New evidence for enhanced ocean primary production triggered by tropical cyclone
Abstract
New evidence based on recent satellite data is presented to provide a rare opportunity in quantifying the long-speculated contribution of tropical cyclones to enhance ocean primary production. In July 2000, moderate cyclone Kai-Tak passed over the South China Sea (SCS). During its short 3-day stay, Kai-Tak triggered an average 30-fold increase in surface chlorophyll-a concentration. The estimated carbon fixation resulting from this event alone is 0.8 Mt, or 2-4% of SCS's annual new production. Given an average of 14 cyclones passing over the SCS annually, we suggest the long-neglected contribution of tropical cyclones to SCS's annual new production may be as much as 20-30%.
- Publication:
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Geophysical Research Letters
- Pub Date:
- July 2003
- DOI:
- Bibcode:
- 2003GeoRL..30.1718L
- Keywords:
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- Oceanography: General: Remote sensing and electromagnetic processes (0689);
- Oceanography: Biological and Chemical: Biogeochemical cycles (1615);
- Atmospheric Composition and Structure: Biosphere/atmosphere interactions;
- Oceanography: Physical: Air/sea interactions (0312);
- Global Change: Biogeochemical processes (4805)