Novel remote sensing methods and in situ observations reveal that intense dinoflagellate blooms occur frequently in Monterey Bay, California. Blooms can contain surface chlorophyll concentrations exceeding 500 μg 1 -1 and occupy ∼5 to 80 km 2. They occur primarily during August through November and can persist for > 1 month. Maximum bloom frequency and mean intensity are in a shallow (< 25 in depth) area of the northeastern bay, in coincidence with the warmest surface water, low wind stress, and retentive circulation. These conditions favor dinoflagellates, which can vertically migrate to acquire nutrients in the thermocline and aggregate as "red tide" near the surface. Bloom incubation areas, also indicated in other coastal upwelling systems, in disproportionately influence regional bloom ecology. Copyright 2008 by the American Geophysical Union.

Item Type:	Refereed Article
Research Division:	Earth Sciences
Research Group:	Oceanography
Research Field:	Biological Oceanography
Objective Division:	Environment
Objective Group:	Other Environment
Objective Field:	Marine Oceanic Processes (excl. climate related)
UTAS Author:	Fischer, AM (Dr Andy Fischer)
ID Code:	63901
Year Published:	2008
Web of Science® Times Cited:	59
Deposited By:	NC Marine Conservation and Resource Sustainability
Deposited On:	2010-06-08
Last Modified:	2011-10-06
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