Kuroshio Current: Physical, Biogeochemical, and Ecosystem Dynamics [Hardcover]

An interdisciplinary study of the Kuroshio nutrient stream?

The surface water of the Kuroshio, a western boundary current in the North Pacific Ocean, is nutrient-depleted and has relatively low primary productivity, yet abundant fish populations are supported in the region. This is called the Kuroshio Paradox.?

Kuroshio Current: Physical, Biogeochemical and Ecosystem Dynamics presents research from a multidisciplinary team that conducted observational and modeling studies to investigate this contradiction. This timely and important contribution to the ocean sciences literature provides a comprehensive analysis of the Kuroshio.?

Volume highlights include:?

• New insights into the role of the Kuroshio as a nutrient stream
• The first interdisciplinary examination of the Kuroshio Paradox
• Reflections on the influence of the Kuroshio on Japanese culture
• Research results on both the lower and higher trophic levels in the Kuroshio ecosystem
• Comparisons of nutrient dynamics in the Kuroshio and Gulf Stream
• Predictions of ecosystem responses to future climate variability

Contributors vii

Preface ix

Section I: Introduction

1 The Kuroshio: Its Recognition, Scientific Activities and Emerging Issues 3
Hiroaki Saito

2 The Research Advancements and Historical Episodes brought by the Kuroshio Flowing across Generations 13
Takeyoshi Nagai, Kazuyuki Otsuka, and Hiroshi Nakano

3 The Gulf Nutrient Stream 23
Josep L Pelegr?, Ignasi VallesCasanova, and Dorleta OrueEchevarr?a