Ocean physical and biogeochemical responses to the passage of Typhoon Meari in the East China Sea observed from Argo float and multiplatform satellites

Abstract

We elucidated ocean physical and biogeochemical responses to slow‐moving Typhoon Meari using a new method combining Argo float and satellite observations. Meari‐driven upwelling brought colder, nutrient‐rich deep water to the surface layer, causing sea surface cooling (3–6°C) and threefold enhancement of primary production (PP). Maximum surface cooling (and hence nutrient injection) and peak PP enhancement lagged Meari's passage by 1 and 3 days, respectively, implying that remarkable PP enhancement was attributed to new production (NP). This NP accounted for approximately 3.8% of annual carbon export in the East China Sea (ECS) outer shelf, suggesting that typhoon‐driven upwelling is important for biogeochemical processes in the ECS. Given the wide coverage of Argo float and satellite data, our new approach may prompt comparative studies in other basins and advance the understanding of the role of tropical cyclones in the global ocean biogeochemical cycle.