Dynamics of pH at Santa Catalina Island

Abstract

The local expression of ocean acidification may depend on local oceanographic features in addition to global forcings. Our objective is to provide a baseline of pH behavior at Santa Catalina Island, situated within the unique oceanographic characteristics of the Southern California Bight, and to gain insight into ocean acidification at the island. Measurements of the upper water column (to 30-m depth) of pH, temperature, conductivity, chlorophyll and dissolved oxygen at Santa Catalina were made from a fixed mooring and by profiling the water column from a boat and on Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus (SCUBA). The average pH (8.095 at 18-m depth) was found to be higher than that reported off the nearby mainland and the Northern Channel Islands. The higher value is thought to result from both downwelling produced by internal waves as well as less upwelling at the island compared to other locations. Large modulations in pH at depth corresponded to advection of gradients by internal waves. Within the accuracy of the sensors there was no seasonal dependence detected at near-surface, nor a pH signal associated with the sub-surface chlorophyll and oxygen maxima. We conclude that marine life living at depths affected by internal waves experience significant variation in pH.