Island Dynamical Systems: Atmosphere, Ocean and Biogeochemical Processes

Islands act as barriers to environmental fluids. Their interaction with the atmosphere and with the ocean induces the formation of turbulent phenomena which can lead to the generation of vortices, wakes, upwelling, fronts and waves. As a response to these local perturbations there are also small oases of life that grow and rely on the persistent mixing and nutrient availability at the ocean surface, in a process known as the 'Island Mass Effect'.

In this Research Topic we hope to gather contributions on the atmospheric induced island-perturbations such as wakes, orographic lee waves, as well as oceanic responses such as eddies, upwelling, fronts and internal waves. Particularly welcomed are studies focused on the air-sea interaction processes, leeward of these small islands. Discussions on the physical implications such as the Lagrangian transport and/or retention of particles (e.g. organisms; litter), or on their biogeochemical implications such as eutrophication, inter- and/or intra-connectivity of island-species, are also welcome.

We also welcome submissions investigating coastal hazards, such as erosion, impacts of sea-level rise, as well as other climate change studies, considering the latitudinal scope of small island nations around the globe.