Unit 2 - MAB Case Study

Question 1

What are some key features of the Mid Atlantic Bight?

Answer 1

Gulf Stream, Labrador Current, Shelf Break Front, Cold Pool, and Warm Core Rings.

Question 2

What is discussed regarding seasonal cycles in the lecture?

Answer 2

The lecture discusses seasonal cycle stratification, including temperature and salinity evolution.

Question 3

What is a Cold Pool?

Answer 3

A Cold Pool is a region of cold water, identified by a nominal 10 °C isotherm, that experiences seasonal variations.

Question 4

What relationship does Sullivan et al. (2005) identify involving Yellowtail flounder?

Answer 4

They relate Yellowtail flounder abundance to colder bottom temperatures.

Question 5

What effects do atmospheric forces have on the Cold Pool?

Answer 5

Atmospheric forcing is related to changes in the MAB Cold Pool

Question 6

What can increase productivity in the Mid Atlantic Bight?

Answer 6

Upwelling

Question 7

What is noted about Warm Core Rings?

Answer 7

Warm Core Rings are observed to have spatial seasonal patterns related to Gulf Stream activity.

Question 8

How does the Cold Pool evolve seasonally?

Answer 8

The Cold Pool evolves with varying temperatures and density, influenced by seasonal cycles.

Question 9

What is the purpose of repeat glider transects?

Answer 9

utilized to observe changes in density distribution.

Question 10

What do upwelling processes lead to according to the lecture?

Answer 10

Upwelling processes lead to increased biological productivity in the region.

Question 11

What is indicated about the interannual variability of Cold Pool features?

Answer 11

There are strong and weak Cold Pool years that affect ecological dynamics.

Question 12

How does seasonal stratification affect the Mid Atlantic Bight?

Answer 12

Seasonal stratification influences temperature, salinity, and the ecological processes present in the region.

Question 13

What seasonal patterns are observed with Warm Core Rings?

Answer 13

There are specific spatial seasonal patterns associated with the presence of Warm Core Rings.

Question 14

What aspect of temperature evolution is considered in the lecture?

Answer 14

Seasonal temperature evolution is considered important for understanding the region’s ecology.

Question 15

What role do plumes play in the Mid Atlantic Bight?

Answer 15

Plumes introduce warm, fresh water and can influence local marine conditions.

Question 16

What does the Cold Pool affect in terms of marine biology?

Answer 16

The Cold Pool affects species distribution, such as the Yellowtail flounder.

Question 17

How is recruitment related to biological data in Sullivan et al. (2005)?

Answer 17

Recruitment is linked to temperature conditions that affect Yellowtail flounder populations.

Question 18

What does the term “subseasonal dynamics” refer to?

Answer 18

short-term changes in marine conditions, including upwelling and cold pools.

Question 19

What is essential to understand regional-scale features in oceanography?

Answer 19

A variety of observations are necessary to understand regional-scale features.

Question 20

What kind of changes are associated with seasonal dynamics?

Answer 20

dominant physical changes associated with seasonal shifts in the region.

Question 21

What is an important consideration for ecological research in the Mid Atlantic Bight?

Answer 21

It is important to consider the interactions between temperature, salinity, and biological communities.

Question 22

How does the Gulf Stream influence local marine ecosystems?

Answer 22

The Gulf Stream impacts temperature, nutrient distribution, and biological productivity.

Question 23

What are some challenges noted in understanding oceanic processes?

Answer 23

The need for diverse observations to capture complex dynamics is a noted challenge.