Modelling observed California Current mesoscale eddies and the ecosystem response

Abstract

Satellite and in situ observations are used to test model dynamics for the California Current System (CCS). The model and data are combined to reconstruct the mesoscale ocean structure during a given three-week period. The resulting physical flow field is used to drive a 3D ecosystem model to interpret SeaWiFS and in situ chlorophyll-a (chl-a) variations. With this approach a more complete and consistent picture of the physical and ecosystem processes of the CCS is obtained, providing the basis for addressing fundamental questions about dynamics and predictability of the coastal ocean.

Acknowledgments

We gratefully acknowledge funding from NASA (NAG5-6497) and ONR (N00014-99-1-0045). This research was supported in part by funding under NASA UPN 291-01-91.

Notes

An updated version of a paper originally presented at Oceans from Space ‘Venice 2000’ Symposium, Venice, Italy, 9–13 October 2000.