Assessing responses of phytoplankton to consecutive typhoons by combining Argo, remote sensing and numerical simulation data

Typhoons can affect various hydrodynamic processes, such as upwelling, vertical mixing, and entrainment, which in turn influence the growth redistribution of phytoplankton. In this study, responses phytoplankton to consecutive typhoons Barijat Mangkhut summer 2018 northern South China Sea (NSCS) were investigated through combining remote sensing, numerical simulation, Argo profile data. Variations physical biological properties induced by over study region observed. Regional chlorophyll-a (Chla) algorithms NSCS assessed order accurately quantify typhoon-induced variations Chla concentration decreased slightly interest after passage Barijiat while increased obviously Mangkhut. Satellite-derived ~63% on average typhoons. Responses size structure (PSS) further continental shelf deep ocean NSCS. For shelf, increment micro- nano-phytoplankton was about 1.5-fold high that pico-phytoplankton, compared with a 0.5-fold for ocean. This attested discrepant different classes It great significance expand our understanding ecological extreme phenomena. Our finding underscores potential sensing investigate variation PSS could be key assess carbon fluxes, primary production, fishing ground future.