Articles in press have been peer-reviewed and accepted, which are not yet assigned to volumes /issues, but are citable by Digital Object Identifier (DOI).
Display Method:
The significant role of submarine groundwater discharge in an Arctic fjord nutrient budget
Xueqing Yu, Jian’an Liu, Zhuoyi Zhu, Xiaogang Chen, Tong Peng, Jinzhou Du
 doi: 10.1007/s13131-024-2418-4
[Abstract](201) [FullText HTML](87) [PDF 4386KB](15)
Abstract:
Under global climate change, water flow and related nutrient biogeochemistry in the Arctic are changing at an unprecedented rate, and potentially affect nutrient cycling in the Arctic Ocean. However, nutrient fluxes via submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) are potentially important yet poorly understood in the Arctic. Here we quantified that nutrient fluxes through radium-derived SGD were three orders of magnitude higher than those from the local river and constituted 25%−96% of the total nutrient inputs into the Kongsfjorden. These large groundwater nutrient fluxes with high NIN/DIP molar ratio (average 99) may change the biomass and community structure of phytoplankton. Meanwhile, combining other SGD study cases around the Arctic region, SGD rates tend to increase over the past three decades, possibly on account of the effects of global warming. The SGD-derived nutrient may cause the increase of net primary productivity in the Arctic Ocean. The results will provide important basic data for land-ocean interactions in the typical fjord of the Arctic under the influence of global warming.
Intercomparison of conventional and new methods for estimating Eddy Kinetic Energy
Wenyu Li, Guidi Zhou, Xuhua Cheng
 doi: 10.1007/s13131-024-2365-0
[Abstract](16) [FullText HTML](6)
Abstract:
We introduce a new method, the piecewise Reynolds mean (PREM), for decomposing the flow velocity into the mean-flow and eddy-flow parts in the time domain for subsequent calculation of the mean and eddy kinetic energies (MKE and EKE). Compared with conventional methods like the Reynolds mean (REM) and running mean (RUM), PREM has the advantage of exact balance between the MKE and EKE, without the additional residual kinetic energy (RKE), while retaining time-dependent mean-flow. It is mathematically simple and computationally lightweight, depending on a pre-defined separation scale for the mean-flow and eddies. Based on satellite observations and the separation scale of 1 year, we compare PREM with RUM, as well as another newly proposed method, the eddy detection and extraction (EDEX). The latter is based on objective identification of mesoscale eddies and eddy anomaly extraction algorithms, and is therefore only suitable for mesoscale eddy energetics, but independent of separation scales. It is shown that compared with RUM, PREM gives larger mean EKE and stronger interannual variability. In strong-current and eddy-rich regions, the two methods differ the most (max: Kuroshio Extension, RMSD = 60.3 J/m3); but in areas with weak current and eddy, the difference accounts for the largest fraction of total EKE (max: south of the Aleutian Islands, 208%). EKE estimated by the two methods is out of phase (min correlation = 0.38). The mean EKE and standard deviation from the EDEX method resemble the PREM with 1-year separation scale, but is generally smaller in magnitude.
Differential scavenging behavior of anthropogenic Pb revealed by sediment traps in the northern South China Sea basin
Weiying Li, Jingjing Zhang, Hongliang Li, Shuh-Ji Kao, Zezhou Wu, Xingju He, Lihua Ran, Martin G. Wiesner, Jianfang Chen
[Abstract](18) [FullText HTML](8)
Abstract:
Trace metals emitted from human activities may have penetrated into the deep seas, and the underlying control mechanisms remain poorly understood. Sinking particles collected by moored time-series sediment traps from the northern South China Sea (NSCS) basin showed significant enrichment of anthropogenic aerosol Pb relative to lithogenic Fe. Total mass flux (TMF) was primarily driven by seasonal primary production, and significant positive correlations were found between Pb/Fe flux and major biogenic components, indicating the crucial role of the biological pump in Pb/Fe scavenging in the water column. Notably, Pb exhibited 30~50x higher affinity to biogenic components than Fe. A comparison was made between the enrichment factors of Fe and Pb in aerosols, euphotic particles, and sinking particles, which revealed that Pb exhibited significantly higher particle reactivity than Fe. This higher particle reactivity may encompass processes such as adsorption/desorption, bioaccumulation and decomposition release. The differential scavenging behavior of Pb suggested that the majority of Pb was rapidly scavenged in the euphotic zone and was preferentially released for accumulation in the twilight zone. This accumulation may further outflow through the Luzon Strait and result in the high dissolved Pb concentration observed in the subsurface water columns in both the NSCS and Western Pacific Ocean. The rest of anthropogenic Pb in sinking particles tended to penetrate into deeper water layers and continue to be released below the twilight zone. These findings provide new insights into the biogeochemical cycling of trace metals originating from anthropogenic aerosols in marginal seas and serve as an example of the fate of other anthropogenic atmospheric pollutants.
Organic matter determines the exchange of nutrients at sediment-water interface in coastal bays
Jiasen Zhong, Ehui Tan, Chunwei Fu, Guiyi Ma, Yongkai Chang, Jingchao Yin, Fengying Li, Zhixiong Huang, Jianzhong Su, Min Xu, Zhenzhen Zheng, Jianan Liu, Yu Han, Shuh-Ji Kao
[Abstract](18) [FullText HTML](9)
Abstract:
The exchange of inorganic nutrients at the coastal sediment-water interface (SWI) plays a crucial role in regulating the nutrient budget in overlying water. The related studies mainly focus on the mid to high-latitude regions, leaving a significant gap in the quantitative assessment of nutrient exchange and environmental controls at the SWI in low-latitude coastal regions. We quantitatively assess the exchange of inorganic nutrients at the SWI in three tropical bays (Dongzhai harbor, Xiaohai lagoon, Qinglan harbor). Sediments act as a source of ammonium, phosphate, and silicate, but for nitrate, sediments can be both a source and sink, although with substantial spatial and temporal variations in their fluxes. Labile organic matter is a critical regulator for the fluxes of inorganic nutrients at the SWI. The sedimentary nutrients input with high N/P ratio will alter the nutrient stoichiometry to mitigate the nitrogen limitation in coastal waters. However, the internal sediment release in these tropical bays plays a relative weak role in contributing to the nutrient addition in comparison with the other external nutrient sources including riverine input, submarine groundwater discharge, and atmospheric deposition. According to the global compilation on SWI nutrient fluxes, we propose that water column primary production and external inputs to interpret the variation in exchange and fluxes of nutrients at the SWI in different ecosystems. Such a conceptual understanding of these chain biogeochemical processes involving external nutrient input, primary production, particulate organic matter settling, and the accumulation and release of inorganic nutrients in sediments will be helpful for the scientific-based pollution prevent and control in coastal waters.
Carbonate system in the subtropical Jiulong River estuary and CO2 flux estimation under modulation of tidal cycle
Weicong Chen, Heng Sun, Zhongyong Gao, Jiaming Lin, Min Xu, Aijun Wang, Shuqin Tao
 doi: 10.1007/s13131-024-0000-0
[Abstract](39) [FullText HTML](17)
Abstract:
Estuaries are often a significant source of atmospheric CO2. However, studies of carbonate systems have predominantly focused on large estuaries, while smaller estuaries have scarcely been documented. In this study, we collected surface and bottom seawater carbonate samples in the subtropical Jiulong River estuary across different tidal levels from 2019 to 2021. The results showed that estuarine mixing of freshwater from the river with seawater was the dominant factor influencing the estuarine carbonate system. Moreover, estuarine mixing is concomitantly impacted by the net metabolism of biological production and decomposition, groundwater input, release of CO2 from the estuary, and precipitation or dissolution of calcium carbonate. The estuarine partial pressure of CO2 (pCO2) varied from 530 to 7715 μatm, which represents a strong source of atmospheric CO2. The mean annual air-sea CO2 flux estimated from three different parameterized equations was approximately (25.63 ± 10.25) mol/m2/yr. Furthermore, the annual emission to the atmosphere was approximately (0.031 ± 0.012) Tg C, which accounts for a mere 0.0077%-0.015% of global estuarine emissions. Dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC), total alkalinity (TA) and the pCO2 exhibited high variability throughout the tidal cycle across all cruises. Specifically, the disparities observed between DIC and TA during low and high tides at identical stations during all cruises ranged from approximately 15% to 30%. The variance in the pCO2 was even more pronounced, ranging from approximately 30% to 40%. Thus, tidal discrepancies may need to be taken into consideration to estimate the CO2 flux from estuarine systems more accurately.
Spatial variability in alkaline earth metals of surface sediments from the Jiulong River mouth, southeast China: implications for hydro-sedimentary dynamic processes and sedimentary facies
Dadong Pan, Zhanghua Wang, Aijun Wang, Fengling Yu, Xinru Zhu, Xun Yang, Honghong Li, Xiuzhi Chen, Shuyu Li
[Abstract](24) [FullText HTML](11)
Abstract:
The establishment of effective proxies for the differentiation of sedimentary facies in the tide-dominated river mouth is fundamental to the delineation of stratigraphy and the study of paleoenvironments. Geochemical signatures of the acetic acid (HAc) extractive phases of alkaline earth metals, such as Sr, Ba, and Ca, are closely related to sedimentary environments and thus provide a novel method for discriminating the sedimentary facies of river mouth. In this study, 50 surface water and surface sediment samples were obtained from different geomorphological units of the Jiulong River mouth, i.e., river channel, distributary channel, delta front, delta front slope, prodelta, and shallow marine area, and the salinity of the water, the grain size, and the Sr, Ba, and Ca contents and Sr/Ba ratio in HAc leachates of the sediments were determined. Contents of alkaline earth metals in HAc leachates of surface sediments from the Yangtze coast were also collated. The goals of this study were to reveal the spatial distribution of alkaline earth metals in the Jiulong River mouth, define their depositional mechanisms, and search for effective geochemical proxies for identification of the various sedimentary facies in the fluvial to marine transition zone. The results revealed several land-to-sea gradients. The Ba content decreased rapidly from the distributary channel to the sea, and the Sr and Ca contents and Sr/Ba ratio increased gradually with the increase in salinity. Salinity, marine biomass, and sedimentary dynamic processes, were speculated to be the main reasons for the differences in their spatial distributions. There were significant differences in Ba, Sr, Ca, and Sr/Ba between the river channel and the distributary channel, in Ca and Ba between the distributary channel and the delta front (slope), and in Sr, Ca, and Sr/Ba between the delta front (slope) and the prodelta–shallow marine region. The Sr–Ba scatterplot showed that the sediments of the river channel and alluvial plain were located as a high Ba and low Sr element-defined end-member, whereas samples of the prodelta and shallow marine formed a high Sr and low Ba end-member. These can be used as characteristic end-members indicating terrestrial facies and marine facies, respectively. The sediments of the delta plain, tidal river, distributary channel, delta front, and delta front slope are located between these two end-member regions of the scatterplot, and this region of the diagram can be used to identify land–sea transitional sedimentary facies.
Analysis of coastline changes and influencing factors for the Macao Special Administrative Region based on Neural Network Algorithms
JIANG Xiaofang, YIN Feijian
[Abstract](17) [FullText HTML](8)
Abstract:
The Macao Special Administrative Region is located in the southeastern coastal area of China. The region of Macao was narrow in the history, so land reclamation has become a main means of expanding its geographical scope. Exploring the significance of land reclamation for the planning and urban construction of the Macao region provides valuable references. (1) The google earth engine (GEE) cloud processing platform is used in this study to calculate the modified normalized difference water index (MNDWI) based on Landsat data from 1986 to 2021; (2) the Jenks natural index classification method is used to extract the water body range, and the water body boundary as well as area at different periods is calculated combined with the neural network classification method in ENVI; (3) this study then combines the patch-generating land use simulation (PLUS) model to predict the future trend of shoreline changes in the study area in 2036. The result indicates that the MNDWI and neural net classification method lead to a high classification accuracy with both the overall accuracy (OA) and Kappa coefficient being higher than 87%. Land reclamation activities in Macao were gradually intense from 1986 to 2021, with social and economic conditions such as transportation being main influencing factors, which provides valuable references and inspiration for the regional planning of the Macao Special Administrative Region.
The response of surface sedimental diatoms to the environment and its potential significance in the Taiwan Strait, Western Pacific
Min Chen, Xuan Liu, Shuqin Tao, Aijun Wang, Yanting Lin, Zhaohe Luo, Ya Xu, Jiayu Li, Qing Huang
 doi: 10.12284/hyxb2024000
[Abstract](44) [FullText HTML](17)
Abstract:
As the most important component of marine siliceous organisms, diatoms are vital primary producers of the ocean that are often used as indicators of paleoenvironmental change. To understand the response of sedimental diatoms to regional environmental changes and the factors affecting the distribution of sedimental diatoms in the Taiwan Strait, this study quantified and classified the diatoms found in surface sediments collected during four surveys from 2019 to 2020. Overall, 118 diatom taxa and 44 genera were identified with total diatom abundance of 8–27,353 valves/g. Four diatom assemblages representing different environments were identified. Among them, assemblage Ⅰ represented a coastal environment, assemblage Ⅱ comprised warm water species of a coastal environment, assemblage Ⅲ represented a coastal environment affected markedly by exorheism, assemblage Ⅳ represented a group with lowest diatom abundance. Seasonal variation in total diatom abundance was controlled by seven environmental factors: depth, sea surface salinity, mean grain size, silicate, nitrite, nitrate, and phosphate. Spatiotemporal variation in each of the diatom assemblages was substantial and strongly affected by various currents, upwelling, and low-salinity water. Specifically, it was found that the succession of diatom assemblages reflects change in the range of influence of local warm currents.
An inner shelf penetrating front and its potential biogeochemical effects in the East China Sea during October
Hui Ding, Qinsheng Wei, Ming Xin, Yuhang Zhao, Bin Zhao, Mingyu Wang, Fei Teng, Xuehai Liu, Baodong Wang
[Abstract](36) [FullText HTML](15)
Abstract:
Based on in-situ observations in the East China Sea (ECS) during October 2021, we investigated a cross-shelf penetrating front (PF) in the inner shelf and explored its potential biogeochemical-ecological effects from a multidisciplinary perspective. The results show that a pronounced tongue-shaped PF was present at the southeast of the Hangzhou Bay, with salinities of 29-32 and a seaward horizontal penetration scale of ~200 km. It mainly occurred in the upper layers, and a spatial separation existed between this PF and the bottom salinity front in the northern coastal region off Zhejiang. In contrast, the salinity fronts at surface and bottom were well matched in the southern coastal area. Compared to the surface-to-bottom consistent coastal front in the southern region off Zhejiang, a stronger thermocline and halocline were sustained in the northern PF-dominated region, and suitable conditions could be achieved for phytoplankton growth and accumulation. The in-situ observed high-Chlorophyll a (Chl-a) zone in a seaward tongue shape was further an important indicator or signal for PF occurrence, and it was responsible for the decoupling of nutrient distributions and PF. The southern coastal front off Zhejiang might largely restrict the seaward transport of nutrients, and the dynamic environment under weak stratification in this region was disadvantageous for the growth of phytoplankton; thus the Chl-a content was maintained at a relatively low level near the southern coastal region. Our results demonstrate that the PF combined with the coastal front may play an important role in shaping/regulating hydrodynamics, nutrient distributions and the Chl-a regime over the inner ECS shelf.
Dynamic of phytoplankton community during varying intensities of the northeast monsoon in the Taiwan Strait
Yanping Zhong, Peixuan Wang, Jinxin Chen, Xin Liu, Edward A. Laws, Bangqin Huang
 doi: 10.1007/s13131-024-2381-0
[Abstract](134) [FullText HTML](52)
Abstract:
The characteristics of the terrain of a strait can lead to a “fine tube” effect that enhances a monsoon and thereby affects the physical, chemical, and biological processes of marine ecosystems. This effect is a highly dynamic and complex phenomenon involving interactions among atmospheric, oceanic, and terrestrial systems, as well as biogeochemical cycles and biological responses driven by it. However, current understanding has been focused mainly on the differences between monsoons, and there have been few studies concerned with the weakening or strengthening of monsoons. To explore the biogeochemical and phytoplankton responses during varying intensities of the northeast (NE) monsoon in the Taiwan Strait (TWS), high-resolution, across-front observations combined with FerryBox online data and satellite observations were conducted in this study during a strong, moderate, and weak NE monsoon. The spatiotemporal changes of nutrient concentrations and phytoplankton communities were regulated by the dynamics of ocean currents forced by NE winds. The weakening of the NE monsoon caused shrinkage of the coastal currents that led to a reduction of nutrient concentrations and an alteration of the distribution patterns of phytoplankton communities along cross-front sections. Specifically, there was a notable decrease in the proportions of dinoflagellates and cryptophytes in inshore regions and of prasinophytes in offshore areas. This study showed for the first time the dynamics of phytoplankton with changes of ocean currents during varying intensities of the NE monsoon in a strait system. The findings helped to elucidate the general spatial patterns of the phytoplankton community based on satellite-derived surface temperature and wind patterns and further enhanced the understanding of biogeochemical cycles in marine systems.
Spatiotemporal distribution patterns of macrobenthic communities and their relationship with environmental factors in the Shengsi Archipelago (Zhejiang, China)
Lingxiang Jin, Yibo Liao, Peisong Yu, Yanbin Tang, Qinghe Liu, Rongliang Zhang, Lu Shou, Jiangning Zeng, Quanzhen Chen
 doi: 10.1007/s13131-024-2303-1
[Abstract](196) [FullText HTML](68)
Abstract:
Macrobenthic organisms are commonly employed as biomonitors for environmental risk assessment. In this study, we aimed to investigate the spatial and temporal patterns of the macrobenthic community, which is influenced by environmental factors of sediments and bottom water layer. We sampled a total of 12, 11, 10, and 11 stations in the Shengsi Archipelago during June 2010, August 2010, November 2020, and April 2021 respectively. A total of 124 species of macrobenthos were identified, with polychaetes being the dominant group. The abundance, biomass, and diversity indices exhibited no significant temporal differences. Similarly, biodiversity did not exhibit a clear spatial gradient, likely due to the small study area and the absence of significant differences in key factors such as depth. However, the stations with the lowest biodiversity values consistently appeared in the southwest region, possibly due to the impact of human activities. Significant differences in the macrobenthic community were observed between all months except between June and August, and mollusk Endopleura lubrica and polychaete Sigambra hanaokai were important contributors to these differences according to the results of the Similarity Percentages analysis. Suspended particulate matter (SPM) was identified as the primary driving factors of macrobenthic variability. In summary, the community structure underwent temporal changes influenced by complex current patterns, while biodiversity remained relatively stable. This study contributes to our understanding of the key environmental factors affecting macrobenthic communities and biodiversity. It also provides valuable data support for the long-term monitoring of macrobenthos and the environment in the Shengsi Archipelago.
Preliminary study on the depositional model in the wave-dominated delta evolution during the Anthropocene: a case study of the Hanjiang River Delta in China
Hongyue Wang, Zhongbo Wang, Yang Wang, Haiyan Tang, Xiaodong Zhang, Xiaofeng Luo, Yongxin Mai, Xuhong Huang, Yilin Zheng, Ping Yin, Zhongping Lai
 doi: 10.1007/s13131-024-2313-z
[Abstract](188) [FullText HTML](84) [PDF 2924KB](6)
Abstract:
The deltas serve as the primary interactive zone where terrestrial and marine environments converge, playing a pivotal role in the coastal deposition. In the Holocene, climate changes and sea level fluctuation are the principal driving factors in the evolution of deltas. However, human activities such as the construction of dams and reservoirs in the Anthropocene have significantly altered sediment transport in rivers, leading to depositional pattern variation during deltaic evolution. In this study, we have conducted a comparative analysis of the morphological variations (1986–2021) in the barrier system of the Hanjiang River Delta (HRD) using satellite remote sensing (SRS) method. Additionally, we have examined the lithological changes and facies alterations observed in eight boreholes on the present barrier spit. Our findings indicate that the intensification of anthropogenic activities led to a significant reduction in the sediment flux of the Hanjiang River (HR), resulting in depocenter landward migration at the estuary. SRS analysis reveals their periodical morphological characteristics and spatial variations of estuarine sandbars (1986–1992), barrier islands-lagoons (1993–2009), and barrier spits (2010–2021) during 1986 to 2021. The stratigraphy of boreholes demonstrates a south-to-north facies transition from lagoon to lagoon-barrier spit and barrier spit in vertical lithology. Therefore, the depositional evolution of the HRD barrier system is categorized into three phases: estuarine sandbar-barrier island phase (1986–1998); barrier island-lagoon phase (1999–2009); and barrier spit phase (2010–2021). During the estuarine sandbar-barrier island phase, fluvial processes played a predominate role in the deposition. Consequently, with a significant decrease in river sediment load, the dominant factors driving depositional processes shifted towards wave action and alongshore current. Based on the conceptual model in the Holocene, we propose a modified depositional model of wave-dominated deltas during Anthropocene that encompasses three evolutionary phases: estuarine sandbars and delta front platforms, barrier island-lagoon formation and landward migration of barrier spits. This pattern highlights that human-induced reduction in river sediment flux has led to a seaward deltaic progradation driven by barrier landward migration.
Erratum to: Acta Oceanologica Sinica (2022) 41(10): 119–130DOI: 10.1007/s13131-022-2023-3The atmospheric hinder for intraseasonal sea-air interaction over the Bay of Bengal during Indian summer monsoon in CMIP6
Ze Meng, Lei Zhou, Baosheng Li, Jianhuang Qin, Juncheng Xie
 doi: 10.1007/s13131-022-2131-0
[Abstract](345) [FullText HTML](121)
Abstract:
Forecasting the western Pacific subtropical high index during typhoon activity using a hybrid deep learning model
Jianyin Zhou, Jie Xiang, Huadong Du, Suhong Ma
[Abstract](443) [FullText HTML](178)
Abstract:
Seasonal location and intensity changes in the western Pacific subtropical high (WPSH) are important factors dominating the synoptic weather and the distribution and magnitude of precipitation in the rain belt over East Asia. Therefore, this article delves into the forecast of the western Pacific subtropical high index during typhoon activity by adopting a hybrid deep learning model. Firstly, the predictors, which are the inputs of the model, are analysed based on three characteristics: the first is the statistical discipline of the WPSH index anomalies corresponding to the three types of typhoon paths; the second is the correspondence of distributions between sea surface temperature (SST), 850 hPa zonal wind (u), meridional wind (v), and 500 hPa potential height field; and the third is the numerical sensitivity experiment, which reflects the evident impact of variations in the physical field around the typhoon to the WPSH index. Secondly, the model is repeatedly trained through the backward propagation algorithm to predict the WPSH index using 2011-2018 atmospheric variables as the input of the training set. The model predicts the WPSH index after 6 h, 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h. The validation set using independent data in 2019 is utilized to illustrate the performance. Finally, the model is improved by changing the CNN2D module to the DeCNN module to enhance its ability to predict images. Taking the 2019 Typhoon Lekima as an example, it shows the promising performance of this model to predict the 500 hPa potential height field.
Diversity of protease-producing bacteria in the Bohai Bay sediment and their extracellular enzymatic properties
Zhenpeng Zhang, Chaoya Wu, Shuai Shao, Wei Liu, En-Tao Wang, Yan Li
 doi: 10.1007/s13131-020-1589-x
[Abstract](760) [FullText HTML](232)
Abstract:
Protease-producing bacteria play key roles in the degradation of organic nitrogen materials in marine sediments. However, their diversity, production of proteases and other extracellular enzymes, even in situ ecological functions remain largely unknown. In this study, we investigated the diversity of cultivable extracellular protease-producing bacteria in the sediments of the Bohai Bay. A total of 109 bacterial isolates were obtained from the sediments of 7 stations. The abundance of cultivable protease-producing bacteria was about 104 CFU/g of sediment in all the samples. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences classified all the isolates into 14 genera from phyla Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes and Actinobacteria, with Pseudoalteromonas (63/109, 57.8%), Bacillus (9/109, 8.2%), Sulfitobacter (8/109, 7.3%) and Salegentibacter (6/109, 5.5%) as the dominant taxa. Enzymatic inhibition tests indicated that all the tested isolates produced serine and/or metalloprotease, with only a small proportion producing cysteine and/or aspartic proteases. Several extracellular enzyme activities, including alginase, lipase, amylase and cellulose, and nitrate reduction were also detected for strains with higher protease activities. According the results, the protease-producing bacteria could also be participate in many biogeochemical processes in marine sediments. Our study broadened understanding and knowledge on the potential ecological functions of protease-producing bacteria in marine sediments.
Cover
2024, 43(10): -1--1.  
[Abstract](18) [PDF 0KB](2)
Abstract:
2024-10 Contents
2024, 43(10): 1-2.  
[Abstract](32) [FullText HTML](16) [PDF 65KB](9)
Abstract:
Articles$Physical Oceanography, Marine Meteorology and Marine Physics
Forecasting of surface current velocities using ensemble machine learning algorithms for the Guangdong−Hong Kong−Macao Greater Bay area based on the high frequency radar data
Lei Ren, Lingna Yang, Yaqi Wang, Peng Yao, Jun Wei, Fan Yang, Fearghal O’ Donncha
2024, 43(10): 1-15.   doi: 10.1007/s13131-024-2363-2
[Abstract](121) [FullText HTML](50) [PDF 4402KB](30)
Abstract:
Forecasting of ocean currents is critical for both marine meteorological research and ocean engineering and construction. Timely and accurate forecasting of coastal current velocities offers a scientific foundation and decision support for multiple practices such as search and rescue, disaster avoidance and remediation, and offshore construction. This research established a framework to generate short-term surface current forecasts based on ensemble machine learning trained on high frequency radar observation. Results indicate that an ensemble algorithm that used random forests to filter forecasting features by weighting them, and then used the AdaBoost method to forecast can significantly reduce the model training time, while ensuring the model forecasting effectiveness, with great economic benefits. Model accuracy is a function of surface current variability and the forecasting horizon. In order to improve the forecasting capability and accuracy of the model, the model structure of the ensemble algorithm was optimized, and the random forest algorithm was used to dynamically select model features. The results show that the error variation of the optimized surface current forecasting model has a more regular error variation, and the importance of the features varies with the forecasting time-step. At ten-step ahead forecasting horizon the model reported root mean square error, mean absolute error, and correlation coefficient by 2.84 cm/s, 2.02 cm/s, and 0.96, respectively. The model error is affected by factors such as topography, boundaries, and geometric accuracy of the observation system. This paper demonstrates the potential of ensemble-based machine learning algorithm to improve forecasting of ocean currents.
Influence of mixed layer depth on chlorophyll-a concentration in the Southern Ocean
Yuxin Shi, Hailong Liu, Quanan Zheng
2024, 43(10): 16-32.   doi: 10.1007/s13131-024-2353-4
[Abstract](285) [FullText HTML](109) [PDF 10263KB](32)
Abstract:
The element iron limitation is one of the crucial factors contributing to high nutrient low chlorophyll in the Southern Ocean (SO). Mixed layer dynamics regulate the availability of iron to phytoplankton. In this paper, we investigate the influence of surface iron supplementation triggered by the mixed layer depth (MLD) variation on chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) concentration in the SO on seasonal and interannual timescales. This analysis is based on the Biogeochemical Southern Ocean State Estimate for the period from 2013 to 2021. We provide a comprehensive and systematic mapping of the regions within the SO, where Chl-a is affected by iron input related to MLD deepening. The relationship between the MLD and the Chl-a varies with the latitude on the seasonal time scale. Both the MLD and sea ice melting affect the distribution of Chl-a. On the interannual scale, iron supply due to MLD deepening occurs primarily north of 60°S. Horizontal advection-induced entrainment enhances the surface iron input during the austral summer, which favors Chl-a increase. In addition to the MLD, the melting of sea ice and cooling of the sea surface can also alter iron input and subsequently affect Chl-a distribution in the austral summer. During the austral winter, entrainment can boost iron stocks, stimulating a subsequent spring increase of Chl-a in the SO. Furthermore, sea surface temperature declines during the austral winter, promoting an increased iron supply and creating favorable conditions for the subsequent spring Chl-a increase in the SO.
Articles$Marine Chemistry
Observed features of stable surface seawater isotopes across the Pacific, Indian and Southern oceans
Xuemei Wu, Weijun Sun, Biao Tian, Baojuan Huai, Zhiheng Du, Minghu Ding
2024, 43(10): 33-39.   doi: 10.1007/s13131-024-2378-8
[Abstract](152) [FullText HTML](57) [PDF 2044KB](6)
Abstract:
The marine hydrological process is still unclear due to scarce observations. Based on stable water isotopes in surface seawater along the 33rd Chinese National Antarctic Science Expedition from November 2016 to April 2017, this study explored the hydrological processes in the Pacific, Indian and Southern Oceans. The results show that the Northwest Pacific (0° N–26° N) is a region with strong evaporation (the δ18O-δD slope is 6.58), while the southern Indian Ocean is a region with strong precipitation (the δ18O-δD slope is 9.57). The influence of continental runoff and water mass mixing reduces the correlation between δ18O and salinity in the eastern Indian Ocean. The characteristics of the isotopes and hydrological parameters indicate that the Agulhas front and subtropical convergence do not merge in the Antarctic–Indian Ocean region. The freezing of sea ice near the Antarctic continent decreases the δ18O and δD by 0.40‰ and 7.0‰, respectively, compared with those near 67°S. This study is helpful for understanding marine hydrological processes and promoting the understanding and research of the nature of ocean responses in the context of climate change.
Biogeochemical and physical properties influencing the nutrient reservoirs of subsurface water in the changing Canada Basin
Tianzhen Zhang, Qiang Hao, Haiyan Jin, Youcheng Bai, Yanpei Zhuang, Jiangfang Chen
2024, 43(10): 40-47.   doi: 10.1007/s13131-024-2414-8
[Abstract](183) [FullText HTML](17) [PDF 7438KB](2)
Abstract:
The Canada Basin is the largest basin in the Arctic Ocean. Its unique physical features have the highest concentration of nutrients being found in the subsurface layer, referred to as the subsurface nutrient maximum layer (SNM). Under climate change in the Arctic, the SNM is an essential material base for primary productivity. However, long-term trends of nutrient variations and dominant factors related to nutrient levels in the SNM are still unclear. In this study, we analyzed the SNM variations and main influencing factors of the Canada Basin based on the Global Ocean Data Analysis Project Version 2 between 1990 and 2015 and the Chinese Arctic Research Expedition between 2010 and 2016. We found that the nutrient concentrations in the SNM were relatively stable for decades (average concentrations of nitrate, phosphate, and silicate were 13.6 ± 2.4 μmol/L, 1.8 ± 0.2 μmol/L, and 31.5 ± 5.7 μmol/L, respectively). Nutrient reservoirs were dominated by physical processes. Inflow and outflow water of the SNM contributed ~60.4% and ~ −50.2% to the nutrient stocks, respectively, while particle deposition and remineralization in the Canada basin contributed approximately one-third to the nutrient stocks. Nitrogen fixation and denitrification in the Canada Basin had no substantial impact on nutrient stocks. The overall stabilization of the SNM over the past few decades implied that the SNM would not substantially affect short term primary productivity. Understanding the long-term trends and dominant factors of reservoirs in the SNM will provide useful insights into the changing Canada Basin ecosystem.
Nutrient dynamics and cross shelf transport in the East China Sea
Shuhang Dong, Sumei Liu, Jingling Ren, Feng Zhou, Jing Zhang
2024, 43(10): 48-62.   doi: 10.1007/s13131-024-2419-3
[Abstract](173) [FullText HTML](82) [PDF 32422KB](23)
Abstract:
To understand the temporal and spatial variations in nutrient dynamics, as well as the potential cross-shelf transport of nutrients between the East China Sea (ECS) shelf and the Northwestern Pacific Ocean, six field observations covering the ECS were conducted in spring, summer, and autumn in 2011 and 2013. Nutrient dynamics in the ECS and nutrient exchange between shelf water and the open ocean were examined. High concentrations of dissolved inorganic nutrients were detected in the nearshore surface layer and offshore bottom layer in different seasons, and the concentrations of dissolved inorganic nutrients in surface seawater were lower in summer and autumn than in spring. The concentrations of dissolved organic nutrients in Kuroshio surface water were slightly lower in summer than in spring, but the concentrations in Kuroshio subsurface water were slightly higher in summer than in spring. There were abundant nutrient reservoirs in the euphotic zone of the ECS, which explained the high primary productivity. The evaluation of cross-shelf transport indicated that nutrients from shelf water were transported out across the 200 m isobath through the surface layer with the σ less than 23.0 kg/m3 in spring. The flux of dissolved inorganic nitrogen transported from the East China Sea shelf to the Northwest Pacific Ocean in spring was equivalent to 21% of the atmospheric nitrogen deposition in the Northwest Pacific Ocean. In summer, the onshore flux in the surface and bottom layers accounted for 80% of the total flux, and the transportation of nutrients along the surface layer to the continental shelf contributed to the nutrient storage and primary productivity of the euphotic zone in the ECS shelf in summer.
When river meets ocean: distribution and conversion of suspended organic particles in a Sundarbans mangrove river-estuary system, Bangladesh
Xiaochun Zou, Yunhai Li, Liang Wang, Mohammad Kawser Ahmed, Keliang Chen, Jianwei Wu, Yonghang Xu, Yunpeng Lin, Baohong Chen, Kankan Wu, Jinwen Liu
2024, 43(10): 63-73.   doi: 10.1007/s13131-024-2412-x
[Abstract](239) [FullText HTML](112) [PDF 6444KB](19)
Abstract:
Global carbon cycle has received extensive attention, among which the river-estuary system is one of the important links connecting the carbon cycle between land and ocean. In this paper, the distribution and control factors of particulate organic carbon (POC) were studied by using the data of organic carbon contents and its carbon isotopic composition (δ13C) in the mainstream and estuary of Passur River in the Sundarbans area, combined with the hydrological and biological data measured by CTD. The results show that POC content ranged from 0.263 mg/L to 9.292 mg/L, and the POC content in the river section (averaged 4.129 mg/L) was significantly higher than that in the estuary area (averaged 0.858 mg/L). Two distinct stages of POC transport from land to sea in the Sundarban area were identified. The first stage occurred in the river section, where POC distribution was mainly controlled by the dynamic process of runoff and the organic carbon was mainly terrestrial source. The second stage occurred during estuarine mixing, where the POC distribution was mainly controlled by the mixing process of seawater and freshwater. The source of POC was predominantly marine and exhibiting vertical differences. The surface and middle layers were primarily influenced by marine sources, while the bottom layer was jointly controlled by terrestrial and marine sources of organic carbon. These findings are of great significance for understanding the carbon cycle in such a large mangrove ecosystem like the Sundarbans mangrove.
Major ions and trace metals in glacial meltwaters nearby Ny-Ålesund, Svalbard
Zhan Shen, Liping Ye, Jing Zhang, Hongmei Ma, Ruifeng Zhang
2024, 43(10): 86-99.   doi: 10.1007/s13131-024-2385-9
[Abstract](41) [FullText HTML](19) [PDF 1817KB](5)
Abstract:
Ny-Ålesund, located in Arctic Svalbard, is one of the most sensitive areas on Earth to global warming. In recent years, accelerated glacier ablation has become remarkable in Ny-Ålesund. Glacial meltwaters discharge a substantial quantity of materials to the ocean, affecting downstream ecosystems and adjacent oceans. In August 2015, various water samples were taken near Ny-Ålesund, including ice marginal meltwater, proglacial meltwater, supraglacial meltwater, englacial meltwater, and groundwater. Trace metals (Al, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb), major ions, alkalinity, pH, dissolved oxygen, water temperature and electric conductivity were also measured. Major ions were mainly controlled by chemical weathering intensity and reaction types, while trace metals were influenced by both chemical weathering and physicochemical control upon their mobility. Indeed, we found that Brøggerbreen was dominated by carbonate weathering via carbonation of carbonate, while Austre Lovénbreen and Pedersenbreen were dominated by sulfide oxidation coupled with carbonate dissolution with a doubled silicate weathering. The higher enrichment of trace metals in supraglacial meltwater compared to ice marginal and proglacial meltwater suggested anthropogenic pollution from atmospheric deposition. In ice marginal and proglacial meltwater, principal component analysis indicated that trace metals like Cr, Al, Co, Mn and Cd were correlated to chemical weathering. This implies that under accelerated glacier retreat, glacier-derived chemical components are subjected to future changes in weathering types and intensity.
Bioturbation coefficients and organic carbon degradation rates of deep-sea sediments in the central-eastern tropical Pacific
Feng Lin, Cai Lin, Xiuwu Sun, Hui Lin, Li Lin, Fangfang Deng, Kaiwen Tan, Peng Lin
2024, 43(10): 100-106.   doi: 10.1007/s13131-024-2413-9
[Abstract](174) [FullText HTML](84) [PDF 1081KB](15)
Abstract:
The biogeochemical processes of marine sediments are influenced by bioturbation and organic carbon decomposition, which is crucial for understanding global element cycles and climate change. Two sediment cores were acquired in 2017 from abyssal basins in the central-eastern tropical Pacific to determine the bioturbation and organic carbon degradation processes. The radioactivity concentrations of 210Pb and 226Ra in the sediment cores were measured, indicating the presence of significant excess 210Pb (210Pbex) signals in the sediment cores. Besides, a manganese nodule was discovered in one core, which had a substantial influence on the distribution of 210Pbex. With the exception of this anomalous finding, the bioturbation coefficients in the remaining core were estimated to be 10.6 cm2/a using a steady-state diffusion model, greater than most of the deep-sea sediments from the Equatorial Eastern Pacific. By using a bio-diffusion model, we further calculated the degradation rates of organic carbon (8.02 ka-1), which is also higher than other areas of the Pacific. Our findings displayed the presence of a biologically active benthic ecosystem in the central-eastern tropical Pacific.
Articles$Marine Biology
Response of phytoplankton communities to environmental changes in the Bohai Sea in late summer (2011−2020)
Yibo Wang, Zhiliang Liu, Yanping Qi, Xiao Chen, Yang Chen, Du Su, Xiaobo Yuan, James Klippel-Cooper
2024, 43(10): 107-120.   doi: 10.1007/s13131-024-2305-z
[Abstract](24) [FullText HTML](12) [PDF 2014KB](5)
Abstract:
Understanding the dynamics of phytoplankton communities in coastal zones is crucial for the management and conservation of coastal ecosystems. Previous research indicated that the phytoplankton community structure and dominant taxa in the Bohai Sea (BHS) have exhibited significant shifts from the 1990s to the early 2010s in response to environmental changes, especially the change in nutrient structure. This study comprehensively investigated the variations in net-collected phytoplankton (>76 μm) community structure, diversity, and environmental factors in the BHS during the late summers of 2011-2020, aiming to understand the recent trend in phytoplankton community structure and to explore the interactions between the communities and the environment. During the study period, the nutrient status in the BHS was characterized by a decrease in dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) concentration, an increase in dissolved inorganic phosphorus (DIP) concentration, and a return of the nitrogen-to-phosphorus (N/P) ratio to the Redfield ratio since 2016. The eutrophication index (EI) in the BHS remained stable and was generally at a low level (<1). The Dia/Dino index fluctuated but did not show an obvious trend. Overall, the eutrophication, the imbalance in nutrient ratio, and the shift in phytoplankton community structure did not continue during the study period. The higher phytoplankton abundance was strongly associated with higher DIN concentration, N/P ratio, and N/Si ratio, while the greater diversity was strongly associated with a higher \begin{document}${{\rm {PO}}_4^{3-}} $\end{document}-P concentration. Diatoms and dinoflagellates showed significant differences in their interactions with the environment, and their relative dominance was related to water column depth and stratification intensity; their impacts on the phytoplankton community diversity were also significantly different. The variations of certain dominant species, i.e., Skeletonema costatum, Paralia sulcata, and Tripos longipes, exhibited strong links to the variation of the nutrient structure in the BHS. The findings of this study contribute to understanding the regional environmental changes and provide insights into the adaptive strategies of coastal ecosystems in response to environmental shifts and fluctuations.

Latest Issues