The role of upwellings in the coastal ecosystem of the Southeastern Baltic Sea

Abstract

The influence of coastal upwellings on the coastal marine ecosystems of the northern coast of the Sambia Peninsula and the Curonian Spit during the warm period (April–October) of 2014–2015 was studied. An analysis of the sea surface temperature (SST) using moderate-resolution imaging spectroradiometer data and meteorological conditions revealed 13 coastal upwelling events of various nature. In situ measurements taken in the coastal zone and the open water allowed us to determine the layers from which the water lifts to the surface, making it possible to assess the influence of coastal upwellings on abiotic conditions in the coastal zone. Thus, the spring upwelling led to a decrease or very slight increase in the content of mineral nitrogen, while the summer upwelling introduced nutrients, regardless of its nature. Studies of the autumn upwelling showed that convective processes were predominant.