Articles | Volume 23, issue 3
https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-23-867-2026
© Author(s) 2026. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-23-867-2026
© Author(s) 2026. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Research article
| 
02 Feb 2026
Research article |
| 02 Feb 2026
| 02 Feb 2026
Seasonality of the North Pacific Oligotrophic Gyre area in the past two decades and a modelling perspective for the 21st century
Siyu Meng
Frontiers Science Center for Deep Ocean Multispheres and Earth System, and Key Laboratory of Marine Environment and Ecology, Ministry of Education of China, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Qingdao Marine Science and Technology Center, Qingdao, China
Climatic Research Unit, School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom
Xun Gong
CORRESPONDING AUTHOR
State Key Laboratory of Physical Oceanography, Institute of Oceanographic Instrumentation, Shandong Academy of Sciences, Jinan, China
Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan, China
Benjamin G. M. Webber
Climatic Research Unit, School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom
Manoj Joshi
Climatic Research Unit, School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom
Xiaokun Ding
School of Ocean, Yantai University, Yantai, China
Xiang Gong
School of Mathematics and Physics, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
Qingdao Innovation Center of Artificial Intelligence Ocean Technology, Qingdao, China
Mingliang Gu
Frontiers Science Center for Deep Ocean Multispheres and Earth System, and Key Laboratory of Marine Environment and Ecology, Ministry of Education of China, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Qingdao Marine Science and Technology Center, Qingdao, China
Frontiers Science Center for Deep Ocean Multispheres and Earth System, and Key Laboratory of Marine Environment and Ecology, Ministry of Education of China, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Qingdao Marine Science and Technology Center, Qingdao, China
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Feifei Luo, Manoj Joshi, Bjørn H. Samset, Laura J. Wilcox, Camilla W. Stjern, Robert J. Allen, Yan-Ning Kuo, Wei Hua, and Shuanglin Li
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 26, 15037–15053, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-15037-2026, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-15037-2026, 2026
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This study examines whether aerosol impacts on extreme rainfall shift in a warmer world. Using a climate model, we compare identical Asian SO4 forcing under pre-industrial and 1 K warmer climates. Aerosols reduce extreme rainfall in both, but more strongly over northern India in the warmer climate. A warmer, stabler atmosphere weakens circulation that partly offsets aerosol drying in pre-industrial conditions. Continued warming may strengthen this drying over parts of Asia.
Yi Li, Hualong Wang, Min Wang, Huiwang Gao, Yongzheng Peng, Zhaohui Chen, and Chao Zhang
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2026-5900, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2026-5900, 2026
This preprint is open for discussion and under review for Biogeosciences (BG).
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Swirling currents mix water and affect tiny ocean life, but we do not know how they change microbial partnerships. We ran sixteen-day shipboard experiments with surface and deep water from current-influenced and nearby waters. Tiny single-celled organisms without nuclei grew richer and formed more connected, stable networks under these conditions. Tiny single-celled organisms with nuclei became less diverse and more selective. This suggests currents may help microbes persist, support food webs.
Connor Robbins, Amee Gollop, Manoj Joshi, David P. Stevens, Mark J. Webb, Adam T. Blaker, and Robin Chadwick
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2026-5372, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2026-5372, 2026
This preprint is open for discussion and under review for Geoscientific Model Development (GMD).
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We describe FORTE 3.0 – an intermediate resolution coupled climate model. It consists of an atmospheric model with 35 layers, coupled to a 2°x2° ocean with 15 z layer depth levels. It is capable of producing a stable climate for long integrations without the need for flux adjustments. FORTE 3.0 has an climate response that is more consistent with CMIP5/6 GCMs. We use the model to conduct simulations in order to better understand how the Pacific Ocean responds to climate change.
Chao Yu, Lin Zheng, Yujue Wang, Meijing Guo, Xu Yu, Yuqi Guo, Sisi Song, Kyoung-Soon Jang, Xiaohong Yao, Jian Zhen Yu, and Huiwang Gao
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 26, 13175–13188, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-13175-2026, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-13175-2026, 2026
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Atmospheric organic nitrogen is an important fraction in marine aerosols, and plays vital roles in organic aerosol absorption and maintaining primary productivity in the open ocean. However, abundance or sources of aerosol organic nitrogen remain unclear in the marine boundary layer. Here, we found that anthropogenic secondary pollutants and dust drove the organic nitrogen formation and the light absorption by organic aerosols over East Asian marginal seas.
Zhaosen Wu, Xinyu Guo, Jie Shi, Xiaokun Ding, Masatoshi Nakakuni, and Kuninao Tada
Biogeosciences, 23, 6053–6072, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-23-6053-2026, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-23-6053-2026, 2026
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Using observations and a numerical model from a semi-enclosed coastal sea in Japan, we found that seasonal nitrogen release from sediments cannot be explained by organic matter input alone. Instead, nitrogen cycling is regulated by the interaction of organic matter supply, oxygen conditions, and nutrient concentrations in the overlying water. This framework helps explain differences among coastal seas and may improve predictions of environmental change.
Yujue Wang, Yizhe Yi, Wei Xu, Yiwen Zhang, Shubin Li, Hong-Hai Zhang, Mingliang Gu, Shibo Yan, Jialei Zhu, Chao Zhang, Jinhui Shi, Yang Gao, Xiaohong Yao, and Huiwang Gao
Biogeosciences, 23, 77–93, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-23-77-2026, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-23-77-2026, 2026
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Marine organic aerosols remain poorly quantified, which limits our understanding on the climate regulation of marine aerosols. Based on shipboard cruises over the Pacific Ocean, we proposed an observation-based parameterization approach to estimate the primary and secondary marine organic aerosols using sea surface chlorophyll a and sea salts in marine aerosols. The results highlight that the spatial distribution of marine organic aerosols was driven by the marine biological activities.
Daisy D. Pickup, Dorothee C. E. Bakker, Karen J. Heywood, Francis Glassup, Emily M. Hammermeister, Sharon E. Stammerjohn, Gareth A. Lee, Socratis Loucaides, Bastien Y. Queste, Benjamin G. M. Webber, and Patricia L. Yager
Ocean Sci., 21, 2727–2741, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-21-2727-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-21-2727-2025, 2025
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Autonomous platforms in the Amundsen Sea have allowed for detection of isolated water masses that are colder, saltier and denser than overlying water. They are also associated with a higher dissolved inorganic carbon concentration and lower pH. The water masses, referred to as lenses, could have implications for the transfer of heat and storage of carbon in the region. We hypothesise that they form in surrounding areas that experience intense cooling and sea ice formation in autumn/winter.
Shubin Li, Yujue Wang, Yiwen Zhang, Yizhe Yi, Yuchen Wang, Yuqi Guo, Chao Yu, Yue Jiang, Jinhui Shi, Chao Zhang, Jialei Zhu, Wei Hu, Jianzhen Yu, Xiaohong Yao, Huiwang Gao, and Min Hu
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 12585–12598, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-12585-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-12585-2025, 2025
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Organosulfates (OSs) are an unrecognized and potentially important component in marine organic aerosols. In this study, we quantified and characterized the OSs over East Asian marginal seas. The chemical nature and spatiotemporal distribution of OSs were modified by the joint influence of marine emissions and transported terrestrial pollutants. The results highlight the vital roles of OSs in shaping organic aerosol formation and sulfur cycle during summer in the marine boundary layer.
Peter M. F. Sheehan, Benjamin G. M. Webber, Alejandra Sanchez-Franks, and Bastien Y. Queste
Ocean Sci., 21, 1575–1588, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-21-1575-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-21-1575-2025, 2025
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Using measurements and computer models, we identify a large flux of oxygen within the Southwest Monsoon Current, which flows north into the Bay of Bengal between June and September each year. Oxygen levels in the bay are very low, but they are not quite low enough for key nutrient cycles to be as dramatically altered as in other low-oxygen regions. We suggest that the flux which we identify contributes to keeping oxygen levels in the bay above the threshold below which dramatic changes would occur.
Feifei Luo, Bjørn H. Samset, Camilla W. Stjern, Manoj Joshi, Laura J. Wilcox, Robert J. Allen, Wei Hua, and Shuanglin Li
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 7647–7667, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-7647-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-7647-2025, 2025
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Black carbon (BC) aerosol is emitted from the incomplete combustion of biomass and fossil fuels. We found that Asian BC leads to strong local cooling and drying. Reductions in precipitation primarily depend on the thermodynamic effects due to solar radiation absorption by BC. The combined thermodynamic and dynamic effects shape the spatial pattern of precipitation responses to Asian BC. These results help us further understand the impact of emissions of anthropogenic aerosols on Asian climate.
Duncan Watson-Parris, Laura J. Wilcox, Camilla W. Stjern, Robert J. Allen, Geeta Persad, Massimo A. Bollasina, Annica M. L. Ekman, Carley E. Iles, Manoj Joshi, Marianne T. Lund, Daniel McCoy, Daniel M. Westervelt, Andrew I. L. Williams, and Bjørn H. Samset
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 4443–4454, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-4443-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-4443-2025, 2025
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In 2020, regulations by the International Maritime Organization aimed to reduce aerosol emissions from ships. These aerosols previously had a cooling effect, which the regulations might reduce, revealing more greenhouse gas warming. Here we find that, while there is regional warming, the global 2020–2040 temperature rise is only +0.03 °C. This small change is difficult to distinguish from natural climate variability, indicating the regulations have had a limited effect on observed warming to date.
Wenbin Kou, Yang Gao, Dan Tong, Xiaojie Guo, Xiadong An, Wenyu Liu, Mengshi Cui, Xiuwen Guo, Shaoqing Zhang, Huiwang Gao, and Lixin Wu
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 3029–3048, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-3029-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-3029-2025, 2025
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Unlike traditional numerical studies, we apply a high-resolution Earth system model, improving simulations of surface ozone and large-scale circulations such as atmospheric blocking. Besides local heat waves, we quantify the impact of atmospheric blocking on downstream ozone concentrations, which is closely associated with the blocking position. We identify three major pathways of Rossby wave propagation, stressing the critical role of large-scale circulation in regional air quality.
Ming Chu, Xing Wei, Shangfei Hai, Yang Gao, Huiwang Gao, Yujiao Zhu, Biwu Chu, Nan Ma, Juan Hong, Yele Sun, and Xiaohong Yao
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 6769–6786, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-6769-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-6769-2024, 2024
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We used a 20-bin WRF-Chem model to simulate NPF events in the NCP during a three-week observational period in the summer of 2019. The model was able to reproduce the observations during June 29–July 6, which was characterized by a high frequency of NPF occurrence.
William J. Dow, Christine M. McKenna, Manoj M. Joshi, Adam T. Blaker, Richard Rigby, and Amanda C. Maycock
Weather Clim. Dynam., 5, 357–367, https://doi.org/10.5194/wcd-5-357-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/wcd-5-357-2024, 2024
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Changes to sea surface temperatures in the extratropical North Pacific are driven partly by patterns of local atmospheric circulation, such as the Aleutian Low. We show that an intensification of the Aleutian Low could contribute to small changes in temperatures across the equatorial Pacific via the initiation of two mechanisms. The effect, although significant, is unlikely to explain fully the recently observed multi-year shift of a pattern of climate variability across the wider Pacific.
Feifan Yan, Hang Su, Yafang Cheng, Rujin Huang, Hong Liao, Ting Yang, Yuanyuan Zhu, Shaoqing Zhang, Lifang Sheng, Wenbin Kou, Xinran Zeng, Shengnan Xiang, Xiaohong Yao, Huiwang Gao, and Yang Gao
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 2365–2376, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-2365-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-2365-2024, 2024
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PM2.5 pollution is a major air quality issue deteriorating human health, and previous studies mostly focus on regions like the North China Plain and Yangtze River Delta. However, the characteristics of PM2.5 concentrations between these two regions are studied less often. Focusing on the transport corridor region, we identify an interesting seesaw transport phenomenon with stagnant weather conditions, conducive to PM2.5 accumulation over this region, resulting in large health effects.
Xing Wei, Yanjie Shen, Xiao-Ying Yu, Yang Gao, Huiwang Gao, Ming Chu, Yujiao Zhu, and Xiaohong Yao
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 23, 15325–15350, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-15325-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-15325-2023, 2023
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We investigate the contribution of grown new particles to Nccn at a rural mountain site in the North China Plain. The total particle number concentrations (Ncn) observed on 8 new particle formation (NPF) days were higher compared to non-NPF days. The Nccn at 0.2 % supersaturation (SS) and 0.4 % SS on the NPF days was significantly lower than on non-NPF days. Only one of eight NPF events had detectable net contributions to Nccn at 0.4 % SS and 1.0 % SS with increased κ values.
Thomas Wilder, Xiaoming Zhai, David Munday, and Manoj Joshi
Ocean Sci., 19, 1669–1686, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-19-1669-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-19-1669-2023, 2023
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The dissipation rate of eddy energy in current energy budget-based eddy parameterisations is still relatively unconstrained, leading to uncertainties in ocean transport and ocean heat uptake. Here, we derive a dissipation rate due to the interaction of surface winds and eddy currents, a process known to significantly damp ocean eddies. The dissipation rate is quantified using seasonal climatology and displays wide spatial variability, with some of the largest values found in the Southern Ocean.
Chupeng Zhang, Shangfei Hai, Yang Gao, Yuhang Wang, Shaoqing Zhang, Lifang Sheng, Bin Zhao, Shuxiao Wang, Jingkun Jiang, Xin Huang, Xiaojing Shen, Junying Sun, Aura Lupascu, Manish Shrivastava, Jerome D. Fast, Wenxuan Cheng, Xiuwen Guo, Ming Chu, Nan Ma, Juan Hong, Qiaoqiao Wang, Xiaohong Yao, and Huiwang Gao
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 23, 10713–10730, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-10713-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-10713-2023, 2023
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New particle formation is an important source of atmospheric particles, exerting critical influences on global climate. Numerical models are vital tools to understanding atmospheric particle evolution, which, however, suffer from large biases in simulating particle numbers. Here we improve the model chemical processes governing particle sizes and compositions. The improved model reveals substantial contributions of newly formed particles to climate through effects on cloud condensation nuclei.
Qi Yuan, Yuanyuan Wang, Yixin Chen, Siyao Yue, Jian Zhang, Yinxiao Zhang, Liang Xu, Wei Hu, Dantong Liu, Pingqing Fu, Huiwang Gao, and Weijun Li
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 23, 9385–9399, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-9385-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-9385-2023, 2023
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This study for the first time found large amounts of liquid–liquid phase separation particles with soot redistributing in organic coatings instead of sulfate cores in the eastern Tibetan Plateau atmosphere. The particle size and the ratio of the organic matter coating thickness to soot size are two of the major possible factors that likely affect the soot redistribution process. The soot redistribution process promoted the morphological compaction of soot particles.
Manoj Joshi, Robert A. Hall, David P. Stevens, and Ed Hawkins
Earth Syst. Dynam., 14, 443–455, https://doi.org/10.5194/esd-14-443-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/esd-14-443-2023, 2023
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The 18.6-year lunar nodal cycle arises from variations in the angle of the Moon's orbital plane and affects ocean tides. In this work we use a climate model to examine the effect of this cycle on the ocean, surface, and atmosphere. The timing of anomalies is consistent with the so-called slowdown in global warming and has implications for when global temperatures will exceed 1.5 ℃ above pre-industrial levels. Regional anomalies have implications for seasonal climate areas such as Europe.
Yu Lin, Leiming Zhang, Qinchu Fan, He Meng, Yang Gao, Huiwang Gao, and Xiaohong Yao
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 22, 16073–16090, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-16073-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-16073-2022, 2022
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In this study, we analyzed 7-year (from May 2014 to April 2021) concentration data of six criteria air pollutants (PM2.5, PM10, O3, NO2, CO and SO2) as well as the sum of NO2 and O3 in six cities in South China. Three different analysis methods were used to identify emission-driven interannual variations and perturbations from varying weather conditions. In addition, a self-developed method was further introduced to constrain analysis uncertainties.
Yixi Zheng, David P. Stevens, Karen J. Heywood, Benjamin G. M. Webber, and Bastien Y. Queste
The Cryosphere, 16, 3005–3019, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-16-3005-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-16-3005-2022, 2022
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New observations reveal the Thwaites gyre in a habitually ice-covered region in the Amundsen Sea for the first time. This gyre rotates anticlockwise, despite the wind here favouring clockwise gyres like the Pine Island Bay gyre – the only other ocean gyre reported in the Amundsen Sea. We use an ocean model to suggest that sea ice alters the wind stress felt by the ocean and hence determines the gyre direction and strength. These processes may also be applied to other gyres in polar oceans.
Yating Gao, Dihui Chen, Yanjie Shen, Yang Gao, Huiwang Gao, and Xiaohong Yao
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 22, 1515–1528, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-1515-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-1515-2022, 2022
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This study focuses on spatiotemporal heterogeneity of observed gaseous amines, NH3, their particulate counterparts in PM2.5 over different sea zones, and the disproportional release of alkaline gases and corresponding particulate counterparts from seawater in the sea zones in terms of different extents of enrichment of TMAH+ and DMAH+ in the sea surface microlayer (SML). A novel hypothesis is delivered.
Liang Xu, Xiaohuan Liu, Huiwang Gao, Xiaohong Yao, Daizhou Zhang, Lei Bi, Lei Liu, Jian Zhang, Yinxiao Zhang, Yuanyuan Wang, Qi Yuan, and Weijun Li
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 21, 17715–17726, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-17715-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-17715-2021, 2021
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We quantified different types of marine aerosols and explored the Cl depletion of sea salt aerosol (SSA) in the eastern China seas and the northwestern Pacific Ocean. We found that anthropogenic acidic gases in the troposphere were transported longer distances compared to the anthropogenic aerosols and could significantly impact remote marine aerosols. Meanwhile, variations of chloride depletion in SSA can serve as a potential indicator for anthropogenic gaseous pollutants in remote marine air.
Helen E. Phillips, Amit Tandon, Ryo Furue, Raleigh Hood, Caroline C. Ummenhofer, Jessica A. Benthuysen, Viviane Menezes, Shijian Hu, Ben Webber, Alejandra Sanchez-Franks, Deepak Cherian, Emily Shroyer, Ming Feng, Hemantha Wijesekera, Abhisek Chatterjee, Lisan Yu, Juliet Hermes, Raghu Murtugudde, Tomoki Tozuka, Danielle Su, Arvind Singh, Luca Centurioni, Satya Prakash, and Jerry Wiggert
Ocean Sci., 17, 1677–1751, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-17-1677-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-17-1677-2021, 2021
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Over the past decade, understanding of the Indian Ocean has progressed through new observations and advances in theory and models of the oceanic and atmospheric circulation. This review brings together new understanding of the ocean–atmosphere system in the Indian Ocean, describing Indian Ocean circulation patterns, air–sea interactions, climate variability, and the critical role of the Indian Ocean as a clearing house for anthropogenic heat.
Dihui Chen, Yanjie Shen, Juntao Wang, Yang Gao, Huiwang Gao, and Xiaohong Yao
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 21, 16413–16425, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-16413-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-16413-2021, 2021
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The study provides solid evidence to demonstrate that atmospheric trimethylamine (TMAgas) and particulate trimethylaminium in PM2.5 (TMAH+) observed in marine atmospheres were uniquely derived from seawater emissions. As sea-derived TMAgas correlated significantly with DMAgas and NH3gas, sea-derived DMAgas and NH3gas can be estimated and can quantify the contribution to the observed species in the marine atmosphere. Similarly, the contributions of primary DMAH+ have also been estimated.
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Short summary
The North Pacific oligotrophic ocean gyre (NPOG), with low phytoplankton biomass, covers about 40 % of the North Pacific. The variations in NPOG seasonal cycle, which have a greater impact than its annual mean changes, are influenced by the El Niño-Southern Oscillation from 1998 to 2021. However, from 2021 to 2100, a weakened NPOG seasonal cycle is expected due to climate change. These changes in NPOG seasonal cycle could affect fisheries and marine ecosystems.
The North Pacific oligotrophic ocean gyre (NPOG), with low phytoplankton biomass, covers about...
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