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Geosciences
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Ocean-Atmosphere Interaction
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Ocean-Atmosphere Interaction

A special issue of Geosciences (ISSN 2076-3263). This special issue belongs to the section "Geophysics".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (10 December 2018) | Viewed by 33855

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Raquel Somavilla Cabrillo

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
IEO, Centro Oceanográfico de Gijón
Interests: ocean climate; ocean-atmosphere interaction; upper ocean variability; ocean mixed layer and stratification; ocean circulation; deep waters; ocean ventilation; mid-latitudes; polar regions; biogeochemistry; physical-biological coupling; climate; climate change

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Earth climate and weather are known to be strongly affected by air–sea exchanges of heat and moisture, since the ocean covers more than 70% of the Earth surface and accumulates 93% of the energy in the Earth Climate System. In addition, the global ocean, not only absorbs, stores, and redistributes vast amounts of heat shaping the mean climate of the Earth, but also of carbon, and 50% of the oxygen in Earth’s atmosphere is produced in the upper layers of the ocean by phytoplankton. Thus, major advances in our knowledge of ocean–atmosphere interaction in the last decades have revealed the relevance of the exchange not only of energy, but of gases and particles across the air–sea interface in global budgets. Growing evidence shows that these exchanges are controlled by a variety of physical, chemical and biological processes that operate across a broad range of spatial and temporal scales in the upper ocean and lower atmosphere. This improved understanding of ocean-atmosphere interaction processes has been the result of interdisciplinary observation efforts including a wide range of measurements (oceanographic sections, buoys, Argo floats, gliders, autonomous profilers, etc.) and its combination with models that assimilate such data. This Special Issue on ocean–atmosphere interaction welcomes original research related to observed and modelled magnitude and variability of air–sea exchanges and associated control processes in the upper ocean and lower atmosphere.

Dr. Raquel Somavilla Cabrillo
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • Ocean-atmosphere interaction
  • Air-sea exchanges
  • Processes
  • Upper Ocean
  • Lower Atmosphere
  • Biogeochemistry
  • Climate

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 2535 KiB  
Article
Validation of Stratification-Driven Phytoplankton Biomass and Nutrient Concentrations in the Northeast Atlantic Ocean as Simulated by EC-Earth
by Nomikos Skyllas, Richard Bintanja, Anita G. J. Buma, Corina P. D. Brussaard, Matthias Gröger, Jenny Hieronymus and Willem H. van de Poll
Geosciences 2019, 9(10), 450; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences9100450 - 21 Oct 2019
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 7732
Abstract
We validated simulations of the Earth system model (ESM) EC-Earth-NEMO of present-day temperature, salinity, nutrient, and chlorophyll a profiles with in situ observations in the Northeast Atlantic Ocean (29–63º N). Simulations with standard parametrization (run 1) and improved parametrization of vertical mixing (run [...] Read more.
We validated simulations of the Earth system model (ESM) EC-Earth-NEMO of present-day temperature, salinity, nutrient, and chlorophyll a profiles with in situ observations in the Northeast Atlantic Ocean (29–63º N). Simulations with standard parametrization (run 1) and improved parametrization of vertical mixing (run 2) were compared. Run 1 showed shallower mixed layer depths (MLDs) in spring as compared to observations owing to lower salinities in the upper 200 m of the subpolar North Atlantic (>55º N). This coincided with a mismatch with observed timing and magnitude of the phytoplankton spring bloom. In contrast, the model performed well south of 55º N. Run 2 showed improved springtime MLD, phytoplankton dynamics, and nutrient distributions in the subpolar North Atlantic. Our study underlines the sensitivity of subpolar North Atlantic phytoplankton blooms to surface freshening, suggesting that future fresh-water inflow from Arctic and Greenland Ice sheet melting could significantly affect phytoplankton productivity. These findings contribute to the generic validation of the EC-Earth ESM and underline the need for rigorous validation of physics-biology links, in particular the sub polar North Atlantic where complex seasonal stratification/vertical mixing processes govern upper ocean phytoplankton productivity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ocean-Atmosphere Interaction)
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22 pages, 3777 KiB  
Article
Impact of Nonzero Intercept Gas Transfer Velocity Parameterizations on Global and Regional Ocean–Atmosphere CO2 Fluxes
by Mariana Ribas-Ribas, Gianna Battaglia, Matthew P. Humphreys and Oliver Wurl
Geosciences 2019, 9(5), 230; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences9050230 - 20 May 2019
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3897
Abstract
Carbon dioxide (CO2) fluxes between the ocean and atmosphere (FCO2) are commonly computed from differences between their partial pressures of CO2 (ΔpCO2) and the gas transfer velocity (k). Commonly used wind-based parameterizations [...] Read more.
Carbon dioxide (CO2) fluxes between the ocean and atmosphere (FCO2) are commonly computed from differences between their partial pressures of CO2 (ΔpCO2) and the gas transfer velocity (k). Commonly used wind-based parameterizations for k imply a zero intercept, although in situ field data below 4 m s−1 are scarce. Considering a global average wind speed over the ocean of 6.6 m s−1, a nonzero intercept might have a significant impact on global FCO2. Here, we present a database of 245 in situ measurements of k obtained with the floating chamber technique (Sniffle), 190 of which have wind speeds lower than 4 m s−1. A quadratic parameterization with wind speed and a nonzero intercept resulted in the best fit for k. We further tested FCO2 calculated with a different parameterization with a complementary pCO2 observation-based product. Furthermore, we ran a simulation in a well-tested ocean model of intermediate complexity to test the implications of different gas transfer velocity parameterizations for the natural carbon cycle. The global ocean observation-based analysis suggests that ignoring a nonzero intercept results in an ocean-sink increase of 0.73 Gt C yr−1. This corresponds to a 28% higher uptake of CO2 compared with the flux calculated from a parameterization with a nonzero intercept. The differences in FCO2 were higher in the case of low wind conditions and large ΔpCO2 between the ocean and atmosphere. Such conditions occur frequently in the Tropics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ocean-Atmosphere Interaction)
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16 pages, 4388 KiB  
Article
Atmospheric Control of Deep Chlorophyll Maximum Development
by Raquel Somavilla, Carmen Rodriguez, Alicia Lavín, Amaia Viloria, Elena Marcos and Daniel Cano
Geosciences 2019, 9(4), 178; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences9040178 - 17 Apr 2019
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2958
Abstract
The evolution of the near-surface phytoplankton bloom towards a Deep Chlorophyll Maximum (DCM) in mid-latitudes and subpolar regions of the global ocean is a well-known biological feature. However, our knowledge about the exact mechanism that determines the end of the bloom and its [...] Read more.
The evolution of the near-surface phytoplankton bloom towards a Deep Chlorophyll Maximum (DCM) in mid-latitudes and subpolar regions of the global ocean is a well-known biological feature. However, our knowledge about the exact mechanism that determines the end of the bloom and its irreversible evolution towards a DCM is still limited. In this work, combining satellite and in-situ oceanographic data together with reanalysis data, we investigate why and when this transition between the near-surface phytoplankton bloom and the development of a DCM occurs. For this aim, we investigate the links between changes in air-sea heat exchanges, the near-surface signature of phytoplankton bloom, and the water column vertical structure by calculating the mixed layer depth (MLD) and depth of the DCM on hydrographic and chlorophyll profiles. We find that the occurrence of the last convective mixing event (heat loss by the ocean surface) at the end of the spring which is able to reach the base of the MLD and inject new nutrients into the mixed layer marks the end of the near-surface bloom and its transition towards a DCM. Identified in this way, the spring bloom duration and the start of the transition towards a DCM can be systematically and objectively determined, providing sensitive indexes of climate and ecosystem variability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ocean-Atmosphere Interaction)
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18 pages, 2558 KiB  
Article
Local Variability of CO2 Partial Pressure in a Mid-Latitude Mesotidal Estuarine System (Tagus Estuary, Portugal)
by Ana Paula Oliveira, Tereza Pilar-Fonseca, Graça Cabeçadas and Marcos Mateus
Geosciences 2018, 8(12), 460; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences8120460 - 05 Dec 2018
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3479
Abstract
Estuaries play a crucial role in regional carbon cycling. Until now, accurate estimations of the impact of environmental variables on estuarine air–water CO2 fluxes have been mostly characterized by a low spatial-temporal sampling resolution. This study reports on the variations of CO [...] Read more.
Estuaries play a crucial role in regional carbon cycling. Until now, accurate estimations of the impact of environmental variables on estuarine air–water CO2 fluxes have been mostly characterized by a low spatial-temporal sampling resolution. This study reports on the variations of CO2 partial pressure (pCO2) and related environmental parameters, at both tidal and seasonal temporal scales, in the surface seawater of a station located in the lower section of the Tagus estuary, Portugal. The study was carried out from February to December 2007. Air–water CO2 fluxes suggest that the lower estuary acted as a relatively weak source of CO2 to the atmosphere, with an average rate of 7.2 mol∙m−2∙year−1, with highest fluxes occurring in winter. Over a tidal cycle, pCO2 was mainly influenced by tidal-induced mixing. Results suggest an influence of upper and central estuary inputs with higher pCO2 values. pCO2 varied seasonally, with values decreasing from ~890 µatm in winter to ~400 µatm in summer and increasing again to ~990 µatm in autumn. The generalized linear model (GLM) applied to the data set explained 69.3% of the pCO2 variability, pointing to the thermodynamic effect of temperature and biological activity as the most relevant processes in CO2 dynamics. Tidal variation of pCO2 corresponded to ~35% of its seasonal variability, denoting the importance of tide conditions on the dynamics of inorganic carbon. Results showed distinct patterns in the dynamics of CO2 at the tidal scale. This outcome suggests that disregarding tidal variability in the use of seasonal data sets may lead to significant errors in annual carbon budget estimations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ocean-Atmosphere Interaction)
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12 pages, 4324 KiB  
Article
Sea-Air CO2 Exchange in the SW Iberian Upwelling System during Two Contrasting Climate Cycles: 860–780 ka and 630–520 ka
by Gloria M. Martin-Garcia
Geosciences 2018, 8(12), 454; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences8120454 - 04 Dec 2018
Viewed by 2360
Abstract
Analysis of planktonic and benthic foraminifers’ accumulation rates from the Iberian margin reveal a substantial change in the biogenic ocean-atmosphere CO2 exchange during the Mid-Pleistocene Transition (MPT; ~800–650 ka from present). Such changes resulted from the major reorganisations in both surface and [...] Read more.
Analysis of planktonic and benthic foraminifers’ accumulation rates from the Iberian margin reveal a substantial change in the biogenic ocean-atmosphere CO2 exchange during the Mid-Pleistocene Transition (MPT; ~800–650 ka from present). Such changes resulted from the major reorganisations in both surface and deep-water circulation that occurred in the North Atlantic at the time, and affected the behaviour of this upwelling region as a CO2 uptake/release area during climate cycles before and after the MPT. During Marine Isotope Stages (MIS) 21-MIS 20 (860–780 ka), this margin acted mostly as an uptake area during interglacials and early glacials. During glacial maxima and terminations it would be neutral because, although surface production and export were very low, carbon storage occurred at the seafloor. During MIS 15-MIS 14 (630–520 ka), the pattern was the opposite, and the Iberian margin worked as a neutral, or as a source area during most interglacials, while during glacials it acted as an important uptake area. Present findings support the idea that glacial/interglacial atmospheric pCO2 oscillations are partly driven by alterations in the meridional overturning circulation that results in substantial variations of the biological pump, and carbon sequestration rate, in some high-productivity regions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ocean-Atmosphere Interaction)
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Review

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21 pages, 6199 KiB  
Review
Oceanic Impact on European Climate Changes during the Quaternary
by Gloria M. Martin-Garcia
Geosciences 2019, 9(3), 119; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences9030119 - 08 Mar 2019
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 5837
Abstract
Integrative studies on paleoclimate variations over oceanic and continental regions are scarce. Though it is known that Earth’s climate is strongly affected by sea-air exchanges of heat and moisture, the role of oceans in climate variations over land remains relatively unexplored. With the [...] Read more.
Integrative studies on paleoclimate variations over oceanic and continental regions are scarce. Though it is known that Earth’s climate is strongly affected by sea-air exchanges of heat and moisture, the role of oceans in climate variations over land remains relatively unexplored. With the aim to unveil this influence, the present work studies major climate oscillations in the North Atlantic region and Europe during the Quaternary, focusing on the oceanic mechanisms that were related to them. During this period, the European climate experienced long-term and wide-amplitude glacial-interglacial oscillations. A covariance between the North Atlantic sea surface temperature and climate signals over the continent is especially observed in Southern Europe. The most severe and drastic climate changes occurred in association to deglaciations, as a consequence of major oceanographic reorganizations that affected atmospheric circulation and ocean-atmosphere heat-flow, which led to variation of temperature and precipitation inland. Most deglaciations began when Northern Hemisphere summer insolation was maximal. Increased heating facilitated the rapid ice-sheet collapse and the massive release of fresh water into the Northern Atlantic, which triggered the weakening or even the shutdown of the North Atlantic Deep Water (NADW) formation. Though the extension of ice-sheets determined the high-latitude European climate, the climate was more influenced by rapid variations of ice volume, deep-water formation rate, and oceanic and atmospheric circulation in middle and subtropical latitudes. In consequence, the coldest stadials in the mid-latitude North Atlantic and Europe since the early Pleistocene coincided with Terminations (glacial/interglacial transitions) and lesser ice-sheet depletions. They were related with decreases in the NADW formation rate that occurred at these times and the subsequent advection of subpolar waters along the western European margin. In Southern Europe, steppe communities substituted temperate forests. Once the freshwater perturbation stopped and the overturning circulation resumed, very rapid and wide-amplitude warming episodes occurred (interstadials). On the continent, raised temperature and precipitations allowed the rapid expansion of moisture-requiring vegetation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ocean-Atmosphere Interaction)
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Other

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16 pages, 1927 KiB  
Perspective
Plastic Accumulation in the Sea Surface Microlayer: An Experiment-Based Perspective for Future Studies
by Luisa Galgani and Steven A. Loiselle
Geosciences 2019, 9(2), 66; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences9020066 - 29 Jan 2019
Cited by 18 | Viewed by 6600
Abstract
Plastic particles are ubiquitous in the marine environment. Given their low density, they have the tendency to float on the sea surface, with possible impacts on the sea surface microlayer (SML). The SML is an enriched biofilm of marine organic matter, that plays [...] Read more.
Plastic particles are ubiquitous in the marine environment. Given their low density, they have the tendency to float on the sea surface, with possible impacts on the sea surface microlayer (SML). The SML is an enriched biofilm of marine organic matter, that plays a key role in biochemical and photochemical processes, as well as controlling gas exchange between the ocean and the atmosphere. Recent studies indicate that plastics can interfere with the microbial cycling of carbon. However, studies on microplastic accumulation in the SML are limited, and their effects on organic matter cycling in the surface ocean are poorly understood. To explore potential dynamics in this key ocean compartment, we ran a controlled experiment with standard microplastics in the surface and bulk water of a marine monoculture. Bacterial abundance, chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM), and oxygen concentrations were measured. The results indicate an accumulation of CDOM in the SML and immediate underlying water when microplastic particles are present, as well as an enhanced oxygen consumption. If extrapolated to a typical marine environment, this indicates that alterations in the quality and reactivity of the organic components of the SML could be expected. This preliminary study shows the need for a more integrated effort to our understanding the impact of microplastics on SML functioning and marine biological processes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ocean-Atmosphere Interaction)
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