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The relation between physical and biological processes affecting the Mediterranean Sea surface layer was investigated through univariate Empirical Orthogonal Function (EOF) decompositions of remotely sensed chlorophyll-a (CHL), sea surface temperature (SST) and Mediterranean Absolute Dynamic Topography (MADT) weekly time series (1998–2006). As part of the analysis, the Data INterpolating Empirical Orthogonal Functions (DINEOF) technique was successfully applied to CHL images. Results from the single EOFs, along with a cross-correlation analysis, identified physical–biological interactions at both short (weeks to months) and long (years) temporal scales, and from meso- to basin-scales. Phytoplankton biomass abundance and the sea surface thermal stratification show a strong inverse relationship at seasonal and sub-basin scales. At a regional scale, the spring bloom space–time variability is …