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Satellite-derived variability in chlorophyll, wind stress, sea surface height, and temperature in the northern California Current System

ScholarsArchive at Oregon State University

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Title Satellite-derived variability in chlorophyll, wind stress, sea surface height, and temperature in the northern California Current System
Names Venegas, Roberto M. (creator)
Strub, P. Ted (creator)
Beier, Emilio (creator)
Letelier, Ricardo M. (creator)
Thomas, Andrew C. (creator)
Cowles, Timothy J. (creator)
James, Corinne (creator)
Soto-Mardones, Luis (creator)
Cabrera, Carlos (creator)
Date Issued 2008 (iso8601)
Note Copyright 2008 by the American Geophysical Union
Abstract Satellite-derived data provide the temporal means and seasonal and nonseasonal
variability of four physical and biological parameters off Oregon and Washington
(41°–48.5°N). Eight years of data (1998–2005) are available for surface chlorophyll
concentrations, sea surface temperature (SST), and sea surface height, while six years of
data (2000–2005) are available for surface wind stress. Strong cross-shelf and alongshore
variability is apparent in the temporal mean and seasonal climatology of all four
variables. Two latitudinal regions are identified and separated at 44°–46°N, where the
coastal ocean experiences a change in the direction of the mean alongshore wind stress, is
influenced by topographic features, and has differing exposure to the Columbia River
Plume. All these factors may play a part in defining the distinct regimes in the northern
and southern regions. Nonseasonal signals account for ∼60–75% of the dynamical
variables. An empirical orthogonal function analysis shows stronger intra-annual
variability for alongshore wind, coastal SST, and surface chlorophyll, with stronger
interannual variability for surface height. Interannual variability can be caused by distant
forcing from equatorial and basin-scale changes in circulation, or by more localized
changes in regional winds, all of which can be found in the time series. Correlations are
mostly as expected for upwelling systems on intra-annual timescales. Correlations of the
interannual timescales are complicated by residual quasi-annual signals created by
changes in the timing and strength of the seasonal cycles. Examination of the interannual
time series, however, provides a convincing picture of the covariability of chlorophyll,
surface temperature, and surface height, with some evidence of regional wind forcing.
Genre Article
Identifier Venegas, R. M., P. T. Strub, E. Beier, R. Letelier, A. C. Thomas, T. Cowles, C. James, L. Soto-Mardones, and C. Cabrera (2008), Satellite-derived variability in chlorophyll, wind stress, sea surface height, and temperature in the northern California Current System, J. Geophys. Res., 113, C03015, doi:10.1029/2007JC004481.

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