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Title: Climate warming and the decline of zooplankton in the California current

Journal Article · · Science
;  [1]
  1. Univ. of California, San Diego, CA (United States)

Since 1951, the biomass of macrozooplankton in waters off southern California has decreased by 80 percent. During the same period, the surface layer warmed-by more than 1.5{degrees}C in some places-and the temperature differences across the thermocline increased. Increased stratification resulted in less lifting of the thermocline by wind-driven upwelling. A shallower source of upwelled waters provided less inorganic nutrient for new biological production and hence supported a smaller zooplankton population. Continued warming could lead to further decline of zooplankton. 10 refs., 5 figs.

Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
OSTI ID:
70305
Journal Information:
Science, Vol. 267, Issue 5202; Other Information: PBD: 3 Mar 1995
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English