Study on the Distribution of Surface Chlorophyll-aand Subsurface Chlorophyll Maximum in the Southeastern Yellow Sea According to the Typhoon Paths and Water Masses

Abstract

The influences of physiochemical processes on the distribution of surface chlorophyll-a(Chl-a) and subsurface chlorophyll maximum (SCM) were investigated in the southeastern Yellow Sea (YS) during summer in 2010-2013. The paths of typhoons from 2010 to 2012 were different, resulting in different patterns of surface Chl-aand the SCM layer. Surface Chl-aappeared in high concentrations at the coastal area in 2010 and 2012, and at all stations in 2011. The SCM layer descended in the central area in 2012 and rose in the coastal area in 2010, and lifted at all stations in 2011. The SCM layer was shallower from the open sea located at the Yellow Sea Cold Water to the coastal area due to tidal fronts and topographic properties. As a result, the distribution characteristics of Chl-aconcentration according to typhoon paths and water masses may affect the marine ecosystem in the YS.