Seasonal evolution of the nutrient pattern on Biscay Bay continental shelf over the years 1999-2000

Type Article
Date 2006-03
Language English
Author(s) Loyer Sophie1, Lampert LuisORCID2, Menesguen Alain3, Cann Philippe3, Labasque Thierry4
Affiliation(s) 1 : Atlantide, F-29238 Brest 3, France.
2 : IFREMER, DEL PB, Port En Bessin, France.
3 : IFREMER, DEL, EC, Plouzane, France.
4 : EPSHOM, CMO, Brest, France.
Source Scientia Marina (0214-8358) (Institut de Ciències del Mar de Barcelona, CSIC), 2006-03 , Vol. 70 , N. 1 , P. 31-46
WOS© Times Cited 21
Keyword(s) Nutrients, River inputs, Coastal water, Bay of Biscay
Abstract The French Atlantic shelf is Subjected to strong anthropic influences (urban, industrial and agricultural discharges) of two main rivers (Loire and Gironde). The extension and consequences of these continental loadings for the nutrient and chlorophyll distribution have never been studied before oil the Bay of Biscay continental shelf as a whole. We present the first synoptic view of the nutrient distribution and evolution oil the French Atlantic shelf. Nutrient concentrations of the surface layer were Studied during four cruises in April, June, September 1999 and March 2000. Until June, the freshwater inputs induce a nitrate gradient from river months to offshore waters in the vicinity of the 100 m isobath. The Redfield's ratio Study highlights the nitrate excess in river loadings. The early spring situation is characterised by high N:P ratios in front Of file two estuaries and by a potential Si-limitation in the northern part. Nitrate removal continues in spite of the P-limitation and the increase in silicate concentrations during summer supposes high regeneration processes. At the end of summer, the water column is thermally stratified and the Surface mixed layer is totally depleted in nitrate.
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Loyer Sophie, Lampert Luis, Menesguen Alain, Cann Philippe, Labasque Thierry (2006). Seasonal evolution of the nutrient pattern on Biscay Bay continental shelf over the years 1999-2000. Scientia Marina, 70(1), 31-46. Open Access version : https://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00000/3956/