Marine Electromagnetic Imaging and Volumetric Estimation of Freshwater Plumes Offshore Hawai'i

Abstract

AbstractSubmarine groundwater discharge (SGD) is an important phenomenon that governs hydrological cycles at the land‐to‐ocean transition zone. SGD manifests as cold and buoyant freshwaters influx from the seafloor to the water column that contains carbon, nutrients, metals, and greenhouse gases, altering coastal areas' oceanographical and biochemical properties. Here, we present electromagnetic imaging of large‐scale freshwater plumes in high‐resolution, offshore west Hawai'i. Electrical resistivity models detect multiple vertical freshwater plumes extending from the seafloor to the ocean surface. Additionally, our models image extensive spatially distributed surface freshwater. The resistivity of these plumes and surface freshwater ranges from ∼1 to 30 Ωm. Resistivity‐to‐salinity calculation indicates a plume‐scale salinity range of ∼0.3–9.9, containing up to 87% of freshwater. Our results imply that substantial volumes of freshwater occupy water column plumes in Hawai'i. This study offers a new and effective method to elucidate hydrogeologic and ocean processes affecting biogeochemical cycles in coastal waters worldwide.