Exploring the Impact of Eddies on Southern Ocean Biogeochemical Structure using BGC-Argo Float Observations

Author

Nicola J. Guisewhite, University of South Florida

Graduation Year

2023

Document Type

Thesis

Degree

M.S.

Degree Name

Master of Science (M.S.)

Degree Granting Department

Marine Science

Major Professor

Don Chambers, Ph.D.

Co-Major Professor

Brad Rosenheim, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Jennifer Bonin, Ph.D.

Keywords

mesoscale, high-latitude, autonomous vehicles, Antarctic Circumpolar Current, Pacific

Abstract

The Southern Ocean plays a crucial role in global ocean circulation, and global heat and nutrient transport. However, this region is both distant and dangerous and is therefore largely under-sampled and understudied. Methods to fill in biogeochemical data-gaps include using limited in-situ data in models to output biogeochemical property estimates, but a number of recent studies have raised concerns about how most Southern Ocean models do not resolve eddies. Eddies are known to impact biogeochemistry around the globe but little is known about their impact in the Southern Ocean. This study examines temperature, salinity, oxygen, nitrate, and dissolved inorganic carbon data from SOCCOM Biogeochemical Argo Floats to determine the significance of cyclonic and anticyclonic eddies, and finds that eddies do significantly impact Southern Ocean biogeochemical structure. The impact by cyclonic and anticyclonic eddies varies by season and by region of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current. The results of this study raise questions about the accuracy of models of Southern Ocean biogeochemistry as well as motivates continued research into eddies and Southern Ocean biogeochemistry.

Scholar Commons Citation

Guisewhite, Nicola J., "Exploring the Impact of Eddies on Southern Ocean Biogeochemical Structure using BGC-Argo Float Observations" (2023). USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations.
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/etd/10115