Climate variability and silicoflagellate fluxes in Alfonso Basin (southern Gulf of California)

• DOI: 10.1515/bot-2012-0101
• Publication Date: 2012-04-12T00:14:02Z
• Authors: Aída Martínez-López; Irela G. Álvarez-...; Reginaldo Durazo
• Keywords: Subarctic climate

Abstract We conducted a study from January 2002 to February 2008 on silicoflagellate fluxes in Alfonso Basin at the entrance Gulf of California. Thirteen taxa were identified sediment trap samples, with Octactis pulchra as dominant species. Total flux climatology reached maximum value 5×10 6 skeletons m -2 day -1 December and then sharply decreased minimum (2.3×10 3 ) concurrently climatological sea surface temperature (SST) minimum. Subsequently, there was positive trend second relative 1.6×10 September coincident SST. During this period, similar increase 1.4×10 May. Factor analysis three patterns variation: “subtropical oceanic,” “subarctic,” “equatorial El Niño.” Factors had reasonable correlations Pacific decadal oscillation (PDO), North Gyre (NPGO), Niño Modoki indices (r=0.53, 0.67, 0.63, respectively). The first modes apparently linked climatic conditions correlated PDO NPGO, suggested by species Dictyocha messanensis forma assemblage D. epiodon Distephanus speculum , respectively; third mode related presence warm equatorial-oceanic waters spinosa which defines influence. These results demonstrate importance region where is confluence low-frequency, high-latitude PDO, high-frequency signals.