This paper is of high quality, it exemplifies the complexity of detecting ocean eddies (eulerian versus lagrangian, importance of the code parameters of the regions considered), it acknowledges the fact that not all ocean eddies are the same (dynamically talking), and that their effect on plankton is complex. The method presented is well-described, powerful and would allow digging into these biophysical interactions in many different oceanographic settings. It shows that the common view following seminal papers by e.g. McGillicuddy and D. Chelton that consists of "cyclonic eddies -> isopycnals shaoling -> increase phytoplankton biomass" versus "anticyclonic eddies -> isopycnal deepening -> decreased phytoplankton biomass" is too simplistic and needed to be updated.
This paper is of high quality, it exemplifies the complexity of detecting ocean eddies (eulerian...
Eddies are rotating ocean vortices up to hundreds of kilometers in diameter that stimulate phytoplankton blooms. We used satellite data and simulations of currents to examine the effect of eddy trapping strength on phytoplankton concentration in the open North Pacific Ocean. Coherent eddies trap phytoplankton, while "leaky" ones have lower concentrations because they mix with surrounding waters. However, contrary to previous theory, eddy-trapped blooms are more prominent in southern latitudes.
Eddies are rotating ocean vortices up to hundreds of kilometers in diameter that stimulate...