New Production in the North Sea deep chlorophyll maximum: magnitude and ecosystem effects
Lead Research Organisation:
University of East Anglia
Department Name: Environmental Sciences
Abstract
In the northern North Sea, the water column stratifies in summer as the surface layer warms. At the base of this surface layer, intense algal blooms can develop. Since these cannot be seen from space, these layers have been much less well studied than blooms in surface layers. However, preliminary data suggests these regions may be very important in sustaining overall plankton growth in the North Sea, particularly in summer and this plankton production may also be important in sustaining fish growth. This proposal seeks support to study these layers and use the information gained to assess their significance for overall productivity. Climate change is likely to increase stratification in the North Sea and we will also assess the impacts of such changes on phytoplankton productivity and fisheries.
People |
ORCID iD |
| Tim Jickells (Principal Investigator) |
Publications
Fernand L
(2013)
The contribution of the deep chlorophyll maximum to primary production in a seasonally stratified shelf sea, the North Sea
in Biogeochemistry
Greenwood N
(2010)
Detection of low bottom water oxygen concentrations in the North Sea; implications for monitoring and assessment of ecosystem health
in Biogeosciences
Queste BY
(2013)
Spatial extent and historical context of North Sea oxygen depletion in August 2010.
in Biogeochemistry
Suratman S
(2008)
Seasonal variability of inorganic and organic nitrogen in the North Sea
in Hydrobiologia
Suratman S
(2010)
High frequency measurements of dissolved inorganic and organic nutrients using instrumented moorings in the southern and central North Sea
in Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science
Suratman S
(2009)
Spatial and seasonal changes of dissolved and particulate organic C in the North Sea
in Hydrobiologia
| Description | In the northern North Sea, the water column stratifies in summer as the surface layer warms. At the base of this surface layer, intense algal blooms can develop. Since these cannot be seen from space, these layers have been much less well studied than blooms in surface layers. Our results show that these layers are important in sustaining overall plankton growth in the North Sea, particularly in summer and this plankton production may also be important in sustaining fish growth and in reducing oxygen concentrations in deep water. Climate change is likely to increase stratification in the North Sea increasing the importance of these features. |
| Exploitation Route | continuing work by us and others on the North Sea |
| Sectors | Environment |
| Description | To improve the management of the North Sea |
| First Year Of Impact | 2012 |
| Sector | Environment |