Nutrient, Chlorophyll and Primary Production Studies in the Florida Current

Author: Corcoran E. F.   Alexander James E.  

Publisher: University of Miami - Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science

ISSN: 0007-4977

Source: Bulletin of Marine Science, Vol.13, Iss.4, 1963-10, pp. : 527-541

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Abstract

Inorganic and total phosphates, Kjeldahl nitrogen, ammonia, nitrite and nitrate nitrogen, iron and silicate have been measured at a station in the Florida current 40 miles east of Miami, Florida in 738 m of water. This station has been occupied at monthly intervals for 31 months. Standing crop and primary production have been measured by chlorophyll and C14 methods for 9 months.Nutrient concentrations were low in the upper waters. Phosphates and nitrates ranged from 0.0 to 0.3 μg-at P/L and from 0.0 to 10 μg-at N/L. Ammonia and Kjeldahl nitrogen ranged 0.3 to 4.0 μg-at N/L. Silicate was generally not detectable and iron was principally present in particulate state with concentration ranging up to 6 μg/L.Standing crop ranged from 0.05-0.5 mg, chlorophyll a / m3. Net production ranged from 0.2-0.5 mg C/m3/day.Factors controlling production in this region and which differentiate it from those of higher latitudes are (1) shallow winter mixed layer, (2) low concentration of nutrients, and (3) a rapid re-cycling of nutrients.