An Historical and Modeling Comparison Study of Four Coastal Upwelling Systems

NASA, 36 months
 

PROJECT SUMMARY:

Although coastal upwelling regions associated with the eastern boundary currents cover less than 0.5% of the world ocean, it is estimated that they account for a considerable proportion of global new production and fish catch.  Consequently these regions play a disproportionate role in the oceanic carbon budget.  An ongoing comparison study of the four major coastal upwelling sites associated with the Canary, Benguela, California, and Peru-Humboldt Currents using satellite data and ecosystem modeling is presently underway.  An integrated approach of modeling and satellite observations is only effective when there is sufficient knowledge of in situ parameters.  Here we propose to carry out a two tiered research approach:  first we will build a climatology of hydrographic, chemical, and biological parameters for each the four coastal upwelling regions.  This in situ climatology will be integrated with the satellite-based climatology currently in preparation.  The second stage will utilize the in situ and space-borne information in a modeling study of the control of primary production and carbon export.  The historical database will be used to parameterize model processes, as model forcing, and as a constraint to interpret results.
 

Mary-Elena Carr
Mail Stop 300-323
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
4800 Oak Grove Drive
Pasadena, CA 91109-8099
tel: (818) 354-5097
fax: (818) 393-6720
mec@pacific.jpl.nasa.gov

Edward J. Kearns
Meteorology and Physical Oceanography Division
Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science
University of Miami
4600 Rickenbacker Causeway
Miami, FL 33149
tel: (305) 361-4837
fax: (305) 361-4622
ekearns@rsmas.miami.edu