Data from: A model of near-sea ice phytoplankton blooms

Phytoplankton spring blooms in the Arctic have increased in magnitude and
extent over the past two decades, particularly in open waters near the sea
ice edge. We develop an idealized model of phytoplankton dynamics that
takes into account the role of sea ice meltwater flux and its impact on
surface mixed layer depth. Satellite observations feature a characteristic
peak in phytoplankton concentration at around 100 km from the ice edge.
This peak, as well as the overall structure of the plankton distribution
is captured by the model dynamics. In the model, the characteristic
spatial scale emerges from a balance of exponential growth near the ice
edge, horizontal advection, and increased decay with distance from the ice
as the mixed layer deepens. Observations and data further agree in that
meltwater impacts plankton concentrations up to 1000 km from the ice edge.
The results suggest that reduced meltwater input under future sea ice
retreat may suppress spring phytoplankton blooms in the region.