Enhanced chlorophyll associated with tropical instability waves in the equatorial Pacific

High resolution mooring time series are used to quantify significant chloro phyll anomalies associated with tropical instability waves (TIWs) in the eq uatorial Pacific. Distinct peaks characterized by very high chlorophyll (up to 3.5 mg m(-3)) are observed in association with TIW cold cusps. These hi gh-chlorophyll peaks appear to differ with respect to scale and intensity f rom those previously observed at subductive fronts. The physical processes responsible for the observed chlorophyll distributions are not mutually exc lusive, and include advection, horizontal mixing; enhanced upwelling and co ncentration of biomass at fronts. Given the potentially large spatial exten t of these high chlorophyll bands, their importance as regions of increased productivity and CO2 uptake is discussed.