Continental freshwater discharge influences sea surface salinity variability near world’s megadeltas

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Abstract
Sea surface salinity ( SSS ) is a key parameter in the thermohaline circulation of global oceans. Near the megadeltas, inland streamflow through large catchments plays a crucial role in mediating salinity. While some regional studies have investigated how SSS is impacted through water cycle and climate components, a global scale quantification of inland streamflow contribution on SSS variability is lacking. Here, we utilized remote sensing and observation-driven datasets to quantify the statistical associations between SSS and streamflow ( Q basin ) at 48 megadeltas worldwide. This study uncovers a robust negative association between Q basin and SSS , with correlation coefficients R less than - 0.6 for seasonal data found in 26 of the 48 megadeltas, and less than - 0.4 for deseasoned data in 21 megadeltas. The anticorrelation relationship is more pronounced in large deltas, particularly near tropical climates and in river-influenced deltas. The study also underscores the significant roles of climate, morphological, and anthropogenic stratification in impacting the natural influence of freshwater discharge on SSS . By highlighting the interconnected impacts of alterations in terrestrial water cycle upstream and SSS , this work contributes to enhancing our understanding of global ocean and climate circulation patterns and in tackling environmental issues pertaining to marine ecosystems.
Funding Information
  • Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU175727)

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