Earth Sciences

Photoacclimation by phytoplankton determines the distribution of global subsurface chlorophyll maxima in the ocean

Y. Masuda, Y. Yamanaka, et al.

This research by Yoshio Masuda and colleagues reveals how resource allocation strategies in phytoplankton influence chlorophyll distribution across oceans. By applying an innovative photoacclimation theory, the study uncovers the underlying drivers of subsurface chlorophyll maxima, providing crucial insights for understanding phytoplankton responses to climate change.

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Abstract

Subsurface chlorophyll maxima (SCM) are common in the ocean, often occurring deeper than maximum phytoplankton biomass. This study uses an optimality-based photoacclimation theory, incorporated into a 3D biogeochemical ocean circulation model, to investigate the influence of resource allocation strategies on phytoplankton chlorophyll to carbon ratio distributions. The results show photoacclimation is a key driver consistently explaining global patterns in SCM depth and intensity. This link between cellular physiology and global chlorophyll distribution improves the interpretation of ocean observations and projections of phytoplankton responses to climate change.

Publisher

Communications Earth & Environment

Published On

Jun 18, 2021

Authors

Yoshio Masuda, Yasuhiro Yamanaka, Sherwood Lan Smith, Takafumi Hirata, Hideyuki Nakano, Akira Oka, Hiroshi Sumata

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