Lagrangian Coherent Structures (LCS) and the dispersion of algal bloom in the Yellow and East China SeaTrajectory

Abstract

Patches of green macroalgae Ulva prolifera were observed in offshore waters of the Yellow Sea (YS) and East China Sea (ECS) (Hu et al., 2010 Lee et al., 2011). During the summer 2011, estimations from the Geostationary Ocean Color Imager (GOCI) image analysis showed the recurrent massive floating green algae in the central part of YS/ECS (Son et al., 2012). This study will utilize the Lagrangian Coherent Structures (LCSs) analysis to demonstrate the dispersion pattern of algal bloom patches. Analyzing LCSs such as stable and unstable manifolds is one of emerging technologies for characterizing Lagrangian pathways in aquatic environments. This approach is based on the assumption that unstable manifolds such as ridges (i.e., high values) in the finite-time Lyapunov exponent (FTLE) fields coincide with material transport barriers.GOCI) image analysis showed the recurrent massive floating green algae in the central part of YS/ECS (Son et al., 2012). This study will utilize the Lagrangian Coherent Structures (LCSs) analysis to demonstrate the dispersion pattern of algal bloom patches. Analyzing LCSs such as stable and unstable manifolds is one of emerging technologies for characterizing Lagrangian pathways in aquatic environments. This approach is based on the assumption that unstable manifolds such as ridges (i.e., high values) in the finite-time Lyapunov exponent (FTLE) fields coincide with material transport barriers.