Interannual variability of satellite-derived chlorophyll a in autumn in the Taiwan Strait

We extracted the chlorophyll α concentration (Chl) and sea surface temperature (SST) data in 2002-2010 from MODIS/Aqua to examine the interannual variability of Chl in autumn monsoon transitional period in the Taiwan Strait (TWS). The results showed that the whole TWS had the lowest chl concentration in autumn 2010 and the highest in autumn 2004. The nutrient-rich Zhejiang and Fujiang coastal waters has high negative relationship with the northeast wind stress (r = -0.76), and its intensity and intrusion area could alter the pattern of chl distribution in the TWS on the interannual time scale. The front between different water masses was another important physical factor affecting the chl concentration in autumn. Furthermore, the strongest northeast wind, lowest SST and high Chl concentration were observed in 2007 autumn, which were considered to be related to the 2007-2008 La Nina event.