Response of Red Sea phytoplankton biomass to marine heatwaves and cold-spells

Abstract

Abstract In tropical oceans, phytoplankton experience significant alterations during marine heatwaves (MHWs), yet the consequences of reduced or absent marine cold-spells (MCSs) on these microscopic algae are currently overlooked. Synergistically combining in situ measurements, Argo-float data, remotely-sensed observations, and hydrodynamic model outputs, we explore such relationships in the Red Sea. Results show a long-term (1982 to 2018) gradual increase in MHW days (5–20 days/decade) and a clear decrease in MCS days (10–30 days/decade). Compound extreme temperature and chlorophyll-a events (Chl-a – an index of phytoplankton biomass) exhibit consistently lower Chl-a concentrations during MHWs and higher ones during MCSs, particularly in the northern and southern Red Sea. In these regions, during the main phytoplankton-growth period, the presence of MHWs/MCSs leads to respective Chl-a anomalies in 94% of the cases. Yet, phytoplankton responses in the central Red Sea are more complex, most likely linked to the region’s highly dynamic circulation (e.g., mesoscale anti-cyclonic eddies), and multiple nutrient sources. In the naturally warm and stratified ecosystem of the Red Sea, where deeper mixed layers enhance the transfer of nutrient-rich waters to the lit zone, the substantial reduction of MCSs could be more impactful for phytoplankton than the gradual rise of MHWs.