HYDROGRAPHIC OBSERVATIONS OF OXYGEN AND RELATED PHYSICAL VARIABLES IN THE NORTH SEA AND WESTERN ROSSSEA POLYNYA investigations using seagliders, historical observations and numerical modelling

Shelf seas are one of the most ecologically and economically important ecosystems of the planet. Dissolved oxygen in particular is of critical importance to maintaining a healthy and stable biological community. This work investigates the physical, chemical and biological drivers of summer oxygen variability in the North Sea (Europe) and Ross Sea polynya (Antarctica). In particular, this work also focuses on the use of new autonomous underwater vehicles, Seagliders, for oceanographic observations of fine scale (a few metres) to basin-wide features (hundreds of kilometres). Two hydrographic surveys in 2010 and 2011 and an analysis of historical data dating back to 1902 revealed low dissolved oxygen in the bottom mixed layer of the central North Sea.We deployed a Seaglider in a region of known low oxygen during August 2011 to investigate the processes regulating supply and consumption of dissolved oxygen below the pycnocline. Historical data highlighted an increase in seasonal oxygen depletion and a warming over the past 20 years. Regions showing sub-saturation oxygen concentrations were identified in the central and northern North Sea post-1990 where previously no depletion was identified. Low dissolved oxygen was apparent in regions characterised by low advection, high stratification, elevated organic matter production from the spring bloom and a deep chlorophyll maximum. The constant consumption of oxygen for the remineralisation of the matter exported below the thermocline exceeded the supply from horizontal advection or vertical diffusion. The Seaglider identified cross-pycnocline mixing features responsible for reoxygenation of the bottom mixed layer not currently resolved by models of the North Sea. Using the data, we were also able to constrain the relative importance of different sources of organic matter leading to oxygen consumption. iii From November 2010 to February 2011, two Seagliders were deployed in the Ross polynya to observe the initiation and evolution of the spring bloom. Seagliders were a novel and effective tool to bypass the sampling difficulties caused by the presence of ice and the remoteness of the region, in particular they were able to obtain data in the polynya before access was possible by oceanographic vessels. Seagliders were able to survey the region at a fraction of the cost and inconvenience of traditional ship surveys and moorings. We present observations of a large phytoplankton bloom in the Ross Sea polynya, export of organic matter and related fluctuations in dissolved oxygen concentrations. The bloom was found to be widespread and unrelated to the presence of Ross Bank. Increased fluorescence was identified through the use of satellite ocean colour data and is likely related to the intrusion of modified circumpolar deep water. In parallel, changes in dissolved oxygen concentration are quantified and highlight the importance of a deep chlorophyll maximum as a driver of primary production in the Ross Sea polynya. Both the variability of the biological features and the inherent difficulties in observing these features using other means are highlighted by the analysis of Seaglider data. The Seaglider proved to be an excellent tool for monitoring shelf sea processes despite challenges to Seaglider deployments posed by the ice presence, high tidal velocities, shallow bathymetry and lack of accurate means of calibration. Data collected show great potential for improving biogeochemical models by providing means to obtain novel oceanographic observations along and across a range of scales

Drivers of summer oxygen depletion in the central North Sea

In stratified shelf seas, oxygen depletion beneath the thermocline is a result of a greater rate of biological oxygen demand than the rate of supply of oxygenated water. Suitably equipped gliders are uniquely placed to observe both the supply through the thermocline and the consumption of oxygen in the bottom layers. A Seaglider was deployed in the shallow (≈ 100 m) stratified North Sea in a region of known low oxygen during August 2011 to investigate the processes regulating supply and consumption of dissolved oxygen below the pycnocline. The first deployment of such a device in this area, it provided extremely high-resolution observations, 316 profiles (every 16 min, vertical resolution of 1 m) of conductivity, temperature, and depth (CTD), dissolved oxygen concentrations, backscatter, and fluorescence during a 3-day deployment. The high temporal resolution observations revealed occasional small-scale events (< 200 m or 6 h) that supply oxygenated water to the bottom layer at a rate of 2 ± 1 µmol dm−3 day−1. Benthic and pelagic oxygen sinks, quantified through glider observations and past studies, indicate more gradual background consumption rates of 2.5 ± 1 µmol dm−3 day−1. This budget revealed that the balance of oxygen supply and demand is in agreement with previous studies of the North Sea. However, the glider data show a net oxygen consumption rate of 2.8 ± 0.3 µmol dm−3 day−1, indicating a localized or short-lived (< 200 m or 6 h) increase in oxygen consumption rates. This high rate of oxygen consumption is indicative of an unidentified oxygen sink. We propose that this elevated oxygen consumption is linked to localized depocentres and rapid remineralization of resuspended organic matter. The glider proved to be an excellent tool for monitoring shelf sea processes despite challenges to glider flight posed by high tidal velocities, shallow bathymetry, and very strong density gradients. The direct observation of these processes allows more up to date rates to be used in the development of ecosystem models

Colour maps for fisheries acoustic echograms

Echograms are used to visualize fisheries acoustic data, but choice of colour map has a significant effect on appearance. Quantitative echograms should use colour maps, which are colourful (have a perceived variety and intensity of colours), sequential (have monotonic lightness), and perceptually uniform (have consistency of perceived colour contrast over their range). We measure whether colour maps are colourful (⁠Mˆ(3)>0⁠), sequential (⁠rs=±1⁠), and perceptually uniform (ρ = 1) using an approximately perceptually uniform colour space (CIELAB). Whilst all the fisheries acoustic colour maps tested are colourful, none is sequential or perceptually uniform. The widely used EK500 colour map is extremely colourful (⁠Mˆ(3)=186⁠), not sequential (⁠rs=0.06⁠), and has highly uneven perceptual contrast over its range (⁠ρ=0.26⁠). Of the fisheries acoustic colour maps tested, the Large Scale Survey System default colour map is least colourful (⁠Mˆ(3)=79⁠), but comes closest to being sequential (⁠rs=−0.94⁠), and perceptually uniform (⁠ρ=0.95⁠). Modern colour maps have been specifically designed for colour contrast consistency, accessibility for viewers with red-green colour-blindness, and legibility when printed in monochrome, and may be better suited to the presentation and interpretation of quantitative fisheries acoustic echograms

Vertical distribution of chlorophyll in dynamically distinct regions of the southern Bay of Bengal

The Bay of Bengal (BoB) generally exhibits surface oligotrophy, due to nutrient limitation induced by strong salinity stratification. Nevertheless, there are hot spots of high chlorophyll in the BoB where the monsoonal forcings are strong enough to break the stratification; one such region being the southern BoB, east of Sri Lanka. A recent field program conducted during the summer monsoon of 2016, as a part of the Bay of Bengal Boundary Layer Experiment (BoBBLE), provides a unique high-resolution dataset of the vertical distribution of chlorophyll in the southern BoB using ocean gliders along with shipboard CTD measurements. Observations were carried out for a duration of 12-20 days, covering the dynamically active regions of the Sri Lanka Dome (SLD), and the Southwest Monsoon Current (SMC). Mixing and upwelling induced by the monsoonal wind forcing enhanced surface chlorophyll concentrations (0.3-0.7 mg m-3). Prominent deep chlorophyll maxima (DCM; 0.3-1.2 mg m-3) existed at intermediate depths (20-50 m), signifying the contribution of subsurface productivity on the biological carbon cycling in the Bob. The shape of chlorophyll profiles varied in different dynamical regimes; upwelling was associated with sharp and intense DCM, whereas mixing resulted in a diffuse and weaker DCM. Within the SLD, open-ocean Ekman suction favoured a substantial increase in chlorophyll. Farther east, where the thermocline was deeper, enhanced surface chlorophyll was associated with intermittent mixing events. Remote forcing by the westward propagating Rossby waves influenced the upper ocean dynamics and chlorophyll distribution in the southern BoB. Stabilising surface freshening events and barrier layer formation often inhibited the generation of surface chlorophyll. The pathway of the SMC intrusion was marked by a distinct band of chlorophyll, indicating the advective effect of biologically rich Arabian Sea watesr. The region of monsoon current exhibits the strongest DCM as well as the highest column-integrated chlorophyll. Observations suggest that the persistence of the DCM in the southern BoB is promoted by surface oligotrophy and shallow mixed layers. Results from a coupled physical-ecosystem model substantiate the dominant role of mixed layer processes associated with the monsoon in controlling the nutrient distribution and biological productivity in the southern BoB. The present study provides new insights into the vertical distribution of chlorophyll in the BoB, emphasizing the need for extensive in situ sampling and ecosystem model-based efforts for a better understanding of the bio-physical interactions and the potential climatic feedbacks

Physical Controls on Oxygen Distribution and Denitrification Potential in the North West Arabian Sea

At suboxic oxygen concentrations, key biogeochemical cycles change and denitrification becomes the dominant remineralization pathway. Earth system models predict oxygen loss across most ocean basins in the next century; oxygen minimum zones near suboxia may become suboxic and therefore denitrifying. Using an ocean glider survey and historical data, we show oxygen loss in the Gulf of Oman (from 6–12 to <2 μmol/kg−1) not represented in climatologies. Because of the nonlinearity between denitrification and oxygen concentration, resolutions of current Earth system models are too coarse to accurately estimate denitrification. We develop a novel physical proxy for oxygen from the glider data and use a high‐resolution physical model to show eddy stirring of oxygen across the Gulf of Oman. We use the model to investigate spatial and seasonal differences in the ratio of oxic and suboxic water across the Gulf of Oman and waters exported to the wider Arabian Sea

Dissolved oxygen dynamics during a phytoplankton bloom in the Ross Sea polynya

The Ross Sea polynya is one of the most productive regions in the Southern Ocean. However, limited access and high spatio-temporal variability of physical and biological processes limit the use of conventional oceanographic methods to measure early season primary productivity. High-resolution observations from two Seagliders provide insights into the timing of a bloom in the southern Ross Sea polynya in December 2010. Changes in chlorophyll and oxygen concentrations are used to assess bloom dynamics. Using a ratio of dissolved oxygen to carbon, net primary production is estimated over the duration of the bloom showing a sensitive balance between net autotrophy and heterotrophy. The two gliders, observing spatially distinct regions during the same period, found net community production rates of -0.9±0.7 and 0.7±0.4 g C m-2 d-1. The difference highlights the spatial variability of biological processes and is probably caused by observing different stages of the bloom. The challenge of obtaining accurate primary productivity estimates highlights the need for increased observational efforts, particularly focusing on subsurface processes not resolved using surface or remote observations. Without an increased observational effort and the involvement of emerging technologies, it will not be possible to determine the seasonal trophic balance of the Ross Sea polynya and quantify the shelf's importance in carbon export

Sperm whale presence observed using passive acoustic monitoring from gliders of opportunity

Habitat use by the endangered Mediterranean sperm whale subpopulation remains poorly understood, especially in winter. The sustained presence of oceanographic autonomous underwater vehicles in the area presents an opportunity to improve observation effort, enabling collection of valuable sperm whale distribution data, which may be crucial to their conservation. Passive acoustic monitoring loggers were deployed on vertically profiling oceanographic gliders surveying the north-western Mediterranean Sea during winter 2012-2013 and June 2014. Sperm whale echolocation 'usual click' trains, characteristic of foraging activity, were detected and classified from the recordings, providing information about the presence of sperm whales along the glider tracks. Widespread presence of sperm whales in the north-western Mediterranean Sea was confirmed. Winter observations suggest different foraging strategies between the Ligurian Sea, where mobile and scattered individuals forage at all times of day, and the Gulf of Lion, where larger aggregations target intense oceanographic features in the open ocean such as fronts and mixing events, with reduced acoustic presence at dawn. This study demonstrates the ability to successfully observe sperm whale behaviour from passive acoustic monitoring gliders. We identified possible mission design changes to optimize data collected from passive acoustic monitoring glider surveys and significantly improve sperm whale population monitoring and habitat use

Variability of the Antarctic slope current system in the northwestern Weddell Sea

The dense water outflow from the Antarctic continental shelf is closely associated with the strength and position of the Antarctic Slope Front. We explore the short-term and spatial variability of the Antarctic Slope Front system and the mechanisms that regulate cross-slope exchange using highly temporallyand spatially-resolved measurements from three ocean gliders deployed in 2012. Twenty-two sections along the eastern Antarctic Peninsula and west of the South Orkney Islands are grouped regionally and composited by isobaths. There is consistency in the front position around the Powell Basin, varying mostly between the 500 and 800m isobaths. In most of the study area the flow is bottom-intensified. The along-slope transport of the Antarctic Slope Current (upper 1000 m) varies between 0.2 and 5.9 Sv and does not exhibit a regional pattern. The magnitude of the velocity field shows substantial variability, up to twice its mean value. Higher eddy kinetic energy (0.003m2 s−2) is observed on sections with dense water, possibly due to baroclinic instabilities in the bottom layer. Distributions of potential vorticity show an increase towards the shelf along isopycnals and also in the dense water layer. Glider sections located west of the South Orkney Islands indicate a northward direction of the flow associated with the Weddell Front, which differs from previous estimates of the mean circulation. This study provides some of the first observational confirmation of the high frequency variability associated with an active eddy field that has been suggested by recent numerical simulations in this region

Weekly variability of hydrography and transport of northwestern inflows into the northern North Sea

Quantifying the variability of North Sea inflows and understanding the temporal variability of their physical properties are essential for understanding, modelling and managing the ecosystems of the North Sea. The Joint North Sea Information System (JONSIS) line hydrographic section crosses the path of the main inflows of Atlantic water into the northwestern North Sea. We use observations from an autonomous underwater glider to observe the inflows at high spatial and temporal resolutions. The glider completed 10 partial sections of the JONSIS line in October and November of 2013. Key water masses of the inflow are identified; their spatial distribution varies greatly from section to section. This is not apparent from long-running ship surveys of the JONSIS line, which are generally several months apart. In particular, the distribution of water of most recent Atlantic origin varies as summer stratification decays throughout autumn: at the start of the deployment it is present as a thin layer beneath the thermocline; at the end of the deployment, it occupies the full depth of the water column. Thermohaline flow, i.e. that which is driven by horizontal density gradients, is focused into three or four jets (approximately 10 km wide). Jets as narrow as these have not previously been observed in the region. We also observe baroclinic eddies. The thermohaline transport of the inflows is compared with the absolute transport that is derived by referencing geostrophic shear to the glider's dive-average current. Thermohaline transport (approximately 0.2 Sv) is consistently smaller than absolute transport (approximately 0.5 Sv). The week-to-week variability in hydrography and flow structure identified in this study is relevant to on-going efforts to define a background state against which the nature of anthropogenic changes can be assessed, and future modelling efforts should represent the spatial and temporal variability that we have identified