Abstract
Interannual variations of total copepod abundance in the Gulf of Maine (1961-1991) are analyzed and related to the semi-permanent atmospheric pressure systems: Icelandic Low (IL) and the Azores High (AH). These centers of action dominate atmospheric and oceanic circulation in the North Atlantic. Cross-correlation analysis of zooplankton, sea surface temperature (SST) and the atmospheric characteristics have revealed different (from one to three years) time lags between the above characteristics. A multiple stepwise regression analysis gave a correlation value of 0.7 between observed and predicted interannual changes of total copepod abundance. A discussion is included of possible mechanisms that may contribute to the dynamic links that transfer atmospheric variation into observed changes in zooplankton abundance.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 283-291 |
| Number of pages | 9 |
| Journal | Global Atmosphere and Ocean System |
| Volume | 8 |
| Issue number | 4 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - Nov 2002 |
| Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Atmospheric centers of action
- Climate change
- Gulf of Maine
- Interannual variability
- North Atlantic
- Sea level pressure
- Zooplankton
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Oceanography
- Global and Planetary Change
