Investigating climatic and local factors influencing water quality in the Salish Sea

Stony Brook University

Every marine ecosystem has physical water properties. These properties determine the structure of the marine system. However, local factors (upwelling and river flow) and climatic factors (El Niño Southern Oscillation and Pacific Decadal Oscillation) can alter these properties, thereby affecting the system. My research focused on investigating the water properties of the Salish Sea. Working with Dr. Jude Apple, I researched how local and climatic factors could influence the salinity, temperature and nutrient concentration of the region.