Laysan albatross chicks died from causes related to abnormal Santa Ana winds.
Observer:
During the month of May 2014, anomalous and intense Santa Ana winds were present at Guadalupe Island. The intensity of this phenomenon strongly affected Laysan albatross nesting seabird survival (Figure 1). This phenomenon coincided with the reproductive season of seabirds, particularly with the growth and maturity stages of albatross chicks nesting on Guadalupe Island and Islets (Figure 2). High temperatures produced by this phenomenon negatively affected seabirds. During the reproductive season of 2014, many Laysan albatross chicks died from causes related to this Santa Ana phenomenon (Figure 3).
Santa Ana winds are characterized for being extremely dry and appear as part of the typical fall and early winter climate of Southern California and North Baja California. It is not normal to observe them during May.
Meteorology and oceanography expert: Under normal conditions, Santa Ana winds are not expected during the month of May, as the month falls toward the end of the season for these kinds of events (Figure 4).
However, during 2014, abnormal atmospheric and oceanic conditions were present along the northeastern Pacific Ocean. These conditions impacted the frequency of abnormally warm temperature and abnormally low humidity events, which could be considered Santa Ana events. In particular, the month of May presented a great number of these Santa Ana-like events, compared to previous and later years (Figure 5).
References:
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Figura 1. Albatros de Laysan en Isla Guadalupe, 2014.
Figura 2. Pollo de albatros de Laysan en Isla Guadalupe, 2014
Figura 3. Nido de albatros de Laysan de la colonia Isla Guadalupe, 2014.
Figura 4. Promedio de número de eventos Santa Ana al mes. Extraído de Raphael, (2003).
Figura 5. Número de eventos Santa Ana por mes de la temporada 2013-2016. Cortesía de
GECI, elaborada por
Daniela Munguía.
