Distribution of gelbstoff fluorescence in the Northern Canary Box

Abstract

As part of the CANIGO project, gelbstoff and other physical, chemical and biological parameters were measured along a transect north of the Canary Islands (29°N) and in the Northern Canary Box (between latitudes 29°N and 32°N and longitude 18°W to the African coast). Fluorescent compounds of gelbstoff were measured by discrete sampling and analyzed by spectrofluorometry in Raman units. An almost linear relationship between gelbstoff fluorescence and chlorophyll “a” was obtained for oceanic waters, which could be used for the validation of primary production models in the area. The distribution of yellow substance and its relationship to physical and chemical parameters were investigated in order to characterize local water masses. The range of gelbstoff fluorescence values characteristic of the water masses found to the north and east of the Canary Islands was also established.