Nutrient budgets for the South China Sea basin

Varying atmospheric forcing and an elaborate geography make for a complex flow in the South China Sea (SCS). Throughout the year, the surface waters of the Kuroshio flow into the SCS, while the surface waters of the SCS flow out through the Bashi Channel. Cumulatively, there is a small (1 Sv) net outflow of surface water (0–350-m depth) from the SCS in the wet season, but a net inflow (3 Sv) in the dry season through the Bashi Channel. The differences are mainly made up by inflow and outflow of Sunda Shelf Water in the wet and dry seasons, respectively.Seawater, phosphorus, nitrogen and silicate budgets were calculated based on a box model. The results point out an intermediate water outflow (350–1350-m depth) into the West Philippine Sea (WPS) through the Bashi Channel in both the wet and dry seasons, though this, along with the nutrients it carries, is slightly larger in the dry season (2 Sv) than in the wet (1.8 Sv). More importantly, the export of nutrient-laden SCS intermediate water through the Bashi Channel subsequently upwells onto the East China Sea (ECS) shelf. The denitrification rate for shelves in the SCS is 0.11 mol N m⁻² year⁻¹, calculated by balancing the nitrogen budget. The oxygen consumption and the nutrient regeneration rates, based on the mass-balance and the one-dimensional advection–diffusion models, stand between those for the Bering Sea and the Sea of Japan.     

Heavy metals in sinking particles and bottom sediments from the eastern Turkish coast of the Black Sea

Concentrations of Cd, Cu, Cr, Co, Ni, Zn, Fe, Mn, Pb, As, and Sb were determined in sediment trap and bottom sediment samples collected seasonally from a station on the eastern Turkish coast of the Black Sea. Cd, Pb and Mn concentrations were highest in the sediment trap samples except during the summer period, whereas Co, Ni, Zn and Fe levels were much lower than corresponding levels found in the surface sediments. Cu, Cr, As and Sb levels showed no definite trend with sediment type. In general, with the exception of Cr, relatively lower metal concentrations in the sediment trap material were determined in the summer period. The highest mass flux, 56.5 g m⁻² day⁻¹, was measured during autumn. The highest flux of heavy metals also occurred during autumn and was strongly dependent on particle mass flux. Based on these results, we suggest that the downward vertical transport of particulate heavy metals in this region is related to the high degree of land erosion and the resultant particulate flux dynamics, which occur here. It was noteworthy that the highest concentrations of Cd, Cu, Co, Zn, Fe and Sb in particles were measured during winter a finding which suggests that enhanced fossil fuel combustion, which occurs during this period in adjacent urban and industrial areas plays an important role in the metal composition of sinking particles in nearshore waters.     

Bacterioplankton and phytoplankton biomass and production during summer stratification in the northwestern Mediterranean Sea

We examined bacterioplankton biomass and heterotrophic production (BHP) during summer stratification in the northwestern Mediterranean in four successive stratification seasons (June–July of 1993–1996). Values of phytoplankton biomass and primary production were determined simultaneously so that the data sets for autotrophic and heterotrophic microbial plankton could be compared. Three standard stations were set along a transect from Barcelona to the channel between Mallorca and Menorca, representing coastally influenced shelf waters, frontal waters over the slope front, and open sea waters. Conversion factors from ³H-leucine incorporation to BHP were empirically determined and varied between 0.29 and 3.25 kg C mol^-1. Bacterial biomass values were among the lowest found in any marine environment. BHP values (between 0.02 and 2.5 μg C L^-1 d^-1) were larger than those of low nutrient low chlorophyll areas such as the Sargasso Sea and lower than those from high nutrient low chlorophyll areas such as the equatorial Pacific. Growth rates of bacterioplankton were highest at the slope front (0.20 d^-1) and lowest at the open sea station (0.04 d^-1). Phytoplankton growth rates were similar at the three stations (∼0.50 d^-1). Integrated values of bacterioplankton biomass, BHP and bacterial growth rates did not show significant differences among years, but differences between the three stations were clearly significant. Phytoplankton biomass, primary production, and phytoplankton growth rates did not show significant differences either with year or with station. As a consequence the bacterioplankton to phytoplankton biomass (BB/BPHY) and production (BHP/PP) ratios varied from the coastal to the open sea stations. The BB/BPHY ratio was 0.98 at the coast and ∼0.70 at the other two stations. These ratios are similar to those found in other oligotrophic marine environments. The BHP/PP ratio was 0.83 at the coast, 0.36 at the slope and 0.09 at the open sea station. The last value is also similar to values found in other oligotrophic marine environments. Vertical distribution of these ratios was also examined.The comparison of microbial parameters at the three stations indicates a different kind of relationship between bacterioplankton and phytoplankton in oligotrophic open sea waters and in coastal, nutrient-richer waters. According to such parameters and to the values of the BB/BPHY and BHP/PP ratios, open waters in the northwestern Mediterranean (despite their relatively short distance from the shore) were intermediate between the extremely oligotrophic waters of the eastern Mediterranean or the Sargasso Sea and the more productive waters of the equatorial Pacific.     

Tidal influence on suspended sediment distribution and dispersal in the northern Andaman Sea and Gulf of Martaban

Surface and water column profiles of suspended matter collected during April-May 2002, and satellite images were used to study factors influencing suspended sediment concentrations (SSCs) and dispersal in the northern Andaman Sea and Gulf of Martaban, one of the largest highly turbid areas of the world's oceans. Perennial high SSC in the Gulf of Martaban is due to a combination of factors including resuspension of sediments by strong tidal currents, shallow bathymetry and seasonal sediment influx from rivers. From satellite images, it was observed that in the central portion of the Gulf of Martaban, the turbidity front oscillates about 150 km in phase with spring-neap tidal cycles and the area covered by the turbid zone (SSC>15 mg l⁻¹) increases from less than 15 000 km² during neap tide to more than 45 000 km² during spring tide. The sediment discharged by the Ayeyarwady River is transported mainly eastward, along the coast, into the Gulf of Martaban. Occasionally, during the winter monsoon period, sediment plumes are seen heading westward into the Bay of Bengal. Turbidity profiles show that bottom nepheloid layers are actively transporting some of the sediments into the deep Andaman Sea via the Martaban canyon.     

Bulk particulate organic carbon in the East China Sea: Tidal influence and bottom transport

Five oceanographic surveys were carried out in the East China Sea (ECS) and Yellow Sea from 1999 to 2003. In all, seven different sections were surveyed, but one section (the PN section) was observed on every cruise. Two time-series stations were also surveyed, one located at the Changjiang River mouth, the other over the continental shelf in the PN section.We identified biogeochemical characteristics for waters close to the Changjiang Estuary and in the Kuroshio waters (KW), respectively. Resuspension is a strong feature near bottom over the ECS continental shelf, with suspended matter values 13 times higher than that for the surface. A model of particulate organic carbon (POC) dynamics based on a rectangle equation reveals that POC concentration close to the Changjiang Estuary varies with a semidiurnal period of ∼13 h, coinciding with the tidal period. The upper limit for POC residence times in the seasons we covered over the shelf are estimated to be on the order of weeks and generally increase seaward from near the Changjiang Estuary to the KW. Short POC residence times suggest that POC in the ECS is rapidly exported from euphotic waters.A nepheloid layer, observed as elevated suspended matter in near the bottom of the water column, is important in particle transfer over the shelf, especially in winter when the residual current flows mainly eastward. Cross-shelf transport of POC via the nepheloid layer is estimated to be 0.22 × 10¹² g yr⁻¹. Comparison with other work indicates that POC transport is ∼2% of the Changjiang POC input.     

Photochemical production of ammonium and transformation of dissolved organic matter in the Baltic Sea

The release of ammonium from the photochemical degradation of dissolved organic matter (DOM) has been proposed by earlier studies as a potentially important remineralisation pathway for refractory organic nitrogen. In this study the photochemical production of ammonium from Baltic Sea DOM was assessed in the laboratory. Filtered samples from the Bothnian Bay, the Gulf of Finland and the Arkona Sea were exposed to UVA light at environmentally relevant levels, and the developments in ammonium concentrations, light absorption, fluorescence and molecular size distribution were followed. The exposures resulted in a decrease in DOM absorption and loss of the larger sized fraction of DOM. Analysis of the fluorescence properties of DOM using parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC) identified 6 independent components. Five components decreased in intensity as a result of the UVA exposures. One component was produced as a result of the exposures and represents labile photoproducts derived from terrestrial DOM. The characteristics of DOM in samples from the Bothnian Bay and Gulf of Finland were similar and dominated by terrestrially derived material. The DOM from the Arkona Sea was more autochthonous in character. Photoammonification differed depending on the composition of DOM. Calculated photoammonification rates in surface waters varied between 121 and 382 μmol NH₄⁺ L^− 1 d^− 1. Estimated areal daily production rates ranged between 37 and 237 μmol NH₄⁺ m^− 2 d^− 1, which are comparable to atmospheric deposition rates and suggest that photochemical remineralisation of organic nitrogen may be a significant source of bioavailable nitrogen to surface waters during summer months with high irradiance and low inorganic nitrogen concentrations.     

南黄海及长江口附近海域绿潮暴发前期微观繁殖体的动态变化

基于2011年3至5月对南黄海及长江口附近海域的水体与沉积物样品采集及实验室萌发培养实验,分析了绿潮暴发前期该海域微观繁殖体的时空分布特征。结果表明,在调查期间,南黄海水体中微观繁殖体空间分布趋势表现为近岸高远岸低,高值区主要集中在紫菜筏架养殖区附近海域,在122°30'E以东区域未发现有微观繁殖体存在。3,4,5月份该区域海水中平均微观繁殖体数分别为144 ,164和140株/dm3,最大值分别为278,426,和537株/dm3;南黄海沉积物中微观繁殖体数量分布范围介于19~127株/层,表层微观繁殖体数高于底层。长江口以北靠近江苏近岸区域有微观繁殖体存在,数量介于1~10株/dm3,31°N以南区域和河口内未发现有繁殖体分布,由此可排除黄海浒苔等绿藻微观繁殖体由长江水携带入海或来源于长江口南部海域。在春季绿潮暴发前开展该海域微观繁殖体的研究,可为查明绿潮发源地及早期发生发展过程提供基础资料,为预测和预警绿潮发生提供科技支撑。     

南黄海及长江口附近海域绿潮暴发前期微观繁殖体的动态变化

基于2011年3至5月对南黄海及长江口附近海域的水体与沉积物样品采集及实验室萌发培养实验,分析了绿潮暴发前期该海域微观繁殖体的时空分布特征。结果表明,在调查期间,南黄海水体中微观繁殖体空间分布趋势表现为近岸高远岸低,高值区主要集中在紫菜筏架养殖区附近海域,在122°30'E以东区域未发现有微观繁殖体存在。3,4,5月份该区域海水中平均微观繁殖体数分别为144 ,164和140株/dm³,最大值分别为278,426,和537株/dm³;南黄海沉积物中微观繁殖体数量分布范围介于19~127株/层,表层微观繁殖体数高于底层。长江口以北靠近江苏近岸区域有微观繁殖体存在,数量介于1~10株/dm³,31°N以南区域和河口内未发现有繁殖体分布,由此可排除黄海浒苔等绿藻微观繁殖体由长江水携带入海或来源于长江口南部海域。在春季绿潮暴发前开展该海域微观繁殖体的研究,可为查明绿潮发源地及早期发生发展过程提供基础资料,为预测和预警绿潮发生提供科技支撑。     

南黄海物理-生物地球化学过程的时空异质性及内在关联和机制

研究多重物理过程控制下陆架边缘海生物地球化学过程的时空异质性及其生态响应,对于深入认识海洋生态系统具有重要的意义。基于相关历史观测资料和卫星遥感海表温度,本文综合分析了南黄海物理-生物地球化学过程的时空变化和空间异质性特征,探讨了该海域内部典型地理单元之间的内在关联和机制。结果显示,冷季沿岸流南向输送和暖季锋面上升流垂向输运的季节性交替是影响石岛外海与海州湾外侧海域生物地球化学和初级生产的重要物理过程。夏季苏北沿岸水的东北向扩展可形成浒苔离岸/跨区域输送的动力驱动。暖季水体层化显著影响着南黄海中部冷水团海域的生物地球化学过程,春至秋季冷水团海域底层水体中的营养盐逐渐累积,形成了营养盐的重要贮库;层化季节黄海冷水团边界锋区上升流系统的存在使得南黄海叶绿素a和初级生产力高值区位置同海表低温涌升流区总体相一致。冷季南黄海西部南下的冷水与中部北向入侵的暖水共同导致了“S”型锋面的形成;暖季黄海冷水团边界锋区的上升流系统是连接层化海域和近岸区的纽带,可实现对冷水团内部营养盐的提取,从而将冷水团内部和边界区的生物地球化学过程形成有机连接,并在成山角-石岛外海、海州湾外侧、苏北浅滩东部形成三个典型的物理-生物地球化学相互作用区。本研究细化和整合了南黄海区域海洋学研究,揭示了该海域物理-生物地球化学过程的空间异质性特征和不同地理单元之间的关联性及机制,获得了对南黄海水文-生物地球化学-生态过程的综合、系统认知。     

渤、黄、东海悬浮物质量浓度冬、夏季变化的数值模拟

采用HAMSOM三维正压水动力模型结合粒子追踪的悬浮颗粒物输运模型模拟了渤、黄、东海悬浮物质量浓度冬、夏季变化。模拟结果显示,潮流和底质对悬浮物质量浓度的分布有决定性的作用,沉积物再悬浮对悬浮物质量浓度分布影响大,冬季尤为显著。莱州湾中西部和渤海湾南部悬浮物终年维持高质量浓度,古黄河口冬季再悬浮物的质量浓度高于其它季节的。长江口附近悬浮物终年维持高质量浓度,夏季长江口东北悬浮物的质量浓度高于冬季的,浙江沿岸冬季悬浮物的质量浓度高于夏季的。     

Mercury speciation in surface and deep waters of the Mediterranean Sea

Mercury speciation and its distribution in surface and deep waters of the Mediterranean Sea were studied during two oceanographic cruises on board the Italian research vessel URANIA in summer 2003 and spring 2004 as part of the Med Oceaneor and MERCYMS projects. The study included deep water profiles of dissolved gaseous Hg (DGM), reactive Hg (RHg), total Hg (THg), monomethyl Hg (MeHg) and dimethyl Hg (DMeHg) in open ocean waters. Average concentrations of measured Hg species were characterized by seasonal and spatial variations. Overall average THg concentrations ranged between 0.41 and 2.65 pM (1.32 ± 0.48 pM) and were comparable to those obtained in previous studies of the Mediterranean Sea. A significant fraction of Hg was present as “reactive” Hg (average 0.33 ± 0.32 pM). Dissolved gaseous Hg (DGM), which consists mainly of Hg⁰, represents a considerable proportion of THg (average 20%, 0.23 ± 0.11 pM). The portion of DGM typically increased towards the bottom, especially in areas with strong tectonic activity (Alboran Sea, Strait of Sicily, Tyrrhenian Sea), indicating its geotectonic origin. No dimethyl Hg was found in surface waters down to the depth of 40 m. Below this depth, its average concentration was 2.67 ± 2.9 fM. Dissolved fractions of total Hg and MeHg were measured in filtered water samples and were 0.68 ± 0.43 pM and 0.29 ± 0.17 pM for THg and MeHg respectively. The fraction of Hg as MeHg was in average 43%, which is relatively high compared to other ocean environments. The concentrations reported in this study are among the lowest found in marine environments and the quality of analytical methods are of key importance. Speciation of Hg in sea water is of crucial importance as THg concentrations alone do not give adequate data for understanding Hg sources and cycling in marine environments. For example, photoinduced transformations are important for the presence of reactive and elemental mercury in the surface layers, biologically mediated reactions are important for the production/degradation of MeHg and DGM in the photic zones of the water column, and the data for DGM in deep sea indicate the natural sources of Hg in geotectonicaly active areas of the Mediterranean Sea.     

The influence of the south-west monsoon upon the nutrient biogeochemistry of the Arabian Sea

Variations in the nutrient concentrations were studied during two cruises to the Arabian Sea. The situation towards the end of the southwest monsoon season (September/October 1994) was compared with the inter-monsoonal season during November and December 1994. Underway surface transects showed the influence of an upwelling system during the first cruise with deep, colder, nutrient-rich water being advected into the surface mixed layer. During the southwesterly monsoon there was an area of coastal Ekman upwelling, bringing colder water (24.2°C) into the surface waters of the coastal margin. Further offshore at about 350 km there was an area of Ekman upwelling, as a result of wind-stress curl, north of the Findlater Jet axis; this area also had cooler surface water (24.6°C). Further offshore (>1000 km) the average surface temperatures increased to >27°C. These waters were oligotrophic with no evidence of the upwelling effects observed further inshore. In the upwelling regions nutrient concentrations in the close inshore coastal zone were elevated (NO₃=18 μmol l^-1, PO₄=1.48 μmol l^-1); higher concentrations also were measured at the region of offshore upwelling off the shelf, with a maximum nitrate concentration of 12.5 μmol l^-1 and a maximum phosphate concentration of 1.2 μmol l^-1. Nitrate and phosphate concentrations decreased with increasing distance offshore to the oligotrophic waters beyond 1400 km, where typical nitrate concentrations were 35.0 nmol l^-1 (0.035 μmol l^-1) in the surface mixed layer. A CTD section from the coastal shelf, to 1650 km offshore to the oligotrophic waters, clearly showed that during the monsoon season, upwelling is one of the major influences upon the nutrient concentrations in the surface waters of the Arabian Sea off the coast of Oman. Productivity of the water column was enhanced to a distance of over 800 km offshore. During the intermonsoon period a stable surface mixed layer was established, with a well-defined thermocline and nitracline. Surface temperature was between 26.8 and 27.4°C for the entire transect from the coast to 1650 km offshore. Nitrate concentrations were typically between 2.0 and 0.4 μmol l^-1 for the transect, to about 1200 km where the waters became oligotrophic, and nitrate concentrations were then typically 8–12 nmol l^-1. Ammonia concentrations for the oligotrophic waters were typically 130 nmol l^-1, and are reported for the first time in the Indian Ocean. The nitrogen/phosphorus (N/P) ratios suggest that phytoplankton production was potentially nitrogen-limited in all the surface waters of the Arabian Sea, with the greatest nitrogen limitation during the intermonsoon period.     

Sulfur and iron speciation in surface sediments along the northwestern margin of the Black Sea

The speciation of sedimentary sulfur (pyrite, acid volatile sulfides (AVS), S⁰, H₂S, and sulfate) was analyzed in surface sediments recovered at different water depths from the northwestern margin of the Black Sea. Additionally, dissolved and dithionite-extractable iron were quantified, and the sulfur isotope ratios in pyrite were measured. Sulfur and iron cycling in surface sediments of the northwestern part of the Black Sea is largely influenced by (1) organic matter supply to the sediment, (2) availability of reactive iron compounds and (3) oxygen concentrations in the bottom waters. Biologically active, accumulating sediments just in front of the river deltas were characterized by high AVS contents and a fast depletion of sulfate concentration with depth, most likely due to high sulfate reduction rates (SRR). The δ³⁴S values of pyrite in these sediments were relatively heavy (−8‰ to −21‰ vs. V-CDT). On the central shelf, where benthic mineralization rates are lower, re-oxidation processes may become more important and result in pyrite extremely depleted in δ³⁴S (−39‰ to −46‰ vs. V-CDT). A high variability in δ³⁴S values of pyrite in sediments from the shelf-edge (−6‰ to −46‰ vs. V-CDT) reflects characteristic fluctuations in the oxygen concentrations of bottom waters or varying sediment accumulation rates. During periods of oxic conditions or low sediment accumulation rates, re-oxidation processes became important resulting in low AVS concentrations and light δ³⁴S values. Anoxic conditions in the bottom waters overlying shelf-edge sediments or periods of high accumulation rates are reflected in enhanced AVS contents and heavier sulfur isotope values. The sulfur and iron contents and the light and uniform pyrite isotopic composition (−37‰ to −39‰ vs. V-CDT) of sediments in the permanently anoxic deep sea (1494 m water depth) reflect the formation of pyrite in the upper part of the sulfidic water column and the anoxic surface sediment. The present study demonstrates that pyrite, which is extremely depleted in ³⁴S, can be found in the Black Sea surface sediments that are positioned both above and below the chemocline, despite differences in biogeochemical and microbial controlling factors.     

Sources and fate of manganese in a tidal basin of the German Wadden Sea

Dissolved and particulate Mn concentrations were investigated on a seasonal scale in surface waters of the NW German Wadden Sea (Spiekeroog Island) in 2002 and 2003. As the Wadden Sea forms the transition zone between the terrestrial and marine realms, Mn was analysed in coastal freshwater tributaries and in the adjoining German Bight as well. Additionally, sediments and porewaters of the tidal flat sediments were analysed for Mn partitioning and microbial activity.Dissolved Mn concentrations show strong tidal and seasonal variation with elevated concentrations during summer at low tide. Summer values in the Wadden Sea (av. 0.7 μM) are distinctly higher than in the central areas of the German Bight (av. 0.02 μM), suggesting a possible impact of the Wadden Sea environment on the Mn budget of the North Sea. Seasonality is also observed for particulate Mn in the Wadden Sea (winter av. 800 mg kg^− 1; summer av. 1360 mg kg^− 1). Although particles are relatively Mn-poor during winter, the high SPM load during this season causes elevated excess concentrations of particulate Mn, which in part exceed those of the dissolved phase. Therefore, winter values cannot be ignored in balance calculations for the Wadden Sea system.Porewater Mn concentrations differ depending on sediment type and season. Maximum concentrations are found in surface sediments at a mixed flat site (190 μM) during summer, while winter values are distinctly lower. This indicates that enhanced microbial activity owing to higher temperature during summer leads to increased reduction of Mn-oxides in surface sediments and enhances the corresponding diffusive and advective Mn flux across the sediment-water interface. Draining of Mn-rich porewaters from sediments is also documented by analyses of tidal creek waters, which are highly enriched in Mn during summer.Furthermore, an important Mn source is freshwater discharged into the Wadden Sea via a flood-gate. The concentration of dissolved Mn in freshwater was highly variable during the sampling campaigns in 2002 and 2003, averaging 4 μM. In contrast, particulate Mn displayed a seasonal behaviour with increasing contents during summer. On the basis of salinity variations in the Wadden Sea, the total amount of Mn contributed to the Wadden Sea via freshwater was estimated. This balance shows the importance of the freshwater environment for the Mn inventory of the Wadden Sea. During winter the total Mn inventory of the Wadden Sea water column may be explained almost completely by freshwater discharge, whereas in summer the porewater system forms the dominating source.     

Phosphorus release from coastal Baltic Sea sediments as estimated from sediment profiles

We used the decline in total phosphorus (P) concentration with depth in sediment profiles from the North-western Baltic Proper coastal zone to calculate the site-specific amount of sediment P eventually to be released to the water column: The potentially mobile P. P fractionation revealed that iron bound P dominated the potentially mobile P at sites with oxic surface sediment layers. Organic P forms were also a major constituent of the potentially mobile P pool. We determined that 1–7 g P/m² were potentially mobile at our sites, and the turnover time of this P pool was considered short, i.e., less than a decade. To determine long-term average P fluxes to and from the surface sediment layer, we first multiplied the constant and relatively low P concentration in deeper sediment layers with the sediment accumulation rate to gain the P burial rate. Then the average total P concentration in settling matter was multiplied with the sediment accumulation rate to estimate the depositional P flux at each site. The difference between the depositional and burial rates represents the long-term average release rate of sediment P and varied between 1.0 and 2.7 g P/m² yr among our sites. These rates are at the same order of magnitude as values reported from other areas of the Baltic Sea, and constitute a major source of P to the water column.     

Radioactive isotopes of caesium in the waters and near-water atmospheric layer of the Black Sea

The concentrations of¹³⁷Cs and¹³⁴Cs were measured using the sorption method in the waters of the Black Sea during 1986–1987. An inhomogeneous character of the contamination of the surface waters in the Black Sea due to the Chernobyl disaster is shown. The subsequent migration and redistribution of caesium radionuclides in the various seasons of the year were studied. The amount of¹³⁷Cs and¹³⁴Cs in the upper 50 m layer was estimated. The results of measuring the concentration of caesium radionuclides in the near-water atmospheric layer over the Black Sea and Mediterranean Sea in 1986–1987 are also reported.Translated by Mikhail M. Trufanov.     

Interranual variability in horizontal patterns of larval fish assemblages in the northeastern Aegean Sea (eastern Mediterranean) during early summer

Larval fish community structure was studied in the northeastern Aegean Sea (NEA) over an area influenced by the advection of Black Sea water (BSW). Sampling was carried out in early summer during a period of 4 years (2003–2006). Taxonomic composition and abundance presented high variability in space that remained relatively constant among years. Tow depth and indicators of trophic conditions in the upper water column (i.e., zooplankton displacement volume, fluorescence) explained significantly the structure of larval assemblages during all surveys. The northern continental shelf (Thracian and Strymonikos shelf), where a large amount of enriched, low salinity BSW is retained, was dominated by larvae of epipelagic species, mainly anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus). Interannual changes in horizontal extension of the BSW seemed to match closely observed changes in the distribution of anchovy larvae. Mesopelagic fish larvae were particularly abundant beyond the continental shelf (over the North Aegean Trough) where a strong frontal structure is created between the low salinity waters of BSW origin and the high salinity waters of the Aegean Sea. Larvae of certain mesopelagic species (e.g., Ceratoscopelus maderensis) may occasionally be transported inshore when the prevailing current meanders towards the coast or feeds anticyclonic gyres over the continental shelf.     

黄海绿潮分布年际变化特征分析

2008-2015年,连续8年在黄海海域暴发大规模绿潮,但因暴发时间、规模及漂移路径的不同,对沿海地区造成的环境影响和经济损失大不相同。本文利用EOS/MODIS卫星的多通道资料,采用NDVI算法获取绿潮信息,给出了2007年以来5-8月所有无云或少云晴朗天气下黄海海面绿潮的分布情况。黄海绿潮覆盖面积变化每年呈现单峰值分布,MODIS卫星在5月中旬至6月初首次发现绿潮,随后30~40 d内达到覆盖面积峰值,7月快速消退,8月上旬完全消失。2007年绿潮出现首年覆盖面积极低,发现绿潮时面积均未超过50 km2;2008年和2009年绿潮覆盖面积峰值分别为3 110 km2和4 075 km2,自此绿潮灾害成为新的海洋环境事件;2010-2012年绿潮暴发规模异常低值,各年覆盖面积峰值均未超过1 800 km2,但从2013年开始绿潮规模逐渐攀升,到2015年绿潮覆盖面积峰值达5 629 km2,持续可达98 d,覆盖面积和持续时间为历年之最。绿潮漂移路径可归纳分为3类:2008年和2011年绿潮主体先北向漂移越过34°30'N后,西北向垂直于岸线漂移,主要对连云港、日照和青岛造成较大影响;2009年和2012年绿潮主体先北向漂移越过35°N后,东北向平行于岸线漂移,故只有少许绿潮上岸;2010年、2013-2015年绿潮主体北向漂移至近岸后东北向沿岸漂移,对日照、青岛和荣成沿海造成大面积影响。所有年份绿潮影响范围均限于南黄海内,东侧边界最远未越过124.2°E。     

Summer mesozooplankton structure in the Pechora Sea (south-eastern Barents Sea)

Mesozooplankton composition and distribution were investigated by Juday net hauls in the Pechora Sea (south-eastern Barents Sea) in July 2001. A total of 66 taxa were identified. The total mesozooplankton abundance varied between 2416 ind m⁻² in the northern part and 1458?935 ind m⁻² in the south. The biomass ranged between 81 and 19?078 mg DW m⁻². Three groups differed greatly in composition, abundance and biomass as delineated by cluster analysis. Copepod species Calanus finmarchicus, Pseudocalanus species and Limnocalanus macrurus dominated in terms of the total biomass within each single cluster. There were significant Spearman rank correlations between mesozooplankton abundance and oceanographic variables, and phytoplankton concentration. Salinity was the main factor affecting the mesozooplankton distribution in the coastal waters, while temperature had greater influence on the abundance and biomass in the central and northern parts. The mean mesozooplankton biomass in the region was higher in comparison with some previous investigations probably due to higher water temperature in summer 2001.     

Recent sediment accumulation and origin of shelf mud deposits in the Yellow and East China Seas

Modern (last 100 yr) accumulation rates of shelf mud deposits in the Yellow and East China Seas were investigated using the distribution of excess ²¹⁰Pb (²¹⁰Pb_ex) in sediment core samples. Compilation and merger of new and previously published data helped clarify sediment accumulation in these seas. The estimated accumulation rates, together with data of suspended sediment concentrations, provided findings on the sediment budget, origin, and transport pathway of the mud deposits. The overall accumulation distribution in the Yellow and East China Sea shelf revealed a general, cross-shelf decreasing trend along the sediment dispersal system away from the rivers, except for the South Sea (SSM) and southeastern Yellow Sea (SEYSM) mud patches found along the Korean coast. Notably, ²¹⁰Pb_ex activity profiles within the SSM and the SEYSM yielded a relatively high accumulation rate of 2-5 mm/yr, implying a sedimentation rate of 4-15 × 10⁷ tons per year in this coastal zone. Such an annual accumulation rate is about one order of magnitude greater than the total sediment discharge (6-20 × 10⁶ tons/yr) from Korean rivers, suggesting an additional offshore source. The distribution pattern of the well-defined suspended plume clearly showed the possible transport and exchange of fine-grained sediments between the ECS shelf and the coastal area of Korea, especially during winter. Such a high accumulation in Korean coastal areas is attributable to the sediments supplied from the mud deposit of the ECS (i.e., SWCIM), with origins in Chinese rivers. Therefore, the Korean coastal area may be an important sink for some of Chinese river sediments being transported from the south by the Yellow Sea Warm Current.