Temporal change in nutrient concentrations and phytoplankton biomass in short time scale local upwelling around the Izu Peninsula, Japan

• Published in: Journal of plankton research 1986, Vol.8 (6), p.1039-1049
• Main Authors: Takahashi, M., Ishizaka, J., Ishimaru, T., Atkinson, L.P., Lee, T.N., Yamaguchi, Y., Fujita, Y., Ichimura, S.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animal and plant ecology; Animal, plant and microbial ecology; Biological and medical sciences; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Sea water ecosystems; Synecology
• ISSN: 0142-7873; 1464-3774
• DOI: 10.1093/plankt/8.6.1039

Temporal changes in nitrate plus nitrite and chlorophyll concentrations were observed by continuous shipboard measurements in upwelled and coastal water masses covering an area 20 × 30 km2 along the Izu Peninsula between May 22 and 26, 1982. Two localized upwelling events were observed, one which had occurred before May 22 and the other on May 26. Nutrient input into the surface from upwelling and subsequent phytoplankton growth were clearly documented. Phytoplankton growth, estimated from the disappearance of nutrients, agreed well with modelling estimates based upon simulated culture experiments done previously in the same area. Phytoplankton growth terminated when nutrients were depleted. Similar stimulation of phytoplankton growth supported by localized upwelling can be expected in other coastal regions where similar conditions exist.