Nitrogen and phosphorus distributions across the thermohaline front in Kii Channel in winter

Abstract

We have studied nitrogen and phosphorus distributions across the thermohaline front in Kii Channel in winter by using engine-cooling sea water of a ferry boat. On Dec. 1986 and Jan. 1987, differences of PO4−P and DIN across the front are recognized. Especially in the latter case, differences of nutrients concentrations across the front are very obvious. But differences of nutrients across the front on Feb. 1986, Feb. and Mar. 1987 are not obvious. Inspite of winter,Akashiwo had happened in Osaka Bay, nutrients mostly have already been utilized by phytoplankton in inner part of Osaka Bay. Consequently, differences of nutrients concentrations across the front are nearly zero.