Phytoplankton biomass dynamics in the Arabian Sea from VIIRS observations

Abstract

Using chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) as an indicator for phytoplankton biomass, observations from the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) onboard the Suomi National Polar-orbiting Partnership (SNPP) between 2012 and 2019 in combination with wind, various ocean hydrographic data, and nutrient data are used to conduct a comprehensive study to characterize and quantify the phytoplankton biomass dynamics in the Arabian Sea, and assess the mechanisms that drive the summer and winter phytoplankton blooms. Phytoplankton biomass dynamics in the Arabian Sea are driven by the seasonal reversal of the monsoon wind. The summer phytoplankton bloom located mainly in the western and central Arabian Sea is stronger than the winter phytoplankton bloom in the northern Arabian Sea in terms of both Chl-a values and the extent of phytoplankton bloom coverage. Interannual variability of Chl-a is less significant in comparison to the seasonal variability. Chl-a data measured by the Sea-viewing Wide Field-of-View Sensor (SeaWiFS) from 1997 to 2010 are also used. The comparison of Ch-a climatology data between SeaWiFS and VIIRS shows no long-term trend of Chl-a change in the Arabian Sea. This study provides an improved understanding (with new knowledge) of (1) phytoplankton biomass dynamics, (2) physical, biological, and biogeochemical processes, and (3) nutrient dynamics in the Arabian Sea. The hydrographic and nutrient data reveal two different driving mechanisms for phytoplankton blooms in the summer and winter monsoons. During the summer monsoon, the cold high-nutrient waters are brought to the surface from the thermocline depth through strong coastal upwelling and Ekman pumping, leading to increased Chl-a at the surface-layer. The vertical velocity reaches ~1 m/day at 70 m depth. In comparison, the winter phytoplankton bloom is driven by the moderate boost of the nutrient level due to the mixed-layer deepening and strong vertical mixing caused by the surface cooling in the northern Arabian Sea. The nutrient dynamics in the Arabian Sea also suggests that the nitrate concentration is the major nutrient driver for its seasonal phytoplankton biomass dynamics.