Physical and Biogeochemical Phenology of Coastal Upwelling in the California Current System

AbstractIn the California Current System (CCS), changes in the phenology (i.e., seasonal timing) of coastal upwelling alter the functioning of this productive marine ecosystem. Recently developed coastal upwelling indices that account for upwelling strength and nutrient flux to the surface provide a more complete understanding of bottom‐up forcing in the region. Using these indices, we describe CCS upwelling phenological variability in vertical transport and nutrient flux. Physical and biogeochemical spring transitions generally co‐occur in winter or spring, followed by increased upwelling and nutrient flux. In the latter half of the year, upwelling continues but nutrient flux wanes as declining source nutrient concentrations limit the biological efficacy of coastal upwelling. Earlier spring transitions and higher season‐integrated upwelling intensity occur during strong La Niña events at all latitudes, driven largely by stronger alongshore wind stress. Understanding phenological changes in coastal upwelling is critical, as they could have significant ecosystem consequences.