Trends of chlorophyll concentration in the surface layer of the northern and central atlantic, a satellite data-based study Original Research Article

The new data on anomalies in seasonal dynamics of chlorophyll concentration in the ocean have altered the approach to the analysis of long-term trends of phytopigments in the surface layer of the ocean. Zones have been found in which at various times there was a many-fold increase in chlorophyll concentration versus its usual level. These changes are local in time and space. If anomalies in the long-term tendencies in the change of phytopigment surface distribution in the ocean are ignored in the analysis, the resulting picture will inadequately reflect the real processes. The work presents the results of the analysis of long-term trends of chlorophyll concentration on the basis of the CZCS satellite data in the Atlantic Ocean. The results are given as maps representing different variants of trends. The data obtained can be used to analyze the consequences of long-term changes of climate and changes in the interaction between the atmosphere and the ocean.