Abstract
Coastal zones are important areas for the development of diverse ecosystems. The analysis of chlorophyll a (Chl a), as an indicator of primary production in these regions, is crucial for the quantification of phytoplankton biomass, which is considered the main food chain base in the oceans and an indicator of the trophic state index. This variable is greatly important for the analysis of the oceanographic variability, and it is crucial for determining the tendencies of change in these areas with the objective of determining the effects on the ecosystem and the population dynamics of marine resources. In this study, we analysed the Chl a concentration distribution on the mainland coast of the Gulf of California based on the monthly data from July 2002 to July 2019, obtained from remote sensing (Moderate-Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer Aqua (MODIS-Aqua) with a 9 km resolution). The results showed a clear distribution pattern of Chl a observed along this area with the maximum levels in March and minimum levels in August. A four-region characterisation on this area was used to make a comparison of the Chl a concentrations during warm and cold periods. The majority of the results were statistically significant. The spectral analysis in each of the four regions analysed in this study determined the following variation frequencies: annual, semi-annual, seasonal, and inter-annual; the last was related to the macroscale climatological phenomena El Niño-La Niña affecting the variability of the Chl a concentration in the study region.
Highlights
Coastal regions, which are located at the eastern edge of the Atlantic and Pacific current systems at the boundary limits between the land and sea, are highly dynamic and support productive and diverse ecosystems in terms of species diversity, representing different environmental conditions at the ecosystem [1]
The mona tdhisltyribiumtioangaecscoordfinCghtol taheorfesMulatsrocfhthaencdlimAatuolgoguysatnoalfys2is0(1m1onatnhsdw2it0h1g5rewateerraendtalkesesner to show the chlorophyll a (Chl a) distribuctoinocnentarcatcioonrdofinChgl at,oretshpeecrtievseluyl)tasndofthtehHeocvlmimöllaertoDlioaggryama(nyaealrysscihsar(amctoernistehdsaswLaitNhiñgaraenadter and lesser concentrationEloNfiñCoh, rleasp, ercetisvpeleyc) t(iFvigeulrye)13a)n. d the Hovmöller Diagram (Figure 13)
The Chl a climatology analysis of the Gulf of California mainland coast showed clear latitudinal differences associated with atmospheric circulation, such as seasonal wind patterns [6,7,45] that have an influence on the gulf circulation and on oceanographic variables, such as the chlorophyll a concentration
Summary
Coastal regions, which are located at the eastern edge of the Atlantic and Pacific current systems at the boundary limits between the land and sea, are highly dynamic and support productive and diverse ecosystems in terms of species diversity, representing different environmental conditions at the ecosystem [1]. These zones are considered some of the most important areas of the world [2] due to their ecosystem variety, high biological productivity and abundance of natural resources, which make them ecologically important for protection, reproduction, and feeding and growth, as well as spawning areas for different species [3]. The GC is characterised by being a very dynamic sea with tidal currents, seasonal winds, upwelling systems, and high solar radiation; these characteristics determine the strong physical dynamics attributed to mesoscale processes (such as thermocline and surface circulation induced by the wind, gyres, and filaments [6,7]), which develop high productivity levels, nutrient concentrations, and dispersion [8,9]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
