An analysis of the production-regeneration system in the coastal upwelling area off N.W. Africa based on oxygen, nitrate and ammonium distributions

Abstract

Using the hydrographic and nutrient data from the R/V lean Charcot CINECA-V cruise and Broenkow's (1965) mixing model, we have calculated the biologically induced changes in the oxygen, nitrate and ammonium distribution pattems of the upwelling system off Cape Blanc, N.W. Africa. These changes agree with independent calculations based on uc-uptake experiments and are consistent with the circulation of the upwelling system. The ratio of nitrogen decrease to oxygen increase in the photic zone is nearly identical to the Redfield ratio of 5.18 μg-at N/ml 02. In addition to its close couple with nitrate uptake, the oxygen increased directly with the chlorophyll in the offshore-moving waters.