Benthic foraminifera living in Gulf of Mexico bathyal and abyssal sediments: Community analysis and comparison to metazoan meiofaunal biomass and density

Benthic foraminiferal biomass, density, and species composition were determined at 10 sites in the Gulf of Mexico. During June 2001 and 2002, sediment samples were collected with a GoMex box corer. A 7.5-cm diameter subcore was taken from a box core collected at each site and sliced into 1-cm or 2-cm sections to a depth of 2 or 3 cm; the >63-μm fraction was examined shipboard for benthic foraminifera. Individual foraminifers were extracted for adenosine triphosphate (ATP) using a luciferin–luciferase assay, which indicated the total ATP content per specimen; that data was converted to organic carbon. Foraminiferal biomass and density varied substantially (2–53 mg C m⁻²; 3600–44,500 individuals m⁻², respectively) and inconsistently with water depth: although two 1000-m deep sites were geographically separated by only 75 km, the foraminiferal biomass at one site was relatively low (9 mg C m⁻²) while the other site had the highest foraminiferal biomass (53 mg C m⁻²). Although most samples from Sigsbee Plain (>3000 m) had low biomass, one Sigsbee site had >20 mg foraminiferal C m⁻². The foraminiferal community from all sites (i.e. bathyal and abyssal locales) was dominated by agglutinated, rather than calcareous or tectinous, species. Foraminiferal density never exceeded that of metazoan meiofauna at any site. Foraminiferal biomass, however, exceeded metazoan meiofaunal biomass at 5 of the 10 sites, indicating that foraminifera constitute a major component of the Gulf's deep-water meiofaunal biomass.     

Parameterization of iron and manganese cycling in the Black Sea suboxic and anoxic environment

New and published data on the distribution and speciation of manganese and iron in seawater are analyzed to identify and parameterize major biogeochemical processes of their cycling within the suboxic (15.6σ_t16.2) and anoxic layers (σ_t16.2) of the Black Sea. A steady-state transport-reaction model is applied to reveal layering and parameterize kinetics of redox and dissolution/precipitation processes. Previously published data on speciation of these elements in seawater are used to specify the nature of the transformations. Two particulate species of iron (Fe(III) hydroxide and Fe(II) sulfide) are necessary to adequately parameterize the vertical profile of suspended iron, while three particulate species (hydrous Mn(IV) oxide, Mn(II) sulfide, and Mn(II) carbonate) are necessary to describe the profile of suspended manganese. In addition to such processes as mixing and advection, precipitation, sinking, and dissolution of manganese carbonate are found to be essential in maintaining the observed vertical distribution of dissolved Mn(II). These results are used to interpret the observed difference in the form of vertical distribution for dissolved Mn(II) and Fe(II). Redox transformations of iron and manganese are coupled via oxidation of dissolved iron by sinking suspended manganese at σ_t16.2±0.2 kg m⁻³. The particulate manganese, necessary for this reaction, is supplied through oxidation of dissolved Mn(II). The best agreement with observations is achieved when nitrate, rather than oxygen, is set to oxidize dissolved Mn(II) in the lower part of the suboxic layer (15.90σ_t16.2). The results support the idea that, after sulfides of these metals are formed, they sink with particulate organic matter. The sinking rates of the particles and specific rates of individual redox and dissolved-particulate transformations have been estimated by fitting the vertical profile of the net rate.     

Physical dynamics and biological implications of Cyclone Noah in the lee of Hawaii during E-Flux I

Quasi-synoptic observations of the horizontal and vertical structure of a cold-core cyclonic mesoscale eddy feature (Cyclone Noah) were conducted in the lee of Hawai’i from November 4–22, 2004 as part of the E-Flux interdisciplinary collaborative research program. Cyclone Noah appears to have spun up to the southwest of the ‘Alenuihaha Channel (between Maui and Hawai’i) as a result of strong and persistent northeasterly trade winds through the channel. Shipboard hydrographic surveys 2.5 months later suggest that Noah weakened and was in a hypothesized spin-down phase of its life cycle. Although the initial surface expression of Noah was limited in scale to 40 km in diameter and, as evidenced by surface temperatures, 2–3 °C cooler than the surrounding waters, depth profiles revealed a fully developed semi-elliptical shallow feature (200 m), 144 km long and 90 km wide (based on sigma-t=23 kg m⁻³) with tangential speeds of 40–80 cm s⁻¹, and substantial isopycnal doming. Potential vorticity distribution of Noah suggests that radial horizontal flow of the core water was inhibited from the surface to depths of 75 m, with high vorticity confined above the sigma-t=23.5 kg m⁻³ isopycnal surface. Upward displacements of isopycnal surfaces in the eddy's center (50 m) were congruent with enhanced pigment concentrations (0.50 mg m⁻³). Comparisons of the results obtained for E-Flux I (Noah) and E-Flux III (Opal) suggest that translation characteristics of cyclonic Hawaiian lee eddies may be important in establishing the biogeochemical and biological responses of the oligotrophic ocean to cyclonic eddies.     

Uncertainties in the preparation of Ra Mn fiber standards

Delayed coincidence counters (RaDeCC), used for measuring ²²³Ra and ²²⁴Ra preconcentrated from water onto MnO₂-impregnated acrylic fiber (“Mn-fiber”), require a standard Mn-fiber column that has a precisely known activity of ²²⁴Ra for calibration. This may be done by adding an aged ²²⁸Th standard solution to adsorb both ²²⁸Th and its daughter ²²⁴Ra quantitatively onto a Mn fiber. We used both seawater and deionized water (DIW) for testing the adsorption efficiency of Th and Ra onto Mn fibers. Our experimental results show that more than 50% of thorium (²³²Th and ²²⁸Th) breaks through the Mn-fiber column when DIW is used as a medium. However, near quantitative recoveries are obtained if filtered (0.45 μm) seawater is used to prepare the standard. In the case of pure DIW, the pH (initial pH  5.3) rises to > 10 after passing through the column while seawater (initial pH  7.8) changes to  7.2. Thus, the lack of thorium adsorption in DIW may be attributed to this huge increase of pH and the consequent formation of Th(OH)₄ and polyhydroxyl colloids. Based on these observations, we recommend that one should use either artificial seawater or natural seawater (which has negligible ²²⁴Ra and ²²⁸Th) as a loading solution after 0.45 μm filtration. In addition, the thorium adsorption efficiency should be confirmed either by thorium analysis of the effluent solution or long-term monitoring of the supported ²²⁴Ra on the Mn fiber using the RaDeCC. Similar cautions are likely necessary for making ²²³Ra standards by adsorption of ²²⁷Ac onto Mn fibers.     

Relevance of peat draining rivers in central Sumatra for the riverine input of dissolved organic carbon into the ocean

Sources and discharges of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) from the central Sumatran river Siak were studied. DOC concentrations in the Siak ranged between 560 and 2594 μmol l⁻¹ and peak out after its confluence with the river Mandau. The Mandau drains part of the central Sumatran peatlands and can be characterized as a typical blackwater river due to its high DOC concentration, its dark brown-coloured, acidic water (pH 4.4–4.7) and its low concentration of total suspended matter (12–41 mg l⁻¹). The Mandau supplies about half of the DOC that enters the Siak Estuary where it mixes conservatively with ocean water. The DOC input from the Siak into the ocean was estimated to be 0.3 Tg C yr⁻¹. Extrapolated to entire Indonesia the data suggest a total Indonesian DOC export of 21 Tg yr⁻¹ representing 10% of the global riverine DOC input into the ocean.     

Variability of physical and chemical characteristics along the 70-m isobath of the southeastern Bering Sea

From observations of ice cover, temperature, salinity, currents and nitrate, it is evident that along-shelf variability was significant over the middle shelf of the eastern Bering Sea, but less distinct than that observed in the cross-shelf domains. Along the 70-m isobath, three zones were evident in the summer: the southeastern cold pool (centered at 57°N); an intermediate zone, consisting of warmer water, with weaker stratification; and the northern cold pool, extending northward from 58°N. Small-scale (20 km) horizontal features that persisted for months were common. Nutrient concentrations were related to salinity and were replenished more uniformly over the southern shelf, than north of the Pribilof Islands. Although mean currents were weak (1 cm s⁻¹), short energetic advective events impacted the temperature and salinity structure.     

Diversity patterns in macrobenthos across a continental slope in the NE Atlantic

Different estimates were used to assess the diversity of the total macrofauna and its major taxonomic groups separately from a broad bathymetric range at a site in the NE Atlantic. In the Goban Spur region, a transect was sampled from the shelf to the abyssal plain over a depth range from 200 to 4500 m and in the Porcupine Sea Bight two stations were sampled (at 3670 m and 4115 m). Species diversity (the number of species per number of individuals) increased with increasing water depth, both when expressed as Hurlbert's E(S_n) and as Shannon's H′log e. The expected number of species in a 100-individual sample E(S₁₀₀) of total macrofauna increased from 30 on the shelf to 68 on the abyssal plain. Evenness (the proportional abundance of species), estimated with Shannon's J′, also increased with water depth from 0.66 to 0.91, whereas dominance (Simpson's D) decreased from 0.09 to 0.01. Species richness (the number of species per unit of area), however, showed a parabolic pattern with a peak at the upper slope. The largest number of species was found at the slope station at 1425 m (232 species within 0.66 m²). It is argued that species richness is not a synonym of species diversity, but that species richness depends both on species density (which decreases with increasing water depth) and on species diversity. Across the whole bathymetric range (200 to 4500 m) a total of 696 species within 8327 specimens in a total sampled area of 4.12 m² were counted, yielding mean values of 12 individuals per species and 169 species per m². Different communities were found to exist on the shelf, slope and abyss. It is suggested that this could have been caused by different selection processes. Differences in life-history strategies and organic-matter supply could (at least partly) explain the different community structures and diversity patterns found along the depth gradient.     

Dissolved organic carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus in the N-E Atlantic and the N-W Mediterranean with particular reference to non-refractory fractions and degradation

Dissolved organic carbon (DOC), dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) and dissolved organic phosphorus (DOP) measured in deep profiles in the N-E Atlantic and in the N-W Mediterranean in the period 1984–2002 are described. After accurate validation, they show close agreement with those previously published.Classic profiles were obtained, with concentrations decreasing in deep waters. In the Mediterranean and in the Atlantic comparable concentrations were found in the 1500–2000 m waters, 44–46 μmol l⁻¹ DOC, 2.6–2.8 μmol l⁻¹ DON and 0.02–0.03 μmol l⁻¹ DOP. In the surface layers, DOC concentrations were higher, but DON and DOP concentrations lower, in the Mediterranean than in the Atlantic, leading to higher element ratios in the Mediterranean. In autumn, values were, respectively, DOC:DON 17 vs. 14, DOC:DOP 950 vs. 500 and DON:DOP 55 vs. 35. The data suggest an increase in DOC and DON in the North Atlantic Central Water over 15 years, which may be linked to the North Atlantic climatic oscillations.Refractory DOM found in the 1500–2000 m layer exhibited C:N:P ratios of 1570:100:1. The labile+semi-labile (=non-refractory) DOM (nrDOM) pool was computed as DOM in excess of the refractory pool. Its contribution to total DOM above the thermocline in the open sea amounted to 25–35% of DOC, 30–35% of DON, and 60–80% of DOP. Element ratios of the nrDOM varied among stations and were lower than those of refractory DOM, except for C:N in the Mediterranean: nrDOC:nrDON 10–19, nrDOC:nrDOP 160–530 and nrDON:nrDOP 15–38. The specific stoichiometry of DOM in the Mediterranean led us to postulate that overconsumption of carbon is probably a main process in that oligotrophic sea.By coupling non-refractory DOM stoichiometry and relationships between the main DOM elements in the water column, the relative mineralization of C, N and P from DOM was studied. Below the thermocline, the preferential removal of phosphorus with regard to carbon from the semi-labile DOM can be confirmed, but not the preferential removal of nitrogen. In the ocean surface layers, processes depend on the oceanic area and can differ from deep waters, so preferential carbon removal seems more frequent. Bacterial growth efficiency data indicate that bacteria are directly responsible for mineralization of a high proportion of DON and DOP in the deep water.     

Determination of picomolar iron in seawater by double Mg(OH)2 precipitation isotope dilution high-resolution ICPMS

A low-blank pre-concentration procedure is described for the analysis of picomolar iron (Fe) in seawater by isotope dilution high-resolution inductively coupled plasma mass-spectrometry (HR-ICPMS). The procedure uses a two-step Mg(OH)₂ co-precipitation procedure to extract Fe from a 50 ml seawater sample into a 100 μl 4% nitric acid (HNO₃) solution followed by HR-ICPMS measurement. The high pre-concentration ratio ( 500:1) achieved by the procedure minimizes the Fe blank due to ICPMS instrumental Fe background and results in a detection limit of  2 pM and a precision of  4% at the 50 pM Fe level. The measurement of a low-Fe seawater sample spiked with gravimetric Fe standard shows that the method can clearly distinguish 0.01 nM Fe from 0.02 nM Fe in seawater with high accuracy. The method is demonstrated by the analysis of dissolved Fe in the equatorial Pacific Ocean.     

Assessment of excess nitrate development in the subtropical North Atlantic

Geochemical estimates of N₂ fixation in the North Atlantic often serve as a foundation for estimating global marine diazotrophy. Yet despite being well-studied, estimations of nitrogen fixation rates in this basin vary widely. Here we investigate the variability in published estimates of excess nitrogen accumulation rates in the main thermocline of the subtropical North Atlantic, testing the assumptions and choices made in the analyses. Employing one of these previously described methods, modified here with improved estimates of excess N spatial gradients and ventilation rates of the main thermocline, we determine a total excess N accumulation rate of 7.8 ± 1.7 × 10¹¹ mol N yr^− 1. Contributions to excess N development include atmospheric deposition of high N:P nutrients (adding excess N at a rate of 3.0 ± 0.9 × 10¹¹ mol N yr^− 1 for  38% of the total), high N:P dissolved organic matter advected into and mineralized in the main thermocline (adding excess N at 2.2 ± 1.1 × 10¹¹ mol N yr^− 1 for  28% of the total), and, calculated by mass balance of the excess N field, N₂ fixation (adding excess N at 2.6 ± 2.2 × 10¹¹ mol N yr^− 1 for  33% of the total). Assuming an N:P of 40 and this rate of excess N accumulation due to the process, N₂ fixation in the North Atlantic subtropical gyre is estimated at  4 × 10¹¹ mol N yr^− 1. This relatively low rate of N₂ fixation suggests that i) the rate of N₂ fixation in the North Atlantic is greatly overestimated in some previous analyses, ii) the main thermocline is not the primary repository of N fixed by diazotrophs, and/or iii) the N:P ratio of exported diazotrophic organic matter is much lower than generally assumed. It is this last possibility, and our uncertainty in the N:P ratios of exported material supporting excess N development, that greatly lessens our confidence in geochemical measures of N₂ fixation.     

Dissolved manganese and silicic acid in the Columbia River plume: A major source to the California current and coastal waters off Washington and Oregon

The spatial distributions of dissolved manganese and nutrients were examined in the Columbia River plume off Oregon and Washington during the summer of 2004 and 2005 as part of the River Influence on Shelf Ecosystems (RISE) program. Factors influencing the hydrochemical characteristics of the freshly formed and aged Columbia River plume were investigated. Hydrographic data and nutrient concentrations were used to delineate three distinct water sources for the Columbia River Plume: California Current surface water, coastal upwelled water, and Columbia River water. The warm, intermediate salinity, nutrient poor California Current water contains low levels of dissolved manganese (< 5 nM) and silicic acid (< 5 μM), and is depleted in nitrate. The cold, high salinity, nutrient rich, freshly upwelled water is highly variable (2–20 nM) in dissolved manganese and can be as high as  45 μM in silicic acid and  30 μM nitrate. The variable Columbia River has summer temperatures ranging from  13 to 24 °C, high silicic acid concentrations (ranging from  120 to 200 μM), and lower nitrate concentrations (ranging from  2 to 20 μM). During the summer, the concentrations of silicic acid and dissolved manganese can exceed 100 μM and 200 nM, respectively, in near-field Columbia River plumes. These values are markedly greater than those of surface coastal waters (even during upwelling conditions). As the plume advects and mixes, the concentrations of these two constituents remain relatively high within plume waters. The concentrations of dissolved manganese in the near-field plume vary with tidal amplitude, exhibiting much higher concentrations for a given salinity during spring tides than during neap tides. For example, the Columbia River plume at a salinity of 20 has a concentration of dissolved manganese of  240 nM during spring tides, as compared to only  60 nM during low amplitude tides. Silicic acid concentrations in the near-field plume remain relatively constant throughout the tidal month. Calculations indicate there is roughly an equivalent yearly delivery of dissolved manganese and silicic acid to the coastal waters off Oregon and Washington by upwelled waters and by the Columbia River plume.     

Benthic remineralization at the land–ocean interface: A case study of the Rhône River (NW Mediterranean Sea)

Biogeochemical processes in sediments under the influence of the Rhône River plume were studied using both in situ microelectrodes and ex situ sediment core incubations. Organic carbon (OC) and total nitrogen (TN) content as well as stable carbon isotopic composition of OC (δ¹³C_OC) were analysed in 19 surface sediments to determine the distribution and sources of organic matter in the Rhône delta system. Large spatial variations were observed in both the total O₂ uptake (5.2 to 29.3 mmol m⁻² d⁻¹) and NH₄⁺ release (−0.1 to −3.5 mmol m⁻² d⁻¹) rates at the sediment–water interface. The highest fluxes were measured near the Rhône River mouth where sedimentary OC and TN contents reached 1.81% and 0.23% respectively. Values of δ¹³C_OC ranged from −26.83‰ to −23.88‰ with a significant seawards enrichment tracing the dispersal of terrestrial organic matter on the continental shelf. The amount of terrestrial-derived OC reaches 85% in sediments close to the Rhône mouth decreasing down to 25% in continental shelf sediments. On the prodelta, high terrestrial OC accumulation rates support high oxygen uptake rates and thus indicating that a significant fraction of terrestrial OC is remineralized. A particulate organic carbon (POC) mass balance indicates that only 3% of the deposited POC is remineralized in prodelta sediments while 96% is recycled on the continental shelf. It was calculated that a large proportion of the Rhône POC input is either buried (52%) or remineralized (8%), mostly on the prodelta area. The remaining fraction (40%) is either mineralized in the water or exported outside the Rhône delta system in dissolved or particulate forms.     

An inflection in the rate of early mid-Holocene eustatic sea-level rise: A new sea-level curve from Singapore

This study presents a sea-level curve from 9500 to 6500 cal BP for the farfield location of Singapore, on the Sunda Shelf in southeast Asia. The curve is based on more than 50 radiocarbon dates from elevations of +1.43 m to −15.09 m representing sea-level index points in intertidal mangrove and shallow marine sediments deposited by sea-level rise accompanying deglaciation. The results indicate that mean sea level rose rapidly from around −17 m at 9500 cal BP to around −3 m by 8000 cal BP. After this time, the data suggest (but do not unequivocally prove) that the rate of sea-rise slowed for a period of 300–500 years centred on 7700 cal BP, shortly after the cessation of meltwater input to the oceans from the northern hemisphere. Renewed sea-level rise amounting to 3–5 m began around 7400 cal BP and was complete by 7000 cal BP. The existence of an inflection in the rate of sea-level rise, with a slow-down centred on 7700 cal BP, is broadly consistent with other available sea-level curves over this interval and is supported by evidence of stable shorelines and delta initiation elsewhere at this time, as well as evidence of comparatively rapid retreat of the West Antarctic ice sheet beginning around 7500 cal BP. ‘Stepped’ sea-level rise occurring shortly after 7500 cal BP and also earlier during deglaciation may have served to focus significant post-glacial episodes of human maritime/coastal dispersal, into comparatively narrow time intervals.     

Annual dynamics of pelagic primary production and respiration in a shallow coastal basin

The Wadden Sea (North Sea, Europe) is a shallow coastal sea with high benthic and pelagic primary production rates. To date, no studies have been carried out in the Wadden Sea that were specifically designed to study the relation between pelagic respiration and production by comparable methods. Because previous studies have suggested that the import of primary-produced pelagic organic matter is important for benthic Wadden Sea carbon budgets, we hypothesised that on an annual average the northern Wadden Sea water column is autotrophic. To test this hypothesis, we studied annual dynamics of primary production and respiration at a pelagic station in a shallow tidal basin (List Tidal Basin, northern Wadden Sea). Since water depth strongly influences production estimates, we calculated primary production rates per unit area in two ways: on the basis of the mean water depth (2.7 m) and on the basis of 1 m depth intervals and their respective spatial extent in the List Tidal Basin. The latter more precise estimate yielded an annual primary production of 146 g C m^− 2 y^− 1. Estimates based on the mean water depth resulted in a 40% higher annual rate of 204 g C m^− 2 y^− 1. The total annual pelagic respiration was 50 g C m^− 2 y^− 1. The P/R ratio varied between seasons: from February to October the water column was autotrophic, with the highest P/R ratio of 4–5 during the diatom spring bloom in April/May. In autumn and winter the water column was heterotrophic. On an annual average, the water column of the List Tidal Basin was autotrophic (P/R 3). We suggest that a large fraction of the pelagic produced organic matter was respired locally in the sediment.     

Particulate organic carbon–Th relationships in particles separated by settling velocity in the northwest Mediterranean Sea

In order to better understand the relationship between the natural radionuclide ²³⁴Th and particulate organic carbon (POC), marine particles were collected in the northwestern Mediterranean Sea (spring/summer, 2003 and 2005) by sediment traps that separated them according to their in situ settling velocities. Particles also were collected in time-series sediment traps. Particles settling at rates of >100 m d⁻¹ carried 50% and 60% of the POC and ²³⁴Th fluxes, respectively, in both sampling years. The POC flux decreased with depth for all particle settling velocity intervals, with the greatest decrease (factor of 2.3) in the slowly settling intervals (0.68–49 m d⁻¹) over trap depths of 524–1918 m, likely due to dissolution and decomposition of material. In contrast the flux of ²³⁴Th associated with the slowly settling particles remained constant with depth, while ²³⁴Th fluxes on the rapidly settling particles increased. Taking into account decay of ²³⁴Th on the settling particles, the patterns of ²³⁴Th flux with depth suggest that either both slow and fast settling particles scavenge additional ²³⁴Th during their descent or there is significant exchange between the particle classes. The observed changes in POC and ²³⁴Th flux produce a general decrease in POC/²³⁴Th of the settling particles with depth. There is no consistent trend in POC/²³⁴Th with settling velocity, such as might be expected from surface area and volume considerations. Good correlations are observed between ²³⁴Th and POC, lithogenic material and CaCO₃ for all settling velocity intervals. Pseudo-K_ds calculated for ²³⁴Th in the shallow traps (2005) are ranked as lithogenic material opal <calcium carbonate <organic carbon. Organic carbon contributes 33% to the bulk K_d, and for lithogenic material, opal and CaCO₃, the fraction is 22% each. Decreases in POC/²³⁴Th with depth are accompanied by increases in the ratio of ²³⁴Th to lithogenic material and opal. No change in the relationship between ²³⁴Th and CaCO₃ was evident with depth. These patterns are consistent with loss of POC through decomposition, opal through dissolution and additional scavenging of ²³⁴Th onto lithogenic material as the particles sink.     

Development of a fluorescence quenching assay to measure the fraction of organic carbon present in self-assembled gels in seawater

The dissolved organic carbon pool (DOC) is among the largest reservoir of reduced carbon on our planet. The demonstration that DOC polymers remain in assembly/dispersion equilibrium forming microscopic hydrogels has a broad range of critical implications. Previous studies estimate that  10% of DOC could be assembled as gels, yielding values of  7 × 10¹⁶ g of organic carbon present as microscopic hotspots of high substrate concentration. This huge mass of reduced carbon emphasizes the need to develop reliable methods to systematically investigate the budget of self-assembled marine gels (SAG), and their role in biogeochemical cycling. However, a quantitative method to measure SAG in seawater has not been available. Here we present the validation of a simple assay to measure the mass of organic carbon assembled as microgels in native seawater. This method is based on the ratio of Chlortetracycline (CTC) fluorescence quenching between Ca bound to non-assembled organic molecules and molecules assembled as microgels. This assay can be readily implemented on board using a low cost fluorometer and provisions to measure TOC.     

Modeling ocean primary production: Sensitivity to spectral resolution of attenuation and absorption of light

Modeling the vertical penetration of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) through the ocean, and its utilization by phytoplankton, is fundamental to simulating marine primary production. The variation of attenuation and absorption of light with wavelength suggests that photosynthesis should be modeled at high spectral resolution, but this is computationally expensive. To model primary production in global 3d models, a balance between computer time and accuracy is necessary. We investigate the effects of varying the spectral resolution of the underwater light field and the photosynthetic efficiency of phytoplankton (α^*), on primary production using a 1d coupled ecosystem ocean turbulence model. The model is applied at three sites in the Atlantic Ocean (CIS (60°N), PAP (50°N) and ESTOC (30°N)) to include the effect of different meteorological forcing and parameter sets. We also investigate three different methods for modeling α^* – as a fixed constant, varying with both wavelength and chlorophyll concentration [Bricaud, A., Morel, A., Babin, M., Allali, K., Claustre, H., 1998. Variations of light absorption by suspended particles with chlorophyll a concentration in oceanic (case 1) waters. Analysis and implications for bio-optical models. J. Geophys. Res. 103, 31033–31044], and using a non-spectral parameterization [Anderson, T.R., 1993. A spectrally averaged model of light penetration and photosynthesis. Limnol. Oceanogr. 38, 1403–1419]. After selecting the appropriate ecosystem parameters for each of the three sites we vary the spectral resolution of light and α^* from 1 to 61 wavebands and study the results in conjunction with the three different α^*estimation methods. The results show modeled estimates of ocean primary productivity are highly sensitive to the degree of spectral resolution and α^*. For accurate simulations of primary production and chlorophyll distribution we recommend a spectral resolution of at least six wavebands if α^* is a function of wavelength and chlorophyll, and three wavebands if α^* is a fixed value.     

Vertical structure variability in a seasonal simulation of a medium-resolution regional model of the Eastern South Pacific

A seasonal simulation from a medium-resolution ocean general circulation mode (OGCM) is used to investigate the vertical structure variability of the Southeast Pacific (SEP). The focus is on the extra-tropical Rossby wave (ETRW) variability and associated forcing mechanism. Some aspects of the model mean state are validated from available observations, which justifies a vertical mode decomposition of the model variability. The analysis of the baroclinic mode contributions to sea level indicates that the gravest mode is dominant over most of the domain at all frequencies. Annual variability is on average twice as large as the semi-annual variability which is confined near the coast for all the modes. The first baroclinic mode contribution to the annual cycle exhibits a clear westward propagation north of the critical latitude. The higher-order modes only contribute near the coast where they are associated with vertically propagating energy. The residual variability, which is the energy at all timescales other than annual and semi-annual periods peaks offshore between 20°S and 30°S for all baroclinic modes. The third baroclinic mode also exhibits a relative maximum variability off the coast of Peru south of the critical latitude of the annual cycle (13°S), where the Peru–Chile Undercurrent is the most intense. Sensitivity experiments to the atmospheric and boundary forcing suggest that the residual variability results from the non-linear interaction between annual Rossby waves and the mean flow, while the annual ETRWs in the model result from the summed-contribution from both the local wind stress and remote equatorial forcing. Overall the study extends the classical analysis of sea level variability in the SEP based on linear theory, and suggests that the peculiarities of the baroclinic modes need to be taken into account for interpreting the sea level variability and understanding its connection with the equatorial variability.     

Copper complexing ligands and organic matter characterization in the northern Adriatic Sea

The study on dissolved organic ligands capable to complex copper ions (L_T), surface-active substances (SAS) and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in the Northern Adriatic Sea station (ST 101) under the influence of Po River was conducted in period from 2006–2008. The acidity of surface-active organic material (Ac_r) was followed as well. The results are compared to temperature and salinity distributions. On that way, the contribution of the different pools of ligands capable to complex Cu ions could be determined as well as the influence of aging and transformation of the organic matter. The L_T values in the investigated period were in the range of 40–300 nmol l⁻¹. The range of DOC values for surface and bottom samples were 0.84–1.87 mg l⁻¹ and 0.80–1.30 mg l⁻¹, respectively. Total SAS concentrations in the bottom layer were 0.045–0.098 mg l⁻¹ in equiv. of Triton-X-100 while those in the surface layer were 0.050–0.143 mg l⁻¹ in equiv. of Triton-X-100. The majority of organic ligands responsible for Cu binding in surface water originate from new phytoplankton production promoted by river borne nutrients. Older, transformed organic matter, possessing higher relative acidity, is the main contributor to the pool of organic ligands that bind copper in the bottom samples. It was estimated that 9% of DOC in surface samples and 12% of DOC in the bottom samples are present as ligands capable to complex copper ions.