| The Columbia River brings buoyant fresh water to the coast, along with dissolved silicate and iron, crucial to phytoplankton growth. RISE is a group of 12 scientists from different ocean disciplines: biology, chemistry, and physics, working together to explore how the river plume modifies biological productivity along the Washington and Oregon continental shelves. We had four major research cruises in 2004-2006, each using two vessels and lasting over three weeks. We collected simultaneous measurements of water chemistry, phytoplankton growth and grazing rates, zooplankton populations, water currents, and turbulent mixing. These are being combined with data from satellites, radar, and moorings, as well as detailed numerical simulations, to develop a deeper understanding of this important ecosystem. (Pt. Sur photo Aaron Raciot) |
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