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Eddies make ocean deserts bloom

Article Abstract:

Phytoplankton need nutrients in the euphotic zone of the ocean, to grow and reproduce. Nutrient supply to the euphotic zone has traditionally been explained by large scale circulation throughout the entire ocean basins. McGillicuddy and Robinson previously proposed that the time-varying eddy field in the Sargasso Sea may supply the required nutrients, and this work has been extended to discussions of new production levels of up to 0.50 plus or minus 0.14 mol N M(super-2)yr(super-1) in the Sargasso Sea. Oschlies and Garcon have also described investigations of the process throughout the whole North Atlantic basin, using an eddy-resolving, general-circulation model.

Research, Phytoplankton, Eddies, Eddies (Fluid dynamics)

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Break-up of the Atlantic deep western boundary current into eddies at 8 degree S

Article Abstract:

Direct velocity and water mass observations obtained in the period 2002 to 2003 and results from a numerical ocean circulation model reveal that the Atlantic deep western boundary current breaks up at eight degree S. Southward of this latitude, and the transport of North Atlantic Deep Water into the South Atlantic Ocean is accomplished by migrating eddies, rather than by a continuous flow.

Environmental aspects, Ocean, Oceans, South Atlantic Ocean, Water circulation

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Eddies at the gates

Article Abstract:

The Gates, Christo and Jeanne-Claude's temporary art installation in New York's Central Park, presented models that predict wind dispersal over long distances and which anticipate sizes and lifespan of coherent wind eddies. 'The Gates in Central Park, New York City, 1979-2005' comprised 7,500 gates, around 4 meters apart and 5 meters high, following the line of the paths through the park.

New York, New York, New York, Works, Winds, Outdoor sculpture, Installations (Art), Christo

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