Using dynamic ocean color provinces to elucidate drivers of North Sea hydrography and ecology

Ocean biogeochemical provinces have historically been used to characterize regions of similar biogeography, allowing for large-scale comparisons and the definition possible management units. Recent studies shown that ocean color (OC) may be as a proxy range physical biological parameters, more direct approach in defining monitoring provinces. The current work investigates whether OC-derived (area given OC type) can identified North Sea if they provide insight into system's dynamics. analysis workflow was organized three main steps: 1. type classification based on clustering normalized reflectance spectra, 2. characterization following match-ups other covariates, 3. Exploration drivers province Based data from 1997–2019, four types were identified, which are related bio-optical, physical, zooplankton community covariates. Atlantic-associated varied their coverage seasonal interannual scales, with increased penetration periods weakened circulation. Interannual variability extent also found correlate an index Subpolar Gyre. These results indicate dynamics likely driven by interaction between circulation local wind-driven baroclinic currents. perspective offered helps elucidate spatiotemporal patterns plankton is proposed novel operational additional exploration ecosystem functioning.