Impact of marine heatwaves on chlorophyll: a variability using Geostationary Ocean Color Imager (GOCI)

Using the world’s first ocean color sensor at a geostationary orbit (Geostationary Ocean Color Imager; GOCI), we examine the relationship between satellite-derived chlorophyll-a concentration and MH events over the East China Sea during recent summers from 2016 to 2018. MH events usually arise in July and August over the study domain. When compared with the average of three days before and after MH events, the chlorophyll-a concentration since MH event occurrence tends to decrease from GOCI satellite images. Previous studies mentioned that the increased sea surface temperature (SST) enhances the stratification in upper ocean surface layer. Strong stratification derives the weak upwelling and the limited supply of nutrients from the deep to surface. These preliminary results show a possibility of real-time application of the geostationary ocean color satellite images for an immediate change in marine ecosystem caused by the extreme ocean warming event.