Current Issue
2024 Vol. 43, No. 10
Display Method:
2024, 43(10): 1-2.
Abstract:
2024, 43(10): 1-15.
doi: 10.1007/s13131-024-2363-2
Abstract:
Forecasting of ocean currents is critical for both marine meteorological research and ocean engineering and construction. Timely and accurate forecasting of coastal current velocities offers a scientific foundation and decision support for multiple practices such as search and rescue, disaster avoidance and remediation, and offshore construction. This research established a framework to generate short-term surface current forecasts based on ensemble machine learning trained on high frequency radar observation. Results indicate that an ensemble algorithm that used random forests to filter forecasting features by weighting them, and then used the AdaBoost method to forecast can significantly reduce the model training time, while ensuring the model forecasting effectiveness, with great economic benefits. Model accuracy is a function of surface current variability and the forecasting horizon. In order to improve the forecasting capability and accuracy of the model, the model structure of the ensemble algorithm was optimized, and the random forest algorithm was used to dynamically select model features. The results show that the error variation of the optimized surface current forecasting model has a more regular error variation, and the importance of the features varies with the forecasting time-step. At ten-step ahead forecasting horizon the model reported root mean square error, mean absolute error, and correlation coefficient by 2.84 cm/s, 2.02 cm/s, and 0.96, respectively. The model error is affected by factors such as topography, boundaries, and geometric accuracy of the observation system. This paper demonstrates the potential of ensemble-based machine learning algorithm to improve forecasting of ocean currents.
Forecasting of ocean currents is critical for both marine meteorological research and ocean engineering and construction. Timely and accurate forecasting of coastal current velocities offers a scientific foundation and decision support for multiple practices such as search and rescue, disaster avoidance and remediation, and offshore construction. This research established a framework to generate short-term surface current forecasts based on ensemble machine learning trained on high frequency radar observation. Results indicate that an ensemble algorithm that used random forests to filter forecasting features by weighting them, and then used the AdaBoost method to forecast can significantly reduce the model training time, while ensuring the model forecasting effectiveness, with great economic benefits. Model accuracy is a function of surface current variability and the forecasting horizon. In order to improve the forecasting capability and accuracy of the model, the model structure of the ensemble algorithm was optimized, and the random forest algorithm was used to dynamically select model features. The results show that the error variation of the optimized surface current forecasting model has a more regular error variation, and the importance of the features varies with the forecasting time-step. At ten-step ahead forecasting horizon the model reported root mean square error, mean absolute error, and correlation coefficient by 2.84 cm/s, 2.02 cm/s, and 0.96, respectively. The model error is affected by factors such as topography, boundaries, and geometric accuracy of the observation system. This paper demonstrates the potential of ensemble-based machine learning algorithm to improve forecasting of ocean currents.
2024, 43(10): 16-32.
doi: 10.1007/s13131-024-2353-4
Abstract:
The element iron limitation is one of the crucial factors contributing to high nutrient low chlorophyll in the Southern Ocean (SO). Mixed layer dynamics regulate the availability of iron to phytoplankton. In this paper, we investigate the influence of surface iron supplementation triggered by the mixed layer depth (MLD) variation on chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) concentration in the SO on seasonal and interannual timescales. This analysis is based on the Biogeochemical Southern Ocean State Estimate for the period from 2013 to 2021. We provide a comprehensive and systematic mapping of the regions within the SO, where Chl-a is affected by iron input related to MLD deepening. The relationship between the MLD and the Chl-a varies with the latitude on the seasonal time scale. Both the MLD and sea ice melting affect the distribution of Chl-a. On the interannual scale, iron supply due to MLD deepening occurs primarily north of 60°S. Horizontal advection-induced entrainment enhances the surface iron input during the austral summer, which favors Chl-a increase. In addition to the MLD, the melting of sea ice and cooling of the sea surface can also alter iron input and subsequently affect Chl-a distribution in the austral summer. During the austral winter, entrainment can boost iron stocks, stimulating a subsequent spring increase of Chl-a in the SO. Furthermore, sea surface temperature declines during the austral winter, promoting an increased iron supply and creating favorable conditions for the subsequent spring Chl-a increase in the SO.
The element iron limitation is one of the crucial factors contributing to high nutrient low chlorophyll in the Southern Ocean (SO). Mixed layer dynamics regulate the availability of iron to phytoplankton. In this paper, we investigate the influence of surface iron supplementation triggered by the mixed layer depth (MLD) variation on chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) concentration in the SO on seasonal and interannual timescales. This analysis is based on the Biogeochemical Southern Ocean State Estimate for the period from 2013 to 2021. We provide a comprehensive and systematic mapping of the regions within the SO, where Chl-a is affected by iron input related to MLD deepening. The relationship between the MLD and the Chl-a varies with the latitude on the seasonal time scale. Both the MLD and sea ice melting affect the distribution of Chl-a. On the interannual scale, iron supply due to MLD deepening occurs primarily north of 60°S. Horizontal advection-induced entrainment enhances the surface iron input during the austral summer, which favors Chl-a increase. In addition to the MLD, the melting of sea ice and cooling of the sea surface can also alter iron input and subsequently affect Chl-a distribution in the austral summer. During the austral winter, entrainment can boost iron stocks, stimulating a subsequent spring increase of Chl-a in the SO. Furthermore, sea surface temperature declines during the austral winter, promoting an increased iron supply and creating favorable conditions for the subsequent spring Chl-a increase in the SO.
Observed features of stable surface seawater isotopes across the Pacific, Indian and Southern oceans
2024, 43(10): 33-39.
doi: 10.1007/s13131-024-2378-8
Abstract:
The marine hydrological process is still unclear due to scarce observations. Based on stable water isotopes in surface seawater along the 33rd Chinese National Antarctic Science Expedition from November 2016 to April 2017, this study explored the hydrological processes in the Pacific, Indian and Southern oceans. The results show that the Northwest Pacific (0°–26°N) is a region with strong evaporation (the δ18O-δD slope is 6.58), while the southern Indian Ocean is a region with strong precipitation (the δ18O-δD slope is 9.57). The influence of continental runoff and water mass mixing reduces the correlation between δ18O and salinity in the eastern Indian Ocean. The characteristics of the isotopes and hydrological parameters indicate that the Agulhas Front and sub-Tropical Convergence do not merge in the Antarctic–Indian Ocean region. The freezing of sea ice near the Antarctic continent decreases the δ18O and δD by 0.40‰ and 7.0‰, respectively, compared with those near 67°S. This study is helpful for understanding marine hydrological processes and promoting the understanding and research of the nature of ocean responses in the context of climate change.
The marine hydrological process is still unclear due to scarce observations. Based on stable water isotopes in surface seawater along the 33rd Chinese National Antarctic Science Expedition from November 2016 to April 2017, this study explored the hydrological processes in the Pacific, Indian and Southern oceans. The results show that the Northwest Pacific (0°–26°N) is a region with strong evaporation (the δ18O-δD slope is 6.58), while the southern Indian Ocean is a region with strong precipitation (the δ18O-δD slope is 9.57). The influence of continental runoff and water mass mixing reduces the correlation between δ18O and salinity in the eastern Indian Ocean. The characteristics of the isotopes and hydrological parameters indicate that the Agulhas Front and sub-Tropical Convergence do not merge in the Antarctic–Indian Ocean region. The freezing of sea ice near the Antarctic continent decreases the δ18O and δD by 0.40‰ and 7.0‰, respectively, compared with those near 67°S. This study is helpful for understanding marine hydrological processes and promoting the understanding and research of the nature of ocean responses in the context of climate change.
2024, 43(10): 40-47.
doi: 10.1007/s13131-024-2414-8
Abstract:
The Canada Basin is the largest basin in the Arctic Ocean. Its unique physical features have the highest concentration of nutrients being found in the subsurface layer, referred to as the subsurface nutrient maximum layer (SNM). Under climate change in the Arctic, the SNM is an essential material base for primary productivity. However, long-term trends of nutrient variations and dominant factors related to nutrient levels in the SNM are still unclear. In this study, we analyzed the SNM variations and main influencing factors of the Canada Basin based on the Global Ocean Data Analysis Project Version 2 between 1990 and 2015 and the Chinese Arctic Research Expedition between 2010 and 2016. We found that the nutrient concentrations in the SNM were relatively stable for decades [average concentrations of nitrate, phosphate, and silicate were (13.6 ± 2.4) μmol/L, (1.8 ± 0.2) μmol/L, and (31.5 ± 5.7) μmol/L, respectively]. Nutrient reservoirs were dominated by physical processes. Inflow and outflow water of the SNM contributed about 60.4% and −50.2% to the nutrient stocks, respectively, while particle deposition and remineralization in the Canada Basin contributed approximately one-third to the nutrient stocks. Nitrogen fixation and denitrification in the Canada Basin had no substantial impact on nutrient stocks. The overall stabilization of the SNM over the past few decades implied that the SNM would not substantially affect short term primary productivity. Understanding the long-term trends and dominant factors of reservoirs in the SNM will provide useful insights into the changing Canada Basin ecosystem.
The Canada Basin is the largest basin in the Arctic Ocean. Its unique physical features have the highest concentration of nutrients being found in the subsurface layer, referred to as the subsurface nutrient maximum layer (SNM). Under climate change in the Arctic, the SNM is an essential material base for primary productivity. However, long-term trends of nutrient variations and dominant factors related to nutrient levels in the SNM are still unclear. In this study, we analyzed the SNM variations and main influencing factors of the Canada Basin based on the Global Ocean Data Analysis Project Version 2 between 1990 and 2015 and the Chinese Arctic Research Expedition between 2010 and 2016. We found that the nutrient concentrations in the SNM were relatively stable for decades [average concentrations of nitrate, phosphate, and silicate were (13.6 ± 2.4) μmol/L, (1.8 ± 0.2) μmol/L, and (31.5 ± 5.7) μmol/L, respectively]. Nutrient reservoirs were dominated by physical processes. Inflow and outflow water of the SNM contributed about 60.4% and −50.2% to the nutrient stocks, respectively, while particle deposition and remineralization in the Canada Basin contributed approximately one-third to the nutrient stocks. Nitrogen fixation and denitrification in the Canada Basin had no substantial impact on nutrient stocks. The overall stabilization of the SNM over the past few decades implied that the SNM would not substantially affect short term primary productivity. Understanding the long-term trends and dominant factors of reservoirs in the SNM will provide useful insights into the changing Canada Basin ecosystem.
2024, 43(10): 48-62.
doi: 10.1007/s13131-024-2419-3
Abstract:
To understand the temporal and spatial variations in nutrient dynamics, as well as the potential cross-shelf transport of nutrients between the East China Sea (ECS) shelf and the northwestern Pacific Ocean, six field observations covering the ECS were conducted in spring, summer, and autumn in 2011 and 2013. Nutrient dynamics in the ECS and nutrient exchange between shelf water and the open ocean were examined. High concentrations of dissolved inorganic nutrients were detected in the nearshore surface layer and offshore bottom layer in different seasons, and the concentrations of dissolved inorganic nutrients in surface seawater were lower in summer and autumn than in spring. The concentrations of dissolved organic nutrients in Kuroshio surface water were slightly lower in summer than in spring, but the concentrations in Kuroshio subsurface water were slightly higher in summer than in spring. There were abundant nutrient reservoirs in the euphotic zone of the ECS, which explained the high primary productivity. The evaluation of cross-shelf transport indicated that nutrients from shelf water were transported out across the 200 m isobath through the surface layer with the density (σ) less than 23.0 kg/m3 in spring. The flux of dissolved inorganic nitrogen transported from the ECS shelf to the Northwest Pacific Ocean in spring was equivalent to 21% of the atmospheric nitrogen deposition in the Northwest Pacific Ocean. In summer, the onshore flux in the surface and bottom layers accounted for 80% of the total flux, and the transportation of nutrients along the surface layer to the continental shelf contributed to the nutrient storage and primary productivity of the euphotic zone in the ECS shelf in summer.
To understand the temporal and spatial variations in nutrient dynamics, as well as the potential cross-shelf transport of nutrients between the East China Sea (ECS) shelf and the northwestern Pacific Ocean, six field observations covering the ECS were conducted in spring, summer, and autumn in 2011 and 2013. Nutrient dynamics in the ECS and nutrient exchange between shelf water and the open ocean were examined. High concentrations of dissolved inorganic nutrients were detected in the nearshore surface layer and offshore bottom layer in different seasons, and the concentrations of dissolved inorganic nutrients in surface seawater were lower in summer and autumn than in spring. The concentrations of dissolved organic nutrients in Kuroshio surface water were slightly lower in summer than in spring, but the concentrations in Kuroshio subsurface water were slightly higher in summer than in spring. There were abundant nutrient reservoirs in the euphotic zone of the ECS, which explained the high primary productivity. The evaluation of cross-shelf transport indicated that nutrients from shelf water were transported out across the 200 m isobath through the surface layer with the density (σ) less than 23.0 kg/m3 in spring. The flux of dissolved inorganic nitrogen transported from the ECS shelf to the Northwest Pacific Ocean in spring was equivalent to 21% of the atmospheric nitrogen deposition in the Northwest Pacific Ocean. In summer, the onshore flux in the surface and bottom layers accounted for 80% of the total flux, and the transportation of nutrients along the surface layer to the continental shelf contributed to the nutrient storage and primary productivity of the euphotic zone in the ECS shelf in summer.
2024, 43(10): 63-73.
doi: 10.1007/s13131-024-2412-x
Abstract:
Global carbon cycle has received extensive attention, among which the river-estuary system is one of the important links connecting the carbon cycle between land and ocean. In this paper, the distribution and control factors of particulate organic carbon (POC) were studied by using the data of organic carbon contents and its carbon isotopic composition (δ13C) in the mainstream and estuary of Passur River in the Sundarbans area, combined with the hydrological and biological data measured by CTD. The results show that POC content ranged from 0.263 mg/L to 9.292 mg/L, and the POC content in the river section (averaged 4.129 mg/L) was significantly higher than that in the estuary area (averaged 0.858 mg/L). Two distinct stages of POC transport from land to sea in the Sundarbans area were identified. The first stage occurred in the river section, where POC distribution was mainly controlled by the dynamic process of runoff and the organic carbon was mainly terrestrial source. The second stage occurred during estuarine mixing, where the POC distribution was mainly controlled by the mixing process of seawater and freshwater. The source of POC was predominantly marine and exhibiting vertical differences. The surface and middle layers were primarily influenced by marine sources, while the bottom layer was jointly controlled by terrestrial and marine sources of organic carbon. These findings are of great significance for understanding the carbon cycle in such a large mangrove ecosystem like the Sundarbans mangrove.
Global carbon cycle has received extensive attention, among which the river-estuary system is one of the important links connecting the carbon cycle between land and ocean. In this paper, the distribution and control factors of particulate organic carbon (POC) were studied by using the data of organic carbon contents and its carbon isotopic composition (δ13C) in the mainstream and estuary of Passur River in the Sundarbans area, combined with the hydrological and biological data measured by CTD. The results show that POC content ranged from 0.263 mg/L to 9.292 mg/L, and the POC content in the river section (averaged 4.129 mg/L) was significantly higher than that in the estuary area (averaged 0.858 mg/L). Two distinct stages of POC transport from land to sea in the Sundarbans area were identified. The first stage occurred in the river section, where POC distribution was mainly controlled by the dynamic process of runoff and the organic carbon was mainly terrestrial source. The second stage occurred during estuarine mixing, where the POC distribution was mainly controlled by the mixing process of seawater and freshwater. The source of POC was predominantly marine and exhibiting vertical differences. The surface and middle layers were primarily influenced by marine sources, while the bottom layer was jointly controlled by terrestrial and marine sources of organic carbon. These findings are of great significance for understanding the carbon cycle in such a large mangrove ecosystem like the Sundarbans mangrove.
2024, 43(10): 74-85.
doi: 10.1007/s13131-024-2418-4
Abstract:
Under global climate change, water flow and related nutrient biogeochemistry in the Arctic are changing at an unprecedented rate, and potentially affect nutrient cycling in the Arctic Ocean. However, nutrient fluxes via submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) are potentially important yet poorly understood in the Arctic. Here we quantified that nutrient fluxes through radium-derived SGD were three orders of magnitude higher than those from the local river and constituted 25%−96% of the total nutrient inputs into the Kongsfjorden. These large groundwater nutrient fluxes with high NIN/DIP molar ratio (average 99) may change the biomass and community structure of phytoplankton. Meanwhile, combining other SGD study cases around the Arctic region, SGD rates tend to increase over the past three decades, possibly on account of the effects of global warming. The SGD-derived nutrient may cause the increase of net primary productivity in the Arctic Ocean. The results will provide important basic data for land-ocean interactions in the typical fjord of the Arctic under the influence of global warming.
Under global climate change, water flow and related nutrient biogeochemistry in the Arctic are changing at an unprecedented rate, and potentially affect nutrient cycling in the Arctic Ocean. However, nutrient fluxes via submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) are potentially important yet poorly understood in the Arctic. Here we quantified that nutrient fluxes through radium-derived SGD were three orders of magnitude higher than those from the local river and constituted 25%−96% of the total nutrient inputs into the Kongsfjorden. These large groundwater nutrient fluxes with high NIN/DIP molar ratio (average 99) may change the biomass and community structure of phytoplankton. Meanwhile, combining other SGD study cases around the Arctic region, SGD rates tend to increase over the past three decades, possibly on account of the effects of global warming. The SGD-derived nutrient may cause the increase of net primary productivity in the Arctic Ocean. The results will provide important basic data for land-ocean interactions in the typical fjord of the Arctic under the influence of global warming.
2024, 43(10): 86-99.
doi: 10.1007/s13131-024-2385-9
Abstract:
Ny-Ålesund, located in Arctic Svalbard, is one of the most sensitive areas on Earth to global warming. In recent years, accelerated glacier ablation has become remarkable in Ny-Ålesund. Glacial meltwaters discharge a substantial quantity of materials to the ocean, affecting downstream ecosystems and adjacent oceans. In August 2015, various water samples were taken near Ny-Ålesund, including ice marginal meltwater, proglacial meltwater, supraglacial meltwater, englacial meltwater, and groundwater. Trace metals (Al, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb), major ions, alkalinity, pH, dissolved oxygen, water temperature and electric conductivity were also measured. Major ions were mainly controlled by chemical weathering intensity and reaction types, while trace metals were influenced by both chemical weathering and physicochemical control upon their mobility. Indeed, we found that Brøggerbreen was dominated by carbonate weathering via carbonation of carbonate, while Austre Lovénbreen and Pedersenbreen were dominated by sulfide oxidation coupled with carbonate dissolution with a doubled silicate weathering. The higher enrichment of trace metals in supraglacial meltwater compared to ice marginal and proglacial meltwater suggested anthropogenic pollution from atmospheric deposition. In ice marginal and proglacial meltwater, principal component analysis indicated that trace metals like Cr, Al, Co, Mn and Cd were correlated to chemical weathering. This implies that under accelerated glacier retreat, glacier-derived chemical components are subjected to future changes in weathering types and intensity.
Ny-Ålesund, located in Arctic Svalbard, is one of the most sensitive areas on Earth to global warming. In recent years, accelerated glacier ablation has become remarkable in Ny-Ålesund. Glacial meltwaters discharge a substantial quantity of materials to the ocean, affecting downstream ecosystems and adjacent oceans. In August 2015, various water samples were taken near Ny-Ålesund, including ice marginal meltwater, proglacial meltwater, supraglacial meltwater, englacial meltwater, and groundwater. Trace metals (Al, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb), major ions, alkalinity, pH, dissolved oxygen, water temperature and electric conductivity were also measured. Major ions were mainly controlled by chemical weathering intensity and reaction types, while trace metals were influenced by both chemical weathering and physicochemical control upon their mobility. Indeed, we found that Brøggerbreen was dominated by carbonate weathering via carbonation of carbonate, while Austre Lovénbreen and Pedersenbreen were dominated by sulfide oxidation coupled with carbonate dissolution with a doubled silicate weathering. The higher enrichment of trace metals in supraglacial meltwater compared to ice marginal and proglacial meltwater suggested anthropogenic pollution from atmospheric deposition. In ice marginal and proglacial meltwater, principal component analysis indicated that trace metals like Cr, Al, Co, Mn and Cd were correlated to chemical weathering. This implies that under accelerated glacier retreat, glacier-derived chemical components are subjected to future changes in weathering types and intensity.
2024, 43(10): 100-106.
doi: 10.1007/s13131-024-2413-9
Abstract:
The biogeochemical processes of marine sediments are influenced by bioturbation and organic carbon decomposition, which is crucial for understanding global element cycles and climate change. Two sediment cores were acquired in 2017 from abyssal basins in the central-eastern tropical Pacific to determine the bioturbation and organic carbon degradation processes. The radioactivity concentrations of 210Pb and 226Ra in the sediment cores were measured, indicating the presence of significant excess 210Pb (210Pbex) signals in the sediment cores. Besides, a manganese nodule was discovered in one core, which had a substantial influence on the distribution of 210Pbex. With the exception of this anomalous finding, the bioturbation coefficients in the remaining core were estimated to be 10.6 cm2/a using a steady-state diffusion model, greater than most of the deep-sea sediments from the equatorial eastern Pacific. By using a bio-diffusion model, we further calculated the degradation rates of organic carbon (8.02 ka−1), which is also higher than other areas of the Pacific. Our findings displayed the presence of a biologically active benthic ecosystem in the central-eastern tropical Pacific.
The biogeochemical processes of marine sediments are influenced by bioturbation and organic carbon decomposition, which is crucial for understanding global element cycles and climate change. Two sediment cores were acquired in 2017 from abyssal basins in the central-eastern tropical Pacific to determine the bioturbation and organic carbon degradation processes. The radioactivity concentrations of 210Pb and 226Ra in the sediment cores were measured, indicating the presence of significant excess 210Pb (210Pbex) signals in the sediment cores. Besides, a manganese nodule was discovered in one core, which had a substantial influence on the distribution of 210Pbex. With the exception of this anomalous finding, the bioturbation coefficients in the remaining core were estimated to be 10.6 cm2/a using a steady-state diffusion model, greater than most of the deep-sea sediments from the equatorial eastern Pacific. By using a bio-diffusion model, we further calculated the degradation rates of organic carbon (8.02 ka−1), which is also higher than other areas of the Pacific. Our findings displayed the presence of a biologically active benthic ecosystem in the central-eastern tropical Pacific.
2024, 43(10): 107-120.
doi: 10.1007/s13131-024-2305-z
Abstract:
Understanding the dynamics of phytoplankton communities in coastal zones is crucial for the management and conservation of coastal ecosystems. Previous research indicated that the phytoplankton community structure and dominant taxa in the Bohai Sea (BHS) have exhibited significant shifts from the 1990s to the early 2010s in response to environmental changes, especially the change in nutrient structure. This study comprehensively investigated the variations in net-collected phytoplankton (>76 μm) community structure, diversity, and environmental factors in the BHS during the late summers of 2011−2020, aiming to understand the recent trend in phytoplankton community structure and to explore the interactions between the communities and the environment. During the study period, the nutrient status in the BHS was characterized by a decrease in dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) concentration, an increase in dissolved inorganic phosphorus (DIP) concentration, and a return of the nitrogen-to-phosphorus (N/P) molar ratio (hereinafter referred to as N/P ratio) to the Redfield ratio since 2016. The eutrophication index (EI) in the BHS remained stable and was generally at a low level (<1). The Dia/Dino index fluctuated but did not show an obvious trend. Overall, the eutrophication, the imbalance in nutrient ratio, and the shift in phytoplankton community structure did not continue during the study period. The increased abundance of phytoplankton was strongly associated with elevated concentrations of DIN, as well as higher N/P and nitrogen-to-silicon (N/Si) ratios, whereas the greater diversity was strongly linked to higher concentrations of DIP. Diatoms and dinoflagellates showed significant differences in their interactions with the environment, and their relative dominance was related to water column depth and stratification intensity; their impacts on the phytoplankton community diversity were also significantly different. The variations of certain dominant species, i.e., Skeletonema costatum, Paralia sulcata, and Tripos longipes, exhibited strong links to the changes in nutrient structure in the BHS. The findings of this study contribute to understanding the regional environmental changes and provide insights into the adaptive strategies of coastal ecosystems in response to environmental shifts and fluctuations.
Understanding the dynamics of phytoplankton communities in coastal zones is crucial for the management and conservation of coastal ecosystems. Previous research indicated that the phytoplankton community structure and dominant taxa in the Bohai Sea (BHS) have exhibited significant shifts from the 1990s to the early 2010s in response to environmental changes, especially the change in nutrient structure. This study comprehensively investigated the variations in net-collected phytoplankton (>76 μm) community structure, diversity, and environmental factors in the BHS during the late summers of 2011−2020, aiming to understand the recent trend in phytoplankton community structure and to explore the interactions between the communities and the environment. During the study period, the nutrient status in the BHS was characterized by a decrease in dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) concentration, an increase in dissolved inorganic phosphorus (DIP) concentration, and a return of the nitrogen-to-phosphorus (N/P) molar ratio (hereinafter referred to as N/P ratio) to the Redfield ratio since 2016. The eutrophication index (EI) in the BHS remained stable and was generally at a low level (<1). The Dia/Dino index fluctuated but did not show an obvious trend. Overall, the eutrophication, the imbalance in nutrient ratio, and the shift in phytoplankton community structure did not continue during the study period. The increased abundance of phytoplankton was strongly associated with elevated concentrations of DIN, as well as higher N/P and nitrogen-to-silicon (N/Si) ratios, whereas the greater diversity was strongly linked to higher concentrations of DIP. Diatoms and dinoflagellates showed significant differences in their interactions with the environment, and their relative dominance was related to water column depth and stratification intensity; their impacts on the phytoplankton community diversity were also significantly different. The variations of certain dominant species, i.e., Skeletonema costatum, Paralia sulcata, and Tripos longipes, exhibited strong links to the changes in nutrient structure in the BHS. The findings of this study contribute to understanding the regional environmental changes and provide insights into the adaptive strategies of coastal ecosystems in response to environmental shifts and fluctuations.
