Seasonal variation in the behavior of tailing wastes in Buyat Bay, Indonesia

Seasonal variations in temperature, salinity, sigma-t and light transmittance were investigated in Buyat Bay, Indonesia, related to the dumping activity there. More than 2000 tons per day of tailings were disposed through a Submarine Tailing Disposal (STD) method at 82 m depth in Buyat Bay. An 80 m depth of the assumed pycnocline was not well confirmed. The seasonal variability of temperature, salinity and sigma-t showed the pycnocline of 40 m to 135 m at the deepest observation station (140 m) during 1997. Furthermore, the Mixed Layer Depth was in good agreement with the wind stress, and the wind stress affected the spreading of tailings there. The outlet of submarine tailing disposal must be below 135 m in Buyat Bay.     

A study of suspended sediment concentration in Yangshan deep-water port in Shanghai,China

Suspended sediment concentration (SSC) plays an important role in the estuarine environment.Its spatial or temporal variations in coastal zones and estuaries indicate that sediments are suspended,trans...     

Formation and Evolution of the Anaerobic Zone in the Black Sea from the Most Recent Salinization to the Present State: Retrospective Estimation Based on Mathematical Modeling

It is established that the formation and evolution of the anaerobic zone of the Black Sea are associated with the beginning and development of the most recent salinization of the sea and the formation of pycnocline at intermediate depths; a deterioration of deep-water aeration and the formation of anaerobic conditions in deeper layers; the rate of sulfate-reduction first in the near-bed layer and later, as oxygen is depleted, in the water mass. Formalization of these processes based on refined present-day data on water balance enabled the reproduction of profiles of water salinity and vertical-exchange coefficient for different formation stages of salinity regime in the Black Sea. The vertical distribution of oxygen and hydrogen sulfide is reconstructed, and the rates of oxygen consumption in water column and sulfate reduction in the near-bed layer and at the upper boundary of the anaerobic zone are evaluated in numerical experiments. The obtained data show the transformation of the vertical distribution of oxygen and hydrogen sulfide in the Black Sea from the beginning of its most recent salinization to the present-day state. It is shown that the anaerobic zone rises from 2000 to 200 m within 500–600 years (in the period 3.9–4.5 Ka from the beginning of water exchange through the Bosphorus), and next the upper boundary of the anaerobic zone slowly ascends up to its present-day position (130–180 m). Mathematical modeling was used to evaluate the fluxes of oxygen and hydrogen sulfide at different formation stages of the anaerobic zone in the sea.__________Translated from Vodnye Resursy, Vol. 32, No. 3, 2005, pp. 307–321.Original Russian Text Copyright © 2005 by Leonov, Shaporenko.     

Surge variations in water level in the Danube mouth

The regularities of surge-induced water level variations in the Danube mouth are considered. The recurrence of level rises and drops in the near-shore mouth zone is evaluated. The regularities of the propagation of surge-induced level variations into the delta and over the near-delta reach of the Danube are established. The magnitude of positive and negative surges in the delta and the extent of their propagation are shown to depend on the surge phenomena in the offshore zone and the Danube water discharge.Translated from Vodnye Resursy, Vol. 32, No. 1, 2005, pp. 35–47.Original Russian Text Copyright © 2005 by Isupova, Mikhailov, Morozov.     

Moisture budget variations in the Yangtze River Basin, China, and possible associations with large-scale circulation

We analyzed seasonal and annual variations of the whole layer atmospheric moisture budget and precipitation during 1961–2005 and their associations with large-scale circulation in the Yangtze River basin, China. The results indicated increasing moisture budget in summer and winter, but decreasing moisture budget in spring and autumn. Positive correlations between moisture budget and precipitation illustrate tremendous impacts the moisture budget has on the precipitation changes across the Yangtze River basin. In terms of seasonal variations, significant correlations were observed between precipitation and moisture budget in spring and autumn in the upper Yangtze River basin. Besides, we also analyzed changes of geopotential height. The positive trends of the geopotential height (850 hPa) were observed in the East Asia and the negative trends in the middle and west Pacific Ocean, indicating increasing geopotential height from south to north in east Asia which largely limited the moisture propagation to north China. While decreasing meridional geopotential height from west to east along the Yangtze River basin caused more moisture propagation from the west to the east parts of the study region, which may benefit more precipitation in the middle and lower Yangtze River basin.     

Detachment and infiltration variations as consequence of regolith development in a Pyrenean badland system

The Araguás experimental catchment has been monitored to study badland dynamics in the Central Pyrenees. Previous studies of weathering processes within the catchment reported strong regolith dynamics associated with seasonal variations in the temperature and moisture regimes. A preliminary analysis of hydrological response and suspended sediment transport data recorded at a gauging station also demonstrated seasonal trends. The main objective of the present study is to understand the effect of regolith dynamics on sediment detachment and infiltration processes, based on field studies using simulated rainfall. The experiment design was based on seasonal differences in the physical conditions of surface regolith and the general trends of hydro‐sedimentological responses. Rainfall simulations were conducted on small plots using a pressure nozzle. Similar experimental rainfall conditions were set for all plots (rainfall intensity around 45 mm h^–1). The results showed strong variations in the infiltration and detachment responses closely associated with the regolith conditions and crusting development. Infiltration showed seasonal differences in time lag and intensity: average infiltration rates ranged from very low (2·05 mm h^–1) to moderated high values (44·04 mm h^–1) associated to regolith development conditions. Maximum sediment concentration, as an indicator of particles produced by detachment, also ranged from moderate (3 g l^–1) to extreme values (145 g l^–1). Mean and minimum infiltration rates showed negative correlations with initial moisture content. Sediment concentration showed a positive correlation with time lag, ponding, and sealing time, and a negative correlation with initial moisture. In terms of seasonal trends, infiltration and erosion responses were relatively stable during spring and autumn, whereas wide variations were recorded in infiltration rates and sediment detachment during summer and winter. As a general conclusion, the obtained results indicate that seasonal differences in detachment and infiltration depend on the nature of regolith development. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Hydroclimate controls over seasonal sediment yield in two adjacent High Arctic watersheds

Interannual variations in seasonal sediment transfer in two High Arctic non‐glacial watersheds were evaluated through three summers of field observations (2003–2005). Total seasonal discharge, controlled by initial watershed snow water equivalence (SWE) was the most important factor in total seasonal suspended sediment transfer. Secondary factors included melt energy, snow distribution and sediment supply. The largest pre‐melt SWE of the three years studied (2004) generated the largest seasonal runoff and disproportionately greater suspended sediment yield than the other years. In contrast, 2003 and 2005 had similar SWE and total runoff, but reduced runoff intensity resulted in lower suspended sediment concentrations and lower total suspended sediment yield in 2005. Lower air temperatures at the beginning of the snowmelt period in 2003 prolonged the melt period and increased meltwater storage within the snowpack. Subsequently, peak discharge and instantaneous suspended sediment concentrations were more intense than in the otherwise warmer 2005 season. The results for this study will aid in model development for sediment yield estimation from cold regions and will contribute to the interpretation of paleoenvironmental records obtained from sedimentary deposits in lakes. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Dynamical structure and wind-driven upwelling in a summertime anticyclonic eddy within Funka Bay,Hokkaido, Japan

We conducted hydrographic observations in 2002 to investigate the anticyclonic eddy that emerges every summer in Funka Bay, Hokkaido, Japan, and elucidate dynamical structure and wind-driven upwelling within the eddy. The anticyclonic eddy has a vertical scale of 32 m and is characterized by a strong baroclinic flow and a sharp pycnocline with a concave isopycnal structure. The sharp pycnocline occurs below a warm and relatively low-salinity water termed summer Funka Bay water (FS), which is formed by heating from solar radiation and dilution from river discharge in summertime Funka Bay. Flow of the anticyclonic eddy rotates as a rigid body at each layer, and the horizontal scale and rotation period of the eddy in the surface layer are about 15 km and 2.2 days, respectively. The dynamical balance of the anticyclonic eddy is well explained by the gradient flow balance. The contribution of centrifugal force to the gradient flow balance is about 27%. Therefore, the effect of the nonlinear term associated with centrifugal force cannot be neglected in considering the dynamics of the anticyclonic eddy in summertime Funka Bay. In addition, upwelling of subsurface water was observed in the surface layer of the central part of the eddy. The formation mechanism of this upwelling is consistent with interaction between horizontal uniform wind and the eddy. This upwelling is driven by upward Ekman pumping velocity related to the horizontal divergence of Ekman transport. In summertime Funka Bay, there are two wind effects that affect the anticyclonic eddy: a decay effect of the upwelling of subsurface water resulting from horizontal uniform wind (mainly northwesterly wind), and a maintenance or spin-up effect of horizontal non-uniform wind (mainly southerly–southeasterly seasonal wind) with negative wind stress curl.     

An analysis of the seasonal variation of disturbance in georesistivity

Four types of disturbances in the seasonal variation in georesistivity are presented in the light of specific circumstances in China. As the results of theoretic calculation for the models and in comparison of the calculated results with the seasonal variations observed at 40 georesistivity stations, the following points are found: (1) The seasonal variation in georesistivity is caused by the change in resistivity of the surface layer, especially by the annual variation of phreatic level when the sounding depth is too shallow. This is one of the disturbances and thus has no relation to the origin of earthquake. The feature and amplitude of the seasonal variation depend on the types of disturbance models, geoelectric cross sections and sounding depth. (2) The seasonal variation in georesistivity usually has the same sign as that of the change in resistivity of shallow layer and thus the normal seasonal change appears. However, as far as the K or Q types of geoelectric cross sections are concerned, the abnormal seasonal variation in georesistivity starts to appear with a certain electrode spacing, when the interference layer is located in the first layer. (3) Both abnormal and normal seasonal variations in georesistivity will be smaller than 2% when the sounding depth is greater than 300 m. Therefore, the seasonal variations can be removed or restrained when the location of observation has been properly chosen or the electrode spacing is enlarged enough to obtain a sufficient sounding depth.     

Annual lamination and its sedimentary implications in the Yangtze River delta inferred from High-resolution biogenic silica and sensitive grain-size records

Annual sedimentary layers in core A from the Yangtze River (Changjiang) subaqueous delta were identified based on high-resolution biogenic silica (BSi) and grain-size records. The contents of BSi, the sediment grain-size and the sensitive grain-size fractions of <13.14 μm and 13.14-250 μm illustrated steady coincident fluctuations with the depth profile of core A. These fluctuations were inferred to reflect seasonal changes in physical and biological processes. For example, variations in the content of BSi likely represent changes in primary production in flood versus dry seasons. It in flood seasons was several times higher than that in dry seasons. The amounts of <13.14 and 13.14-250 μm fractions were complimentary to each other and co-varied with the BSi amount. Therefore, the BSi, grain-size and sensitive fractions can be used as proxies for the annual sedimentation. From 1992 to 2005, the estimated sedimentary rate based on the annual layer varied from 1.0 to 3.5  cm/a (mean of 2.07  cm/a), and these values varies with the annual sediment discharge from the Yangtze River to the sea. The significant seasonal variations in the water discharge, sediment load, ocean hydrodynamics and primary production, which are common in the area affected by the East Asian monsoon, are likely responsible for the formation of the annual sedimentary lamination.     

Seasonal and UT variations of the position of the auroral precipitation and polar cap boundaries

The data of the DMSP F7 spacecraft are used for studying the influence of the geomagnetic dipole tilt angle on the latitudinal position of auroral precipitation boundaries in the nighttime (2100–2400 MLT) and daytime (0900–1200 MLT) sectors. It is shown that, in the nighttime sector, the high-latitude zone of soft diffuse precipitation (SDP) and the boundary of the polar cap (PC) at all levels of geomagnetic activity are located at higher and lower latitudes relative to the equinox period in winter and summer, respectively. The position of boundaries of the diffuse auroral precipitation zone (DAZ) located equatorward from the auroral oval does not depend on the season. In the daytime sector, the inverse picture is observed: the SDP precipitation zone takes the most low-latitude and high-latitude positions in the winter and summer periods, respectively. The total value of the displacements from winter to summer of both the nighttime and daytime boundaries of the PC is ∼2.5°. A diurnal wave in the latitudinal position of the nighttime precipitation boundaries is detected. The wave is most pronounced in the periods of the winter and fall seasons, is much weaker in the spring period, and is almost absent in summer. The diurnal variations of the position of the boundaries are quasi-sinusoidal oscillations with the latitude maximum and minimum at 0300–0500 and 1700–2100 UT, respectively. The total value of the diurnal displacement of the boundaries is ∼2.5° of latitude. The results obtained show that, undergoing seasonal and diurnal variations, the polar cap is shifted as a whole in the direction opposite to the changes in the tilt angle of the geomagnetic dipole. The seasonal displacements of the polar cap and its diurnal variations in the winter period occur without any substantial changes in its area.     

Comparison of particulate matter distribution, in relation to hydrography, in the mesotrophic Skagerrak and the oligotrophic northeastern Aegean Sea

The seasonal vertical distribution of particulate matter (PM) was studied in two contrasting areas: (a) the mesotrophic Skagerrak (in the North Sea); and (b) the oligotrophic northeastern Aegean Sea (eastern Mediterranean). Similarities and differences of the PM distribution in the two areas are assessed with respect to the prevailing hydrographic conditions and the PM composition. Hydrographic conditions in both of the areas are characterised by strong density gradients, resulting from the inflow of low-salinity water, i.e. Baltic Sea water and Black Sea water for the Skagerrak and the northeastern Aegean Sea, respectively.Enhanced primary production and particles mainly of biogenic origin characterise the mesotrophic Skagerrak, whereas five-fold lower particle concentrations appeared in the oligotrophic Aegean Sea. The input of riverine particulates was limited in both of the areas. In the Skagerrak, the strong stratification resulted in particle accumulation on/above the pycnocline and the development of pronounced intermediate nepheloid layers (INLs). The pycnocline-related INLs were formed entirely by dinoflagellates. The pycnocline hindered the vertical movement and sinking rates of particles, thus favouring primary production. Particle horizontal advection along the density discontinuities was probably enhanced. This pattern was not observed in the stratified waters of the northeastern Aegean Sea, probably due to the very low particle concentrations and/or the fact that phytoplankton maxima appeared in deeper waters. Pronounced INLs were identified in the Skagerrak below the pycnocline; these are attributed to accumulated or advected dinoflagellate skeletal remains mixed with clay mineral particles. This was revealed only by means of SEM observations. X-ray diffraction analysis could not provide information on the type of phytoplankton present, because dinoflagellates form their skeletons from organic material. Frontal stations in the northeastern Aegean Sea exhibited pronounced vertical movement of particles towards the deeper waters. Benthic nepheloid layers (BNL) were observed in the Skagerrak; these were related to the resuspended fine-grained surface sediments. In the northeastern Aegean Sea, although near-bottom current velocities were sufficient to resuspend surface sediments, resuspension occurred only episodically. The BNLs here are related mostly to near-bottom phytoplankton growth.     

Interannual (1999-2005) morphodynamic evolution of macro-tidal salt marshes in Mont-Saint-Michel Bay (France)

This paper provides a detailed study on the sedimentation patterns and the recent morphodynamic evolution affecting the macro-tidal salt marshes located west of the Mont-Saint-Michel (France). Twenty-two stations along three transects on the marshes were seasonally monitored for marsh surface level variations from 1999 to 2005, using a sediment erosion bar. The corresponding erosion/accretion rates were obtained together with data on topography, vegetation cover, and grain size of surface sediment. To examine the mechanisms contributing to the salt marsh sedimentation, the data and their evolution were treated with respect to tides, relative mean regional sea level, and wind speed/frequency variations.From 1999 to 2005, the marsh was globally accreting (from 3.45 to 38.11 mm yr⁻¹ in the low marsh, up to 4.91 mm yr⁻¹ in the middle marsh, and up to 1.35 mm yr⁻¹ in the high marsh), while the study was conducted during a window of decreasing trend in mean regional sea level (−2.45 mm yr⁻¹ according to regional-averaged time series). These sedimentation rates are one of the highest recorded worldwide; however, the sedimentation was not found to be continuous over the period in question. This pattern is illustrated by the strong extension of the marshes from 1999 to 2002, and the relative stability observed from 2003 to 2005. The imported and reworked sediments are trapped and fixed by the dense vegetation (Puccinellia maritima, Halimione portulacoides), inducing the general seaward extension of the marshes. The processes governing sediment budget (accretion/erosion) show annual, seasonal, and spatial variability on the marsh. Spatial variations display contrasted patterns of erosion/sedimentation between the low, middle, and high marsh, and between the different transects. These patterns are a result of distance from sediment sources, strong heterogeneity in vegetation cover (human induced or not), and contrasting topographic and micro-topographic characteristics. The higher accretion rates are observed in distal settings in the low marsh, and strongly decrease toward the middle and high marsh. This evolution results from a decrease in accommodation space/water column thickness, and frequency of inundation coupled with an increase in station elevation, but also from the cumulated effects of vegetation cover and micro-topography. The vegetation cover of the low and middle marsh enhance the settling and fixing of fine sediments imported through tides or dispersed by flood and ebb currents.The seasonal evolution of the marshes is marked by contrasting effects of water storage in the sediment. The overall seasonal sediment budget is controlled by the variation of the frequency of inundation relative to tidal range and marshes topography. Autumns are influenced by the tide (equinoxes), relative mean regional sea level, and variations in wind speed/frequency. Winter wind speed and frequency in relation with tidal variations appear to be the main parameters regulating winter marsh evolution. Summers are predominantly under the influence of local variations in water storage (desiccation) while external parameters generally display a low influence. Although it is not governed by any one parameter, springtime sediment budget seems to result from strong interaction between the above-cited parameters, despite the significant frequency of inundation (equinoxes).     

Characterization of surface and ground water δ18O seasonal variation and its use for estimating groundwater residence times

¹⁸O is an ideal tracer for characterizing hydrological processes because it can be reliably measured in several watershed hydrological compartments. Here, we present multiyear isotopic data, i.e. ¹⁸O variations (δ¹⁸O), for precipitation inputs, surface water and groundwater in the Shingobee River Headwaters Area (SRHA), a well‐instrumented research catchment in north‐central Minnesota. SRHA surface waters exhibit δ¹⁸O seasonal variations similar to those of groundwaters, and seasonal δ¹⁸O variations plotted versus time fit seasonal sine functions. These seasonal δ¹⁸O variations were interpreted to estimate surface water and groundwater mean residence times (MRTs) at sampling locations near topographically closed‐basin lakes. MRT variations of about 1 to 16 years have been estimated over an area covering about 9 km² from the basin boundary to the most downgradient well. Estimated MRT error (±0·3 to ±0·7 years) is small for short MRTs and is much larger (±10 years) for a well with an MRT (16 years) near the limit of the method. Groundwater transit time estimates based on Darcy's law, tritium content, and the seasonal δ¹⁸O amplitude approach appear to be consistent within the limits of each method. The results from this study suggest that use of the δ¹⁸O seasonal variation method to determine MRTs can help assess groundwater recharge areas in small headwaters catchments. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Sedimentary profiles of Fe, Mn, V, Cr, As and Mo as indicators of benthic redox conditions in Baldeggersee

Concentration profiles of Mg, K, La, Fe, Mn, V, Cr, As and Mo were determined in samples from a freeze core taken at the deepest site of Baldeggersee in 1993. The special coring technique allowed an exact dating of the sediment samples and an annual resolution of the profiles. Long term changes in benthic redox conditions produce diagnostic trends in several metal profiles. Fe, As and Mn enrichments trace the onset of anoxia at the deepest site of the lake. High values of Mo concentrations and Cr/V ratios indicate periods of stable anoxic conditions in a meromictic hypolimnion. A comparison of oxygen time series with metal profiles between 1950 and 1990 indicates that Mn reacts sensitively to large seasonal variations of deep-water oxygen concentrations.     

Current changes in water resources in Lena River basin

The effect of climate on the present-day formation conditions of the regimes of annual and base runoff in Eastern Siberia rivers and changes in those regimes are studied. The significant climate warming in Eastern Siberia in recent decades is shown to be accompanied by not only an increase in air temperature and some increase in precipitation, but also by a considerable changes in the annual and seasonal values of river and groundwater runoff. Hydrometeorological data are used to analyze variations in the mean annual and mean base runoff over the entire observation period divided into subperiods of 1940–1969 and 1970–2005. Plots, diagrams, and tables are constructed for the most representative gauges. The zoning of the territory by the runoff formation conditions was carried out and new estimates were derived for total water resources and natural groundwater resources for 1970–2005 with the construction of maps in ArcMap program.     

Monitoring Mutagenic Pollution of Small Rivers

The importance of sampling frequency in the course of monitoring of mutagenic pollution of small rivers is shown, the Kotorosl River (a tributary of the Volga River) being taken as an example. In working out a sampling program, due consideration should be given for seasonal variations of the river hydrological regime and input of pollutants. Incorrect choice of sampling frequency may lead to one of the principal reasons for improper assessment of toxicogenetic situation. A water sampling program has been proposed for the Kotorosl River studies based on monitoring.__________Translated from Vodnye Resursy, Vol. 32, No. 3, 2005, pp. 347–351.Original Russian Text Copyright © 2005 by Fomicheva, Prokhorova.     

The equatorial undercurrent, meridional overturning circulation, and their roles in mass and heat exchanges during El Niño events in the tropical Pacific ocean

The equatorial undercurrent (EUC), the shallow meridional overturning cells feeding it, and their role in El Niño and decadal variability in the equatorial Pacific are studied using both in situ data and an ocean general circulation model. Using temperature and current data from the TAO/TRITON moorings at the equator, their data gaps are filled and it was shown that continuous time series of mass transport, temperature, depth, and kinetic energy of the EUC could be constructed for the period 1980–2002 with an excellent accuracy. This dataset was analysed and used to validate the output from an oceanic general circulation model (OGCM). The OGCM was then used to find that variations in the strength of the EUC, shallow meridional overturning (pycnocline convergence and surface divergence), and equatorial upwelling had the same variations in mass transport on interannual and longer time scales within the period 1951–1999. These variations are all caused by variations of the zonal wind stress zonally integrated, in agreement with simple linear and steady dynamics theories. Impact of these mass transport variations and of temperature variations on heat budgets in the entire equatorial band of the Pacific and in its eastern part are quantified.     

The trend,seasonal cycle,and sources of tropospheric NO<Subscript>2</Subscript> over China during 1997–2006 based on satellite measurement

The characteristics of spatial and temporal distribution of tropospheric NO2 column density concentration over China are presented, on the basis of measurements from the satellite instruments GOME and SCIAMACHY. From these observations, monthly averaged tropospheric NO2 variations are determined for the period of 1997 to 2006. The trend and seasonal cycle are also investigated. The possible source of tropospheric NO2 over megacity area is discussed in this paper. The results show a large growth of tropospheric NO2 over eastern China, especially above the industrial areas with a fast economical growth, such as, Yangtze Rive Delta region and Pearl River Delta region because of the prominent anthropogenic activity. There is a rapid increase of tropospheric NO2 over megacities in China. For instance, Shanghai had a linear significant increase in NO2 columns of ～20% per year (reference year 1997) in the period of 1997-2006, which is the rapidest increase among all the selected cities. The seasonal pattern of the NO2 concentration shows a difference between the east and west in China. In the eastern part of China, an expected winter maximum in seasonal cycle is found because of the prominent anthropogenic activity and meteorological conditions. In the western part this cycle shows a NO2 maximum in summer time, which is attributed to natural emissions, especially soil emissions and lightning. A quickly increasing vehicle population may contribute to the increase of tropospheric NO2 over megacities in China for the remarkable correlation for vehicle population with tropospheric NO2.     

Satellite-derived variability of the Aegean Sea ecohydrodynamics

Eight years of AVHRR-derived sea surface temperature (SST) and SeaWiFS-derived surface chlorophyll (Chl) data (1998–2005) are used to investigate key processes affecting the spatial and temporal variability of the two parameters in the Aegean Sea. Seasonal mean SST and Chl maps are constructed using daily data to study seasonal dynamics whereas empirical orthogonal function (EOF) and correlational analysis is applied to the 8-day composite SST and Chl anomaly time-series in order to study the variability and co-variability of the two parameters from subseasonal to interannual time-scales. The seasonal mean fields show that Black Sea cold and chlorophyll-rich waters enter through the Dardanelles Strait and they are accumulated in the north-eastern part of the Aegean Sea, steered by the Samothraki anticyclone. Large chlorophyll concentrations are encountered in the hydrological front off the Dardanelles Strait as well as in coastal areas affected by large riverine/anthropogenic nutrient loads. The SST seasonal mean patterns reveal strong cooling that is associated with upwelling along the eastern boundary of the basin during summer due to strong northerly winds, a process which is not present in the surface chlorophyll climatology. The Chl dataset presents much stronger sub-seasonal variability than SST, with large variations in the phase and strength of the phytoplankton seasonal cycles. EOF analysis of the anomaly time-series shows that SST non-seasonal variability is controlled by synoptic weather variations and anomalies in the north–south wind-stress component regulating the summer coastal upwelling regime. Mean SST and Chl patterns, and their associated variations, are not closely linked implying that Black Sea and riverine inputs mainly control the intra-annual and interannual variability of the surface chlorophyll in the Aegean Sea rather than mixing and/or upwelling processes.