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Multiple trophic levels fueled by recirculation in the Columbia River plume

TitleMultiple trophic levels fueled by recirculation in the Columbia River plume
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2010
AuthorsKudela RM, Horner-Devine AR, Banas NS, Hickey BM, Peterson TD, McCabe RM, Lessard EJ, Frame E, Bruland KW, Jay DA, Peterson JO, Peterson WT, Kosro MP, Palacios SL, Lohan MC, Dever EP
Journal TitleGeophysical Research Letters
Keywordscoastal margins, Columbia River, recirculation
Abstract

Large rivers represent gateways for the transport of terrigenous and anthropogenic material to the coastal ocean. Here we document a ~700 km2 recirculation or bulge associated with the Columbia River plume that retains recently discharged river water sufficiently to create a regional bioreactor. Fueled by a river nitrate source, this feature stimulated growth across three trophic levels and may buffer this gateway system during periods of increased warming and stratification that lead to decreased ocean productivity, potentially enhancing production at multiple trophic levels and enriching surface waters far from the river mouth.

URLhttp://www.agu.org/pubs/crossref/2010/2010GL044342.shtml
DOI10.1029/2010GL044342