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
\nand Broenkow's (1965) mixing model, we have calculated the biologically induced changes in
\nthe oxygen, nitrate and ammonium distribution pattems of the upwelling system off Cape
\nBlanc, N.W. Africa. These changes agree with independent calculations based on uc-uptake
\nexperiments and are consistent with the circulation of the upwelling system. The ratio of nitrogen
\ndecrease to oxygen increase in the photic zone is nearly identical to the Redfield ratio of
\n5.18 μg-at N/ml 02. In addition to its close couple with nitrate uptake, the oxygen increased
\ndirectly with the chlorophyll in the offshore-moving waters.