Synthesis of Observations and Real Time Views of Pacific Anomalies from the NANOOS Region

Jan Newton1,2, John Mickett3, Allan Devol4, Michael Kosro5, Joseph A Needoba6, Craig M Risien5 and Jonathan C Allan7, (1)University of Washington, (2)Northwest Association of Networked Ocean Observing Systems, Seattle, WA, United States, (3)University of Washington, Applied Physics Laboratory, Seattle, WA, United States, (4)University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States, (5)Oregon State University, College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences, Corvallis, OR, United States, (6)Oregon Health & Science University, Institute of Environmental Health, Beaverton, OR, United States, (7)Oregon Dept of Geology, Newport, OR, United States
Abstract:
The Pacific warm anomaly started affecting Pacific Northwest coastal water properties in early 2014, with sea surface temperatures elevated by ~3 C observed at NOAA NDBC buoys offshore Washington and Oregon. To track these conditions, we use the U.S. IOOS regional association NANOOS (Northwest Association of Networked Ocean Observing Systems; www.nanoos.org) “Climatology” application, with views of various anomalies (including temperature, chlorophyll, sea level, oxygen, salinity) from several federal and non-federal observing assets (including satellites, buoys, moorings). From this on-line web-based application we can follow the still unfolding evolution of the influence of the so-called “blob” on the region. Coastal upwelling held the anomalously warm conditions offshore during 2014 until downwelling began in September. The shift in wind forcing and coastal dynamics was abrupt, with warming by as much as 4 C recorded at buoys offshore Newport OR and La Push WA. The anomalously warm waters penetrated to over 60 m at La Push. The appearance of blob-influenced waters at the coast had significant influence on estuaries, such as the Columbia River and Puget Sound, affecting temperature, salinity, density-driven flushing, and hypoxia. Temperature anomalies were as high as 7 C; salinity anomalies also were observed. As 2015 progressed, extreme hypoxia developed in Hood Canal, and oxygen was 2 mg/L less than typical in other parts of Puget Sound. Coastal upwelling began in May, and was particularly strong in June, with colder than average surface water temperatures. During July and August upwelling continued yet surface water temperatures were above average. Salinity anomalies in Puget Sound shifted from fresher to saltier, compounded by regional drought conditions. As of September 2015, the offshore, coastal and estuarine waters are all warmer than average. How the El Niño and the blob continue to influence these locations and ecosystem responses will be discussed.
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