Atmospheric Input of Inorganic Nitrogen to the Western Mediterranean

• Published in: Biogeochemistry 1990-03, Vol.9 (2), p.117-134
• Main Authors: M. D. Lo e-Pilot, Martin, J. M., Morelli, J.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Air masses; Atmospheric deposition; Atmospherics; Earth sciences; Earth, ocean, space; Engineering and environment geology. Geothermics; Exact sciences and technology; Marine ecosystems; Nitrogen; Ocean pollution; Pollution, environment geology; Precipitation; Primary productivity; Rain; Seas
• ISSN: 0168-2563; 1573-515X
• DOI: 10.1007/bf00692168

Bulk inorganic nitrogen deposition was monitored over a period of 3 years at the Bavella Pass (Corsica, France). Annual fluxes range between 126 and 150 μ mol.m-2.d-1, increasing slightly with annual rainfall. Natural background average concentrations of rain water and associated fluxes were estimated from a classification of rain events into 'natural' (Oceanic and Saharan), polluted and composite. Long range transport of incoming polluted air masses increases the atmospheric wet nitrogen input by at least a factor of 1.6 in this Mediterranean area. Extrapolation of atmospheric dissolved inorganic nitrogen input to the Western Mediterranean leads to fluxes of 80 to 100 μ mol.m-2.d-1. This atmospheric input is in the same order of magnitude as the inorganic nitrogen riverine input. As a consequence, the nitrogen budget for the Mediterranean has had to be reassessed. Atmospheric wet inorganic nitrogen input is of noticeable importance to marine Mediterranean ecosystems, representing on average 10 to 25% of new production in the Western Basin, with values of up to 60% in oligotrophic zones.