Seasonal Variability In The Mixed Layer Application
Your Objective
Look for patterns in the "Chlorophyll-a Concentration" data at each of the stations near the Polar Zones of the Atlantic Ocean (Irminger Sea Array).
Specify temperature depths to plot:
Data Tips
When the site loads, you are able to see the full dataset of wind, solar radiation and water temperature (at various depths) from the Irminger Sea Array. Specifically we are using Surface Met Data from the Surface buoy, and CTD data from Flaking Mooring B. You can interact with these data by:
Turning on and off water temperature time-series from different depths (surface, mid, deep)
Zooming in and out of the data to look at different time scales that interest you by changing the width of the highlighted section of the bottom graph (it loads with all of the data highlighted).
Hovering over data points to show data values at a specific time
Hovering over the temperature timeseries to show the corresponding depth profile plot to the right.
What is the mixed layer depth?
This is the depth of mixing in the surface ocean that results in a consistent temperature profile across upper depths of the oceans. The mixed layer depth can be identified by looking for the depth range of the surface ocean where temperature is relatively constant (above the thermocline). This constant temperature indicates mixing processes.
The MLD is determined by physical processes such as wind and water density (controlled by temperature and salinity) at this site the major driver of water density is temperature during the winter months, while a combination of salinity and temperature drive water density during the summer months. Here we note that we are viewing these mixed layer dynamics as being a fairly simple function of mechanical wind mixing and energy transfer at the surface (we ignore the impact of salinity). There are other factors, but we are keeping it simple to enhance learning.
Questions for Thought
Orientation Questions
What did you find interesting about what you observed in the data about chlorophyll-a concentration from near the Polar Zones in the Ocean?
Did you observe any patterns? If so, what were the patterns and for which variables?
During what time of year is solar radiation the highest?
During what time of year is the mixed layer depth the shallowest?
What questions do you still have about chlorophyll-a concentration from near the Polar Zones in the Ocean?
Interpretation Questions
How does the chlorophyll-a concentration vary over time near the Polar Zones of the Ocean?
Does there seem to be a connection to mixing processes/mixed layer depth at this site?
Does this align with your understanding on the limitations of primary production?
Background Information
TBD
Dataset Information
TBD
Activity Citation: Eveleth, R., Lemkau, K., Miller, I., Smith, S., & Lichtenwalner, C. S. (2020). Seasonal Variability In The Mixed Layer. OOI Data Labs Collection.