Ocean–Atmosphere interaction responses to marine heatwaves

Ocean–atmosphere interaction is defined as the exchange of energy at the interface of the ocean and atmosphere. The ocean surface energy, which is largely related to Sea Surface Temperature (SST), determines the stability of the lower atmosphere and ocean surface ecosystems and mechanisms. Marine Heat Waves (MHWs) are characterized by Sea Surface Temperature hotspots, which are practically linked to increases in air temperature. This strongly influences phytoplankton production, causes the appearance of specific phytoplankton blooms, and indirectly impacts the marine food web. In this work, we used Sea Surface Temperature of MODIS remote sensing data and their equivalent daily Ocean Color MODIS remote sensing data for over 20 years in the Algerian Basin (South-Western Mediterranean Sea). Mainly, we found the location of Marine Heat Waves specific to the Algerian Basin. However, the Marine Heat Waves generate specific phytoplankton blooms in coastal areas which are highly related to seasonality (regional climate). For example, some phytoplankton species bloomed after days of increased sea surface temperature. Moreover, the days on which these specific phytoplanktonic blooms (such as the coccolithophore bloom) appeared are sometimes followed by rainy days because of the chemical composition of phytoplankton species (coccolithophore species live on the ocean surface and have limestone shells).