Ocean biogeochemical signatures of the North Pacific Blob | CU Experts

The Blob was a marine heat wave in the Northeast Pacific from 2013 to; 2016. While the upper ocean temperature in the Blob has been well; described, the impacts on marine biogeochemistry have not been fully; studied. Here, we characterize and develop understanding of Eastern; North Pacific upper ocean biogeochemical properties during the Winter of; 2013-14 using in situ observations, an observation-based product, and; reconstructions from a collection of ocean models. We find that the Blob; is associated with significant upper ocean biogeochemical anomalies: a; 5% increase in aragonite saturation state (temporary reprieve of ocean; acidification) and a 3% decrease in oxygen concentration (enhanced; deoxygenation). Anomalous advection and mixing drives the aragonite; saturation anomaly, while anomalous heating and air-sea gas exchange; drive the oxygen anomaly. Marine heatwaves do not necessarily serve as; an analogue for future change as they may enhance or mitigate long-term; trends.

Mogen S; Lovenduski NS; Dallman AR; Gregor L; Sutton AJ; Bograd SJ; Quiros NC; Lorenzo ED; Hazen EL; Jacox MG

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