Influence of Amazon River Discharge on the Marine Production System off Barbados, West Indies
Kidd R and Sander F. 1979. Influence of Amazon River Discharge on the Marine Production System off Barbados, West Indies. Journal of Marine Research. 37(4):1979
The present investigation compares hydrography, nutrient chemistry and related biological parameters between periods of extensive and limited influence of Amazon River waters at Barbados. Salinity fluctuations associated with the movement of "freshwater lenses" into and out of the sampling area were accompanied by general increases in nutrient availability, particularly PO-P concentrations. Plankton standing crop responded to these fluctuations and it is suggested that the trend is likely to be related to variations in the total annual volume discharge of the Amazon River. Qualitative seasonal differences in both phytoplankton and zooplankton are also observed.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Kidd, Robert; Sander, Finn
- Units
- SFCN
- Keywords
- Hydrography, nutrient chemistry, Phytoplankton, Salinity Fluctuations, Volume Discharge, Zooplankton