Spatial structure of relaxation events and crab settlement in the northern California upwelling system

Abstract

The settlement of crabs (primarily Cancer spp.) and sea urchins Strongylocentrotus spp. were monitored in conjunction with physical variables associated with coastal circulation to investigate how physical conditions influence the spatial distribution of recruitment along the coast. Temperature, salinity and wind stress data indicated fluctuations in upwelling and provided evidence for the alongshore, northward flow of warm, low salinity water during upwelling relaxation events which typically lasted several days. -from Authors