The pelagic ecosystem
Large offshore wind farms where early on suggested to have an impact on upper ocean circulation through changes in the Ekman transport of water caused by the windfarms lee effect relative to surrounding wind speeds. The turbine foundation structures will also cause increased mixing through turbulence from water moving through the wind farm in e.g. tidal currents.
This upper ocean mixing may provide micro algae with more nutrients and hence increase the primary production. But stratification, nutrient status and other factors limiting primary production is different for different seas and times of the year, and the effects are not yet fully understood.
Learning outcome.
After having watched this video, you should know:
- OWE can reduce upper ocean stratification by increased mixing
- There are two processes: The lee effect and increased turbulence
- This can lead to increased primary productivity
- The effects are most likely very site specific due to the natural state of stratification and nutrient levels (eg big difference between the Baltic Sea and the North Sea
Suggested literature
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