Seasonal Photoacclimation in the North Pacific Transition Zone

The Transition Zone Chlorophyll Front (TZCF) is a dynamic region of elevated chlorophyll concentrations in the Northeast Pacific that migrates from southern winter (February) extent approximately 30°N to northern summer (August) 40°N. transition zone has been highlighted as important habitat for marine animals and fisheries. We re-examine physical biological drivers seasonal TZCF variability using variety remote sensing, reanalysis, situ data sets. Satellite-based sensing estimates carbon show migration primarily reflects increase ratio, rather than changes phytoplankton carbon. use our compilation demonstrate how seasonality light nutrient fluxes decouple at latitudes. Seasonal mixed-layer-averaged availability positively correlated with negatively through zone, while climatological nitrate profiles ratios are facilitated by wintertime entrainment. These empirical results consistent physiological models describing low light, nutrient-replete environments, demonstrating importance latitudinal structure interpreting dynamics basin scale.