Changes in the pattern of water masses resulting from a poleward slope current in the Cantabrian Sea (Bay of Biscay)

From September to December 1995, three hydrographic surveys were carried out in the eastern Cantabrian Sea (Bay of Biscay). Changes in the water masses pattern were examined to study the variability and main energetic features in the area. At the beginning of December, an intense Poleward Current (PC), which had come from Portuguese slopes, entered the eastern Cantabrian Sea. This current was the most energetic event in this area in winter. The PC waters increased temperature by about 2 °C (subsurface layers) and salinity by 0.2 (surface layers) in the pattern of water masses in the eastern Cantabrian Sea in winter. The core current was approximately 10 km width and 120 m depth and the water transport, estimated from geostrophic current profiles, was of about 1.3 Sv.A well-defined wavelike front with two significant ridges in the western and eastern sampling area, was observed. The variability and meandering flow of the PC were driven by dominantly baroclinic instabilities, which are due to strong vertical velocity shear. In this synoptic-scale system, the potential vorticity advection, the differential vorticity advection, and the geopotential tendency have shown to be the cause of the ageostrophic motion and the main baroclinic disturbances.One important consequence of the entrance of the PC in the eastern Cantabrian Sea was the profound effect on the pattern of nutrients. The current-induced stratification pattern drives the distribution of nutrients in the different layers and the instabilities and meandering pattern of the PC was an important mechanism of fertilisation offshore.     

Oxygen and organic carbon fluxes in sediments of the Bay of Biscay

The relationship between particulate organic carbon (POC) concentrations measured in modern sediment and fluxes of exported POC to the sediment surface needs to be understood in order to use POC content as a proxy of paleo-environmental conditions. The objective of our study was to compare POC concentrations, POC mineralization rates calculated from O₂ consumption and POC burial rates. Benthic O₂ distributions were determined in 58 fine-grained sediment cores collected at different periods at 14 stations in the southeastern part of the Bay of Biscay with depths ranging from 140 to 2800 m. Depth-dependent volume-specific oxygen consumption rates were used to assess rates of aerobic oxidation of organic matter (OM), assuming that O₂ consumption solely was related to heterotrophic activity at the sediment–water interface. Heterogeneity of benthic O₂ fluxes denoted changes in time and space of fresh organic material sedimentation. The most labile fraction of exported POC engendered a steep decrease in concentration in the upper 5 mm of vertical O₂ profiles. The rupture in the gradient of O₂ microprofile may be related to the bioturbation-induced mixing depth of fast-decaying carbon. Average diffusive O₂ fluxes showed that this fast-decaying OM flux was much higher than buried POC, although diffusive O₂ fluxes underestimated the total sediment oxygen demand, and thus the fast-decaying OM flux to the sediment surface. Sedimentary POC burial was calculated from sediment mass accumulation rate and the organic carbon content measured at the top of the sediment. The proportion of buried POC relative to total exported POC ranged at the most between 50% and 10%, depending on station location. Therefore, for a narrow geographic area like the Bay of Biscay, burial efficiency of POC was variable. A fraction of buried POC consisted of slow-decaying OM that was mineralized within the upper decimetres of sediment through oxic and anoxic processes. This fraction was deduced from the decrease with depth in POC concentration. At sites located below 500 m water depth, where the fast-decaying carbon did not reach the anoxic sediment, the slow-decaying pool may control the O₂ penetration depth. Only refractory organic material was fossilized in sedimentary records at locations where labile OM did not reach the anoxic portion of the sediment.     

Sedimentology of box cores from the Cap-Ferret Canyon area (Bay of Biscay)

Sedimentological and geochemical investigations of 45 box cores collected in various morphological settings of the Cap-Ferret Canyon (Bay of Biscay) are presented to document accurately present-day sedimentary processes on the eastern Atlantic continental slope. The magnitude and variations through time and space of the canyon's channelling or sinking effect on fine-grained particles behaviour in comparison with sediment flux across the continental margin was particularly considered and discussed:1. All the parameters (grain-size, carbonate and water content, major and trace elements), measured both in surface sediment and downcore, demonstrate that the characteristics at the sediment interface vary with water depth and with the morphological setting.2. Surface sediment is generally coarser-grained, more terrigenous and deposited at higher rate in the canyon than outside. The terrigenous particle supply must be preferentially directed and trapped within the canyon's depression due to present-day dynamic conditions.3. The downcore gradients reflected in grain-size variations yield information on settling processes. The coarse-grained population has the characteristics of a winnowed sediment similar to those on the outer shelf, while the fine-grained population has grain-size spectra very similar to the present-day fine-grained suspensions.4. The carbonate particles are partly derived from direct pelagic production (distinct grain-size distribution) and, like terrigenous grains, are partly reworked (similar downslope decrease in the coarse grained fraction). The relatively low CaCO₃ content observed in the canyon, and its downward increase up to values observed at shallower depths, may result from a channelling of terrigenous suspensions within the canyon.5. At the present high sea-level stand, the canyon should become a trap for sediments without much gravity remobilisation, as indicated by a lack of sedimentary structures in box cores. However, a simple increase in sediment trapping can hardly account for the downcore gradients observed in the box cores. These trends, which are observed on other continental margins (Monaco et al., 1993, Journées spécialisées de la Soc. Géol. France: Géosciences Marines, 16–17 December 1994, Abstract p. 83.), indicate a probable increase in terrigenous supplies and/or in settling energy.     

Metal fluxes through the Strait of Gibraltar: the influence of the Tinto and Odiel rivers (SW Spain)

A large set of new data concerning dissolved metal concentrations has been acquired in the Gulf of Cadiz and in the Strait of Gibraltar from 1996 to 1999. These data, associated with models (hydrodynamic, tracer advection–dispersion and mixing), have been used to assess the influence of rivers draining the South Iberian Pyrite Belt on the Gulf of Cadiz and on the Atlantic inflow in the Strait of Gibraltar.Metal concentrations in surface waters from the Gulf of Cadiz are maximal near the mouth of the Tinto/Odiel rivers with values exceeding 50 nmol/kg (Mn), 5 nmol/kg (Ni), 30 nmol/kg (Cu), 100 nmol/kg (Zn), 0.9 nmol/kg (Cd) and 45 nmol/kg (As). From the Tinto/Odiel river, a plume of contamination follows the coast in the direction of the Strait of Gibraltar. The computation of a tracer advection–dispersion model confirms that the coastal currents carry the metals discharged from the Tinto and Odiel to the Strait of Gibraltar.From temperature–salinity and metal–salinity plots, four water masses can be recognised in the Gulf of Cadiz and in the Strait of Gibraltar: North Atlantic Surface Water (NASW), North Atlantic Central Water (NACW) and metal-enriched Spanish Shelf Waters from the Gulf of Cadiz (SSW). The Mediterranean Outflow Water (MOW) is also clearly seen at depths greater than 300 m.The chemical characteristics of these various water masses have been used in a mixing model to evaluate their relative contribution to the Atlantic inflow through the Strait of Gibraltar. These contributions are seasonally variable. In June 1997, the contribution was: 80±20%, 5±5% and 15±10% for NASW, NACW and SSW, respectively. In September, the SSW contribution was apparently negligible.Finally, these relative contributions allow the evaluation of the metal fluxes in the Strait of Gibraltar. The presence of SSW in the Strait increases the metal flux to the Mediterranean Sea by a factor of 2.3 (Cu), 2.4 (Cd), 3 (Zn) and 7 (Mn). It does not modify significantly As and Ni fluxes.     

Quaternary sedimentary regime on the Berthois Spur (Bay of Biscay)

A study of cores from the Celtic Margin shows that high terrigenous accumulation rates occurred at the end of isotopic stage 3 and during isotopic stage 2. These high rates prevailed during rapid changes from relatively warm conditions (Älesund interstadial) to maximum glacial condition. The input of terrigenous material may have culminated with the blockage of the North Sea by an ice sheet and the diversion of NW European flumes toward the Celtic Margin. The uppermost sediments are in a state of overconsolidation as the consequence of erosional processes following the episod of high sediment supply.     

大亚湾大鹏澳周边河流中营养盐的分布及入海通量的估算

分别于2001年8月(夏季)和2002年1月(冬季)，测定了大亚湾大鹏澳3条主要入海河流南涌河、王母河和龙歧河水体中NO2-N、NO3-N、NH3-N、PO4-P、SiO3-Si的浓度水平，分析其分布特征和主要来源，并估算其入海通量．结果表明，N、P营养盐浓度夏季高于冬季，Si的则相反．无论夏、冬季，这3条河流水体中的NO3-N均是无机氮的主要存在形态．水体中N营养盐主要来源于农田氮肥的流失，其次是生活、工业区的排污；水体中P营养盐主要来源于生活区的排污，其次是农田磷肥的流失；人类活动对水体中Si营养盐浓度的影响最小．夏季N、P、Si营养盐入海通量分别约为67．363、3．645、11．718g／s，冬季分别约为0．934、0．515、23．285g／s。N、P入海通量夏季比冬季高得多，Si的别相反．营养盐入海输送量中N：P：Si的原子比夏季约为13：1：4，冬季约为4：1：50。     

Monitoring suspended particulate matter fluxes and patterns with the AVHRR/NOAA-11 satellite: application to the Bay of Biscay

AVHRR/NOAA-11 satellite images of the C1 (580–680 nm) and C2 (725–1100 nm) channels were used to quantify the suspended particulate matter discharged into the ocean by the Gironde estuary (France). The calibration method is based on a comparison between satellite values (AVHRR reflectances) and suspended particulate matter (SPM) concentrations at the sea surface, measured in situ. To correct the aerosol variations a C1-C2 image subtraction is applied. However, when the SPM concentration is greater than about 15 mg l⁻¹, the C2 channel image is affected by water turbidity and the C1-C2 correction cannot be used. The C1 channel is more sensitive, and we were able to distinguish SPM concentration variations greater than 0.5 mg l⁻¹. A subtraction of two images recorded with a 24 h interval was carried out to evaluate vertical and horizontal fluxes. The residual image shows the quantity of particles leaving the surface layer. To assess horizontal displacements, turbid fronts were mapped by means of an image gradient analysis. Major and minor fronts recorded each day, superimposed to outline displacements (gradients and orientations), were displaced from the Gironde estuary to the West and the Northwest.During the ECOFER cruises (1989–1991), several AVHRR scenes were processed using an atmospheric correction based on the low SPM concentrations (“ocean pixel subtraction”). Generally, surface particulate matter is confined to the inner continental shelf. Higher values were observed during the ECOFER 4 cruise. Suspended particulate matter concentrations with the maximum extension appeared during the ECOFER 1 cruise. Concentrations were very low during the ECOFER 5 cruise, even in the lower estuary. This was due to low summer discharges that occurred during the dry period of 1988–1991 in France. During these surveys, estimated SPM concentrations were less than 1.5 mg l⁻¹ in the ECOFER area.     

Paleocene to lower Eocene clay sedimentation in the Bay of Biscay

A study of the mineralogy of red clay sequences overlying basalt in the Bay of Biscay revealed two successive units: unit one (lower unit) indicates that clay minerals are the result of subaerial weathering of acid or basic continental rocks, occurring in the Galice province (northwest Spain); and unit two (upper unit) consists of fine-grained particles which suggest distinct volcanic activity. Clay materials from the first unit (Paleocene) are deposited in shallow environments, whereas the second unit materials (lower Eocene) Occur in deeper environments followed by neoformation of clay Minerals and concentration of chemical elements (cobalt, nickel, lead, zinc, and barium).     

Distribution and quality of sedimentary organic matter on the Aquitanian margin (Bay of Biscay)

During the ECOFER experiment (French ECOMARGE program), surficial sediments were sampled on the Aquitanian margin with box corers and analyzed to determine the quantity and quality of organic matter. Sediments from the margin are enriched in organic carbon (mean value 1.35%) in comparison to deep-sea and shelf sediments, due to a fine grain-size sedimentation. As sedimentation rates are high, the margin appears to be an organic depocenter. Some preferential organic enrichment zones were identified in the Cap-Ferret Canyon. There is a supply of continental material from the Gironde estuary, but marine contribution seems more possible than Adour or spanish rivers. No seasonal variations of organic matter were observed at the surface of sediments, suggesting mineralization processes of labile organic matter: average organic carbon consumption was evaluated to 9.0 g C m⁻² yr⁻¹. Rapid biological mineralization processes are lower than on the Mediterranean margin, mainly related to significant differences in water temperature. The great width of the canyon, its distance from the continent, and the current circulation pattern prevent any precise recording of the variable organic inputs to the sediment and favor nepheloı̈d transport, resuspension and shelf break processes, which wipe out any print of fresh material input. An organic carbon budget indicates that an equilibrium between organic inputs and organic mineralization+accumulation is not obtainable. The supply of suspended matter could have been minor during the year in question, and sedimentation rates are still imprecise.     

莱州湾西南部海域及其毗邻河流水体营养盐的分布特征及长期变化趋势

根据2012年9月对莱州湾西南部海域及其毗邻10条河流的调查结果,以及近30年来关于莱州湾海域表层水营养盐的调查资料,报道了各条河流和近海海域的营养盐状况及该海域营养盐的长期变化趋势,结果表明:(1)10条主要调查河流的总溶解态氮(TDN)平均含量在1.82~10.66mg/L之间,其中有8条河流超过河流总氮劣五类水质标准,6条河流硝态氮(NO3-N)含量高于氨氮(NH4-N)。(2)所调查的5个近海断面中小清河口近海断面、虞河口近海断面及溢洪河口近海断面的DIN平均含量超过海水无机氮第四类水质标准;除小清河口近海断面外其余近海断面活性磷(PO4-P)含量均属一类海水水质。(3)部分断面营养盐含量在河口混合区淡水端升高,可能与咸淡水混合动力作用相关;莱州湾西部区域营养盐含量高于南部区域,南部的堤河氮、磷含量极高;原油开采活动可能是影响附近水体中营养盐含量及形态的重要因素。(4)从20世纪80年代初至90年代中期,莱州湾表层水无机氮平均含量经历了由低到高的变化,到90年代后期已属劣四类海水水质;无机磷平均含量在该时段呈降低趋势,但到90年代后期也保持在较高水平,随后又波动下降。(5)所调查的莱州湾近海区域整体处于磷限制潜在富营养状态;氮磷摩尔比(N∶P)在所考察的大部分时段内高于Redfield阈值(16),净营养盐收支呈磷减少而氮增加的总体变化趋势,近年来磷限制程度有所减缓。     

Nutrient Limitation in Macroalgae (Ulva and Enteromorpha) from the Rías Baixas (NW Spain)

Abstract.  Photosynthesis and growth rates in samples of two green seaweeds ( Ulva and Enteromorpha ) were monitored in the laboratory. The macroalgae were collected every 15 days from four coastal embayments in Galicia (NW Spain). Ulva samples were found to be nutritionally limited, particularly in summer. The physiological activity of Enteromorpha did not appear to be as affected by nutrient scarcity, although it may have suffered from phosphorus limitation. The subsistence quotas, critical concentrations and storage capacity for N and P in Ulva were comparable to those obtained by other investigators in similar studies. The trace metals analysed apparently did not negatively affect the macroalgae at the measured concentrations; one explanation is that many of these metals function as essential micronutrients. The complex physiological interactions between metals and nutrients, however, may complicate interpretation of the results.     

Trophic ecology of a resident Yellow-legged Gull (Larus michahellis) population in the Bay of Biscay

Stable isotopes analyses (SIAs) are an efficient tool to obtain a general insight into the diet of generalist consumers, such as the Yellow-legged Gull (Larus michahellis). Here we analysed δ¹³C, δ¹⁵N and δ³⁴S values in feathers of chicks and adults, and used Bayesian triple-isotope mixing models to reconstruct the diet of a Yellow-legged Gull population breeding in the southeastern Bay of Biscay. Questions to test were (1) whether adults and chicks rely on different feeding resources during breeding period; (2) whether there is a seasonal foraging effect involving a higher proportion of refuse food in winter compared to summer, and (3) the magnitude of the annual variation in diet. Prey consumption differed between colonies, among years, and also varied slightly between seasons, and this was mainly due to a differential use of prey of marine origin. However, diet did not differ between age classes. These results suggest a relatively monotonous diet with only slight variations from year to year, seasonally and at a local geographic scale.     

Environmental setting of deep-water oysters in the Bay of Biscay

We report the northernmost and deepest known occurrence of deep-water pycnodontine oysters, based on two surveys along the French Atlantic continental margin to the La Chapelle continental slope (2006) and the Guilvinec Canyon (2008). The combined use of multibeam bathymetry, seismic profiling, CTD casts and a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) made it possible to describe the physical habitat and to assess the oceanographic control for the recently described species Neopycnodonte zibrowii. These oysters have been observed in vivo in depths from 540 to 846 m, colonizing overhanging banks or escarpments protruding from steep canyon flanks. Especially in the Bay of Biscay, such physical habitats may only be observed within canyons, where they are created by both long-term turbiditic and contouritic processes. Frequent observations of sand ripples on the seabed indicate the presence of a steady, but enhanced bottom current of about 40 cm/s. The occurrence of oysters also coincides with the interface between the Eastern North Atlantic Water and the Mediterranean Outflow Water. A combination of this water mass mixing, internal tide generation and a strong primary surface productivity may generate an enhanced nutrient flux, which is funnelled through the canyon. When the ideal environmental conditions are met, up to 100 individuals per m² may be observed. These deep-water oysters require a vertical habitat, which is often incompatible with the requirements of other sessile organisms, and are only sparsely distributed along the continental margins. The discovery of these giant oyster banks illustrates the rich biodiversity of deep-sea canyons and their underestimation as true ecosystem hotspots.     

Seasonal variability of primary production in the Cap-Ferret Canyon area (Bay of Biscay) during the ECOFER cruises

Primary production measurements were carried out during the five ECOFER cruises, in order to estimate the autochtonous contribution to particulate fluxes collected at two mooring sites, in the Cap-Ferret Canyon, from June 1989 to August 1991. Primary production rates are reported in relation to levels of chlorophyll and nitrogenous nutrients in the euphotic zone. Except in early spring, the water column remains stratified until the beginning of autumn surface-water cooling. During the stratified period, maximal chlorophyll concentrations were recorded at the bottom of the photic zone, near the 1% light depth, close to the nitracline; concentrations in some profiles were greater than those measured in surface waters during the early spring bloom. From June to October, a mean daily production of 0.4 g C m⁻² may be used to estimate particulate fluxes, because the recorded variability was low. During April and May, mean daily production rates can be about 3–4 times higher. Extrapolation of our data gives an estimate of yearly production from 145 to 170 g C m⁻² yr⁻¹. The possibility of greater production rates, under stratified conditions, is discussed taking into account the occurrence of changes in the depth of the chlorophyll maximum during the day; such vertical movements could be caused by internal waves, particularly at the shelf break.