Satellite-Based Characterization of Phytoplankton Blooms in Coastal Waters of the Northwestern Bay of Bengal
2022
Srichandan, Suchismita | Baliarsingh, Sanjiba K. | Samanta, Alakes | Jena, Amit K. | Lotliker, Aneesh Anandrao | Nair, T. M Balakrishnan | Barik, Kamal K. | Acharyya, Tamoghna
Phytoplankton blooms are frequent in the coastal waters of the northwestern Bay of Bengal (BoB), with diatom blooms being the most common. For the first time, this study investigated the long-term trend in ocean color satellite-retrieved diatom distribution in coastal waters of the northwestern BoB. A retrospective analogy of phytoplankton bloom events corroborated with earlier in situ observations. The temporal distribution of diatom revealed a bimodal annual trend with peaks during the pre- and post-southwest monsoon periods. This pattern could be attributed to the enhanced degree of phytoplankton growth-promoting nutrient availability along with favorable environmental conditions during both pre- and post-monsoon periods. Diatom distribution indicated a more extensive spatial spread during the post-southwest monsoon. The present study also substantiated diatom availability as a conducive factor for the bloom of heterotrophic Noctiluca scintillans and exudation by Trichodesmium as an excellent source of nutrients for diatom growth. This study suggests developing phytoplankton species-specific satellite retrieval algorithms and ocean color sensors of higher spatiotemporal efficiency, to gain a deeper understanding of the effect of blooms on ecosystem functioning.
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