Coastal hypoxia response to the coupling of catastrophic flood, extreme marine heatwave and typhoon: a case study off the Changjiang River Estuary in summer 2020

Abstract

Massive bodies of low-oxygen bottom waters are found in coastal areas worldwide, which are detrimental to coastal ecosystems. In summer 2020, the response of coastal hypoxia to extreme weather events, including a catastrophic flooding, an extreme marine heatwave, and Typhoon Bavi, is investigated based on multiple satellite, four cruises, and mooring observations. The extensive fan-shaped hypoxia zone presents significant northward extension during July–September 2020, and is estimated as large as 13 000 km² with rather low oxygen minimum (0.42 mg/L) during its peak in 28–30 August. This severe hypoxia is attributed to the persistent strong stratification, which is indicated by flood-induced larger amount of riverine freshwater input and subsequent marine heatwave off the Changjiang River Estuary. Moreover, the Typhoon Bavi has limited effect on the marine heatwave and coastal hypoxia in summer 2020.