Physical and biological processes driving seasonal variability of Nitrate budget and biological productivity in the  Gabon-Congo upwelling system

Mbang Essome, Landry Junior; Alory, Gaël; Yelognissé Da-Allada, Casimir; Dadou, Isabelle; Ngakala, Roy Dorgeless; Morvan, Guillaume

doi:10.5194/os-22-1279-2026

Articles | Volume 22, issue 2

https://doi.org/10.5194/os-22-1279-2026

© Author(s) 2026. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

https://doi.org/10.5194/os-22-1279-2026

© Author(s) 2026. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

Articles | Volume 22, issue 2

Research article

|

22 Apr 2026

Research article |

| 22 Apr 2026

Physical and biological processes driving seasonal variability of Nitrate budget and biological productivity in the Gabon-Congo upwelling system

Landry Junior Mbang Essome, Gaël Alory, Casimir Yelognissé Da-Allada, Isabelle Dadou, Roy Dorgeless Ngakala, and Guillaume Morvan

Data sets

Physical and biological processes driving seasonal variability of Nitrate budget and biological productivity in the Gabon-Congo upwelling system Landry Junior Mbang Essome et al. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19384386

Ocean Surface Current Analyses Real-time (OSCAR) Surface Currents - Interim 0.25 Degree (Version 2.0) ESR and K. Dohan https://doi.org/10.5067/OSCAR-25I20

GHRSST Level 4 MUR Global Foundation Sea Surface Temperature Analysis, Ver. 4.1 JPL MUR MEaSUREs Project https://doi.org/10.5067/GHGMR-4FJ04

Global Ocean Colour (Copernicus-GlobColour), Multi-year data Copernicus Marine Service https://doi.org/10.48670/moi-00281

Global Ocean Gridded L4 Sea Level Anomalies (DUACS) and Derived Variables, Multi-year data Copernicus Marine Service https://doi.org/10.48670/moi-00148

Model code and software

Physical and biological processes driving seasonal variability of Nitrate budget and biological productivity in the Gabon-Congo upwelling system Landry Junior Mbang Essome et al. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19384386

Short summary

We used a high-resolution model to study how ocean currents and waves, especially coastal trapped waves, control nitrate variability in the Gabon-Congo upwelling system. This nutrient availability drives seasonal marine productivity, with the Congo River also adding significant nitrate. Our research clarifies the complex interplay of physical and biological factors, offering crucial insights for managing regional fisheries and assessing climate change impacts on this vital ecosystem.