Collected reprints: Abstract 2690

Collected reprints

Abstract

Elskens, M.; Chou, L.; Dauby, P.; Frankignoulle, M.; Goeyens, L.; Loijens, M.; Wollast, R. (1993). Primary production and nutrient fluxes in the Gulf of Biscay. Progress in Belgian Oceanographic Research 1993: 137-158

Since the role of continental shelves and coastal areas in the global biochemical carbon are nowadays a leading concern in oceanographic research programmes, this study aims to define the specific effect of nutrients on the onset and development of the phytoplankton bloom at the ocean margins. Comparison experiments of the carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus assimilation rates were carried out from 1989 to 1991 in the English Channel and the Gulf of Biscay. New production were obtained from the traditional approach using f-ratio values, i.e. the ratios of directly measured nitrate to carbon uptakes and/or the ratios of nitrate to nitrate plus ammonium uptakes. Values of f agree well on the shelf, slope and deep basin regions of the Gulf of Biscay but are most likely overestimated in the coastal zone of the English Channel. The C/N/P uptake ratios exhibit, furthermore, great spatial variability that can reflect variations in the nutrient status of phytoplankton during its growth.

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