Preprints
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2022-1354
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2022-1354
05 Dec 2022
 | 05 Dec 2022

Physical processes in the upwelling regions of the tropical Atlantic

Peter Brandt, Gaël Alory, Founi Mesmin Awo, Marcus Dengler, Sandrine Djakouré, Rodrigue Anicet Imbol Koungue, Julien Jouanno, Mareike Körner, Marisa Roch, and Mathieu Rouault

Abstract. In this paper, we review observational and modelling results on the upwelling in the inner tropical Atlantic. We focus on the physical processes that drive the seasonal variability of surface cooling and upward nutrient flux required to explain the seasonality of primary productivity. We separately consider the equatorial upwelling system, the northern coastal upwelling system of the Gulf of Guinea and the tropical Angolan upwelling system. For the equatorial regime, we discuss the forcing of upwelling velocity and turbulent mixing as well as the underlying dynamics responsible for thermocline movements and current structure. The coastal upwelling system in the Gulf of Guinea is concentrated along northern boundary and is driven by both, local and remote forcing. The particular role of the Guinea Current, nonlinearity and the shape of the coastline are emphasized. For the tropical Angolan upwelling, we show that this system is not wind-driven, but instead results from the combined effect of coastally trapped waves, surface heat and freshwater fluxes, and turbulent mixing. Finally, we review recent changes in the upwelling systems associated with climate variability and global warming and address possible responses of upwelling systems in future scenarios.

Journal article(s) based on this preprint

11 May 2023
Physical processes and biological productivity in the upwelling regions of the tropical Atlantic
Peter Brandt, Gaël Alory, Founi Mesmin Awo, Marcus Dengler, Sandrine Djakouré, Rodrigue Anicet Imbol Koungue, Julien Jouanno, Mareike Körner, Marisa Roch, and Mathieu Rouault
Ocean Sci., 19, 581–601, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-19-581-2023,https://doi.org/10.5194/os-19-581-2023, 2023
Short summary

Peter Brandt et al.

Interactive discussion

Status: closed

Comment types: AC – author | RC – referee | CC – community | EC – editor | CEC – chief editor | : Report abuse
  • RC1: 'Comment on egusphere-2022-1354', Anonymous Referee #1, 13 Jan 2023
    • AC1: 'Reply on RC1', Peter Brandt, 28 Mar 2023
  • RC2: 'Comment on egusphere-2022-1354', Erik van Sebille, 28 Feb 2023
    • AC2: 'Reply on RC2', Peter Brandt, 28 Mar 2023

Interactive discussion

Status: closed

Comment types: AC – author | RC – referee | CC – community | EC – editor | CEC – chief editor | : Report abuse
  • RC1: 'Comment on egusphere-2022-1354', Anonymous Referee #1, 13 Jan 2023
    • AC1: 'Reply on RC1', Peter Brandt, 28 Mar 2023
  • RC2: 'Comment on egusphere-2022-1354', Erik van Sebille, 28 Feb 2023
    • AC2: 'Reply on RC2', Peter Brandt, 28 Mar 2023

Peer review completion

AR: Author's response | RR: Referee report | ED: Editor decision | EF: Editorial file upload
AR by Peter Brandt on behalf of the Authors (11 Apr 2023)  Author's response   Author's tracked changes   Manuscript 
ED: Referee Nomination & Report Request started (14 Apr 2023) by Erik van Sebille
RR by Anonymous Referee #1 (14 Apr 2023)
RR by Erik van Sebille (16 Apr 2023)
ED: Publish as is (16 Apr 2023) by Erik van Sebille
AR by Peter Brandt on behalf of the Authors (17 Apr 2023)  Manuscript 

Journal article(s) based on this preprint

11 May 2023
Physical processes and biological productivity in the upwelling regions of the tropical Atlantic
Peter Brandt, Gaël Alory, Founi Mesmin Awo, Marcus Dengler, Sandrine Djakouré, Rodrigue Anicet Imbol Koungue, Julien Jouanno, Mareike Körner, Marisa Roch, and Mathieu Rouault
Ocean Sci., 19, 581–601, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-19-581-2023,https://doi.org/10.5194/os-19-581-2023, 2023
Short summary

Peter Brandt et al.

Peter Brandt et al.

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The requested preprint has a corresponding peer-reviewed final revised paper. You are encouraged to refer to the final revised version.

Short summary
Tropical upwelling systems are among the most productive ecosystems globally. The tropical Atlantic upwelling undergoes a strong seasonal cycle that is forced by the seasonal cycle of the zonal wind along the equator and the near-coastal wind field off Africa. Besides the wind forcing that lead to an up- and downward movement of the nitracline, turbulent diffusion results in upward mixing of nutrients. Here, we review the different physical processes responsible for upward nutrient supply.