Global correlations between winds and ocean chlorophyll

Abstract

Global time series of satellite-derived winds and surface chlorophyll concentration (Chl-a) show patterns of coherent areas with either positive or negative correlations. The correlation between Chl-a and wind speed is generally negative in areas with deep mixed layers and positive in areas with shallow mixed layers. These patterns are interpreted in terms of the main limiting factors that control phytoplankton growth, i.e., either nutrients that control phytoplankton biomass in areas with positive correlation between Chl-a and wind speed or light that controls phytoplankton biomass in areas with negative correlation between Chl-a and wind speed. More complex patterns are observed in the equatorial regions due to regional specificities in physical-biological interactions. These correlation patterns can be used to map out the biogeochemical provinces of the world ocean in an objective way. Copyright 2010 by the American Geophysical Union.