Satellite observation and model simulation of upper ocean biophysical response to Super Typhoon Nakri

In this paper, we use multi-satellite remote sensing data and Regional Ocean Model System (ROMS) to examine the physical and biological responses to Typhoon Nakri during a period from 1 to 8 June 2008 in the western North Pacific. From satellite observations, we find remarkable surface cooling (∼5 °C) and distinct phytoplankton enhancement after Nakri passage. It is interesting to note that in contrast to the well-documented rightward bias of the surface cooling response, the maximum biological response to Nakri occurred on the left of the Nakri’s track rather than the right side, where the most distinct cooling response occurred. To reveal the dynamic mechanism for this unusual phenomenon, we have done numerical experiments with and without the influence of preexisting cyclonic circulation and previous typhoon. The results from simulations show that both the physical and biological responses to Nakri are greatly affected by the preexisting cyclonic circulations. The discrepancy between the locations of maximum physical and biological responses mainly results from the advanced uplift and current advection of nutrient fields by previous typhoon Rammasun, which passed through the area about two weeks before Nakri.