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https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-3260
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-3260
18 Jul 2025
 | 18 Jul 2025

When Storms Stir the Mediterranean Depths: Chlorophyll-a Response to Mediterranean Hurricanes

Giovanni Scardino, Alok Kushabaha, Mario Marcello Miglietta, Davide Bonaldo, and Giovanni Scicchitano

Abstract. Mediterranean cyclones induce significant biogeochemical perturbations in the Mediterranean Sea, with particularly notable effects on chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) dynamics. This study examined Chl-a variability during twenty Mediterranean cyclones, comparing offshore and nearshore responses. Through an integrated investigation of reanalysis products, ARGO float observations, and Sentinel-2 multispectral satellite imagery, we quantified vertical and surface Chl-a concentrations while concurrently assessing nitrate distribution, currents, and mixed layer depth (MLD) variability. Our results revealed that both Tropical-like Cyclones and Extratropical Cyclones generated a pronounced uplift of the deep chlorophyll maximum (DCM) in cases where cyclones exhibited slow-moving phases. Notably, wind-driven upwelling and air-sea heat exchange critically govern DCM uplift for these cyclones. We demonstrated that these physical mechanisms collectively drive DCM uplift along the trajectories of intense, slow-moving Mediterranean cyclones, with significant implications for nutrient cycling and primary productivity across the Mediterranean basin.

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Giovanni Scardino, Alok Kushabaha, Mario Marcello Miglietta, Davide Bonaldo, and Giovanni Scicchitano

Status: final response (author comments only)

Comment types: AC – author | RC – referee | CC – community | EC – editor | CEC – chief editor | : Report abuse
  • RC1: 'Comment on egusphere-2025-3260', Anonymous Referee #1, 04 Aug 2025
    • AC1: 'Reply on RC1', Giovanni Scardino, 02 Sep 2025
      • RC3: 'Reply on AC1', Anonymous Referee #1, 07 Sep 2025
        • AC3: 'Reply on RC3', Giovanni Scardino, 18 Sep 2025
  • RC2: 'R2_Comment on egusphere-2025-3260', Anonymous Referee #2, 08 Aug 2025
    • AC2: 'Reply on RC2', Giovanni Scardino, 02 Sep 2025
      • RC4: 'Reply on AC2', Anonymous Referee #2, 07 Sep 2025
        • AC4: 'Reply on RC4', Giovanni Scardino, 18 Sep 2025
          • RC5: 'Reply on AC4', Anonymous Referee #2, 18 Sep 2025
            • AC5: 'Reply on RC5', Giovanni Scardino, 23 Sep 2025
Giovanni Scardino, Alok Kushabaha, Mario Marcello Miglietta, Davide Bonaldo, and Giovanni Scicchitano
Giovanni Scardino, Alok Kushabaha, Mario Marcello Miglietta, Davide Bonaldo, and Giovanni Scicchitano

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Short summary
This study investigated how Mediterranean cyclones impact chlorophyll-a dynamics. Using reanalysis data, ARGO floats, and satellite imagery, we found that slow-moving cyclones significantly uplift the deep chlorophyll maximum. Upwelling and air-sea heat exchange were key mechanisms driving this uplift, enhancing nutrient availability and primary productivity. These findings highlight the strong influence of cyclone intensity and movement on biogeochemical processes in the Mediterranean Sea.
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