The overall goals of this research study is to determine the molecular mechanisms behind how specific groups of phytoplankton physiologically respond to environmental conditions associated with the Upwelling Conveyor Belt Cycle and examine how phytoplankton will be affected by changing ocean conditions. We employed a combined approach to provide a direct coupling between the 'omics and physiology of ecologically important groups of phytoplankton within their natural environment as well as under controlled laboratory conditions.