Nutrient structure of the Taiwan Warm Current and estimation of vertical nutrient fluxes in upwelling areas in the East China Sea in summer

Abstract

Based on field data for nutrients collected on the continental shelf of the East China Sea (ECS) during summer 2006, the structure and variations of nutrients in every water mass related to the Taiwan Warm Current (TWC) were analyzed. The supplementary effect of nutrient of upwelling on harmful algal blooms (HABs) in the ECS was also estimated, based on upwelling data. Then the maintenance contribution of nutrient of upwelling to HABs was assessed. The results showed that N/P ratio is fairly low in both surface and deep layers of the TWC, which possibly controls nutrient structure of the HABs-frequently-occuring areas. In upwelling areas, the rate of phosphate (PO4-P) uptake exceeds that of nitrate (NO3-N) of the TWC. The TWC may relieve PO4-P limitation during the process of HABs. Furthermore, upwelling plays an important role in providing nutrients to HABs. After estimating nutrient fluxes (NO3-N, PO4-P, SiO3-Si) in the upwelling areas along a typical section (S07), the results showed that the nutrient uptake rate is the greatest at 10–20 m below euphotic zone, sustaining the ongoing presence of HABs. The uptake rate of PO4-P is the highest among dissolved inorganic nutrients. Therefore, upwelling is most likely the main source of PO4-P supply to HABs.