Kuroshio Current: Physical, Biogeochemical, and Ecosystem Dynamics

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