Seasonal evolution of nutrients in the Coastal Gulf of Alaska

This animation illustrates the seasonal evolution (Apr-Sep 2001) of SSH and a nutrient isosurface (18 m-mol/m3 nitrate) on the continental shelf near the entrance to Shelikof Strait, Alaska. The area shown is approximately 375 km wide. SSH is illustrated as surface contours, and via shading of the nutrient isosurface. One of the major hydrographic lines for the CGOA was maintained in this area; locations of stations GAK-1, 6, 12 are shown. Our viewpoint for this movie is located approximately 1 km above the ocean, looking down and to the northwest. Note how Portlock Bank changes from high to low nitrate concentration, relative to other areas, as the season evolves.

Hermann, A. J., S. Hinckley, E.L. Dobbins, D.B. Haidvogel and C. Mordy. 2007. Quantifying cross-shelf and vertical nutrient flux in the Gulf of Alaska with a spatially nested, coupled biophysical model. Deep Sea Research II, sub judice.

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