and spatial management. With this gained understanding of bloom phenology, it will also be possible to study potential shifts in bloom timing and associated trophic mismatch caused by environmental changes.

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Section: Bloom Endmentioning

confidence: 88%

Phenology and Environmental Control of Phytoplankton Blooms in the Kong Håkon VII Hav in the Southern Ocean

et al. 2021

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“…The percentages given represent approximate mean proportions of total primary production sequestered in the sea floor, broken down via the microbial loop and consumed by zooplankton and benthic consumers, based on several studies from high-productivity shelf environments and the wider literature (Azam, 1998;Ducklow et al, 2007;Hill et al, 2012;Garzio et al, 2013;Sailley et al, 2013;Ballerini et al, 2014;Murphy et al, 2016;Barnes, 2017). Murphy et al, 2016;Moreau et al, 2020). Consumption by benthic animals is the carbon fate characterised by the highest diversity (many animal phyla) and richness (tens of thousands of species), and has been estimated to account for up to 18% of primary production (Barnes, 2017).…”

Section: Fate Pathways Of Primary Productionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Changing Biogeochemistry of the Southern Ocean and Its Ecosystem Implications

et al. 2020

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“…Autonomous in situ measurements will also allow for in-depth studies of the dynamics between phytoplankton and sea ice. While a few studies using floats already exist in marginal ice zones (e.g., Moreau et al, 2020;von Berg et al, 2020), further works would help reveal how phytoplankton changes with sea ice retreat at finer scales. Ocean color remote sensing, i.e., satellite-based measurements of visible light reflected off the upper ocean, will be essential toward studying the NAP ecosystem.…”

Section: Main Knowledge Gaps and Future Research Directionsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Changes in Phytoplankton Communities Along the Northern Antarctic Peninsula: Causes, Impacts and Research Priorities

et al. 2020

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The Northern Antarctic Peninsula (NAP), located in West Antarctica, is amongst the most impacted regions by recent warming events. Its vulnerability to climate change has already led to an accumulation of severe changes along its ecosystems. This work reviews the current findings on impacts observed in phytoplankton communities occurring in the NAP, with a focus on its causes, consequences, and the potential research priorities toward an integrated comprehension of the physicalbiological coupling and climate perspective. Evident changes in phytoplankton biomass, community composition and size structure, as well as potential bottom-up impacts to the ecosystem are discussed. Surface wind, sea ice and meltwater dynamics, as key drivers of the upper layer structure, are identified as the leading factors shaping phytoplankton. Short-and long-term scenarios are suggested for phytoplankton communities in the NAP, both indicating a future increase of the importance of small flagellates at the expense of diatoms, with potential devastating impacts for the ecosystem. Five main research gaps in the current understanding of the phytoplankton response to climate change in the region are identified: (i) anthropogenic signal has yet to be disentangled from natural climate variability; (ii) the influence of small-scale ocean circulation processes on phytoplankton is poorly understood; (iii) the potential consequences to regional food webs must be clarified; (iv) the magnitude and risk of potential changes in phytoplankton composition is relatively unknown; and (v) a better understanding of phytoplankton physiological responses to changes in the environmental conditions is required. Future research directions, along with specific suggestions on how to follow them, are equally suggested. Overall, while the current

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Remote assessment of the fate of phytoplankton in the Southern Ocean sea-ice zone

Cited by 47 publications

References 71 publications

Phenology and Environmental Control of Phytoplankton Blooms in the Kong Håkon VII Hav in the Southern Ocean

Phenology and Environmental Control of Phytoplankton Blooms in the Kong Håkon VII Hav in the Southern Ocean

Changing Biogeochemistry of the Southern Ocean and Its Ecosystem Implications

Changes in Phytoplankton Communities Along the Northern Antarctic Peninsula: Causes, Impacts and Research Priorities

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