New production in the subarctic Pacific Ocean: Net changes in nitrate concentrations, rates of nitrate assimilation and accumulation of particulate nitrogen

Abstract

Changes in water column nitrate and particulate nitrogen (PN) concentrations and rates of nitrate assimilation at 50°N 145°W were measured over a four-month interval for 1984, 1987 and 1988. Rates of nitrate depletion in the upper 80m of the water column averaged 12mg N m −2d −1, but most of the net depletion occurred during May when rates were high (∼75mg N m −2d −1) compared to later in the year. Particulate nitrogen (collected on GF/F filters) increased 2- to 3-fold during the month of May and accounted for 30–60% of the net nitrate depletion for May. Mean rates of PN accumulation for the 4-month intervals were 2.4mg N m −2d −1 and accounted for about 20% of the net nitrate depletion. Rates of nitrate assimilation (measured in incubation bottles with 15N) averaged 45.0±4.5mg N m −2d −1 (mean±SD), and appeared to decrease between May and September. A good correspondence between in situ and incubation estimates of nitrate assimilation was found for the 4-month comparison, but not for the month of May when net changes in nitrate concentrations were greatest. Vertical and horizontal inputs of nitrate are about the same order of magnitude as biological removal, thus the high inout of nitrate into the euphotic zone contributed to the continuously high nitrate concentrations in this region. Seasonal changes in nitrate and PN were significant and need to be considered in comparisons of new and export production.