Mesoscale physical-biological-biogeochemical linkages in the open ocean: An introduction to the results of the E-Flux and EDDIES programs

摘要

Mesoscale currents, fronts, and eddies are ubiquitous and energetic features of ocean circulation. These phenomena, sometimes referred to as the "internal weather of the sea," accommodate a diverse set of physical, chemical, and biological interactions that influence marine biogeochem-istry on a wide range of timescales. These biogeochemical processes include the "biological pump," i.e., the transfer or flux of biologically produced organic matter and associated elements from the surface ocean to depth (Ducklow et al., 2001; Volk and Hoffert, 1985). Within ～80% of the world's oceans, productivity of the auto-trophic organisms that contribute to the biological pump are typically limited by major nutrients (e.g., nitrogen, phosphorus, and silica) or trace metals (e.g., iron).