Assessing CZCS time-series data globally, regionally, and zonally: 1979–1985

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Abstract

Examination of the weekly CZCS-derived ocean pigment time-series from 1979 to 1985 reveals interesting seasonal, monsoonal, and ENSO variability. These measurements provide biological information at time and space scales that have never been available by conventional means. A major volcanic eruption [El Chichón] in 1982 has also been examined for an overall effect on hypothesized oceanic productivity, due to an extended period of diminished insolation in the tropics. Relatively minor changes are noted, but evidence exists for a more significant monsoonal response resulting in changes in regional productivity. Computations are presented that represent sum aggregates of annual production in all of the areas examined, such as: both northern and southern hemisphere tropics, Caribbean Sea, and Arabian Sea. The results show a reasonable year-to-year stability in ocean productivity and provide good benchmark values to continue these assessments with the SeaWiFS color data slated to be available later in 1995. Undoubtedly, this newer pigment data will be a valuable contribution to global climate monitoring as we examine oceanic responses for signals of both long and short-term changes in current systems and strive for composite basin-wide productivity.

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