Patterns in the temporal complexity of global chlorophyll concentration

This study investigates patterns of intrinsic temporal variation in chlorophyll-a concentration ([chl-a]) in the global ocean using satellite data. A new metric quantifies time series complexity, revealing similarities between seemingly disparate ocean regions. These patterns are linked to the regularity of [chl-a] change and the likelihood of anomalous events. Despite spatial changes in decadal [chl-a] concentration, changes in time series complexity have remained relatively consistent, suggesting complexity can be independent of [chl-a] magnitude. This work provides novel metrics for global ocean monitoring.

Vitul Agarwal, Jonathan Chávez-Casillas, Keisuke Inomura, Colleen B. Mouw