Observed winter warming of the Chesapeake Bay estuary (1949-2002): implications for ecosystem management.

摘要: A large number of studies have documented 20th century climate variability and change at the global, hemispheric, regional levels. However, understanding implications for environmental management necessitates information level ecosystem. Historical monitoring data from Chesapeake Bay estuary were used to identify temporal patterns estuarine temperature anomalies in surface (≤1 m) subsurface (≥15 between 1949 2002. Data indicated a trend warming +0.16°C +0.21°C per decade, respectively, driven by during winter spring. These trends suggest since mid-20th approximately 0.8–1.1°C. Estuarine temperatures correlated well with other independent records sea air region lesser extent, northern hemisphere. Gross long-term was consistent North Atlantic associated prolonged positive Oscillation/Arctic Oscillation increased anthropogenic radiative forcing, although localized drivers likely are important as well. simple spatial analysis revealed strong seasonal latitudinal longitudinal gradients north–south gradient trends. Continued will ecosystem structure function attempts manage existing challenges such eutrophication benthic hypoxia. efforts must be cognizant effects various nonclimate operating over different scales.