Mechanisms of physical-biological-biogeochemical interaction at the oceanic mesoscale

Abstract

Mesoscale phenomena are ubiquitous and highly energetic features of ocean circulation. Their influence on biological and biogeochemical processes varies widely, stemming from not only advective transport but also through generation of environmental variations that affect biological and chemical rates. Elucidation of the attendant mechanisms of physical-biological-biogeochemical interaction is made difficult by the ephemeral nature of the underlying processes, necessitating the use of multidisciplinary approaches involving in situ observations, remote sensing, and modeling. All three aspects are woven through this review in an attempt to synthesize current understanding of the topic, with particular emphasis on novel developments in recent years.