Publication Date:
2018-02-06
Description:
Coastal waters of the northern California Current (NCC) experienced ‘normal’ ocean conditions in 2011-2012, weak upwelling in 2013-2014, then suddenly warmed in Sep 2014. The response of phytoplankton community structure to contrasting ocean conditions was determined from samples collected off Newport Oregon. Cluster analysis identified three prominent phytoplankton community types: one that occurred during the upwelling season characterized by the highest abundance and diversity of diatoms, a pre-upwelling/relaxation community characterized by lower abundance, lowest diversity of diatoms and dinoflagellates, and another one associated with the warm anomalies from Sep 2014 through 2015 with reduced diatom abundance and diversity but the highest dinoflagellate diversity. The changes of diatom and dinoflagellate community were correlated with local factors (silicate, silicate: nitrate ratios, temperature and salinity), and with the Pacific Decadal Oscillation.
Print ISSN:
0094-8276
Electronic ISSN:
1944-8007
Topics:
Geosciences
,
Physics
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