Vertical flux and biogeochemical turnover regulate nutrient limitation of net organic production in the North Pacific Gyre

Journal Article · Wed Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1986 · Limnol. Oceanogr.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.4319/lo.1986.31.1.0161· OSTI ID:5845029

Smith, S V; Kimmerer, W J; Walsh, T W

Water samples collected at a station in the North Pacific Gyre near Hawaii precisely define the temporal average vertical profile of dissolved inorganic and organic N and P (DON and DOP). DON and DOP concentrations decrease with depth. As shown by other studies, the regression of NO/sub 3//sup -/ vs PO/sub 4//sup 3 -/ yields an approximately Redfield slope and a negative nitrogen intercept. If DON and DOP are included in the regression equation, the intercept approaches 0. Vertical flux ratios of dissolved materials are calculated with a one-dimensional diffusion model. Net production of particulate organic matter in the euphotic zone is N limited because of slow biochemical turnover of dissolved organic N relative to that of dissolved organic P and to downward mixing.

• Research Organization: Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology, Kaneohe
• OSTI ID: 5845029
• Journal Information: Limnol. Oceanogr.; (United States), Journal Name: Limnol. Oceanogr.; (United States) Vol. 31:1; ISSN LIOCA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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520100* -- Environment
Aquatic-- Basic Studies-- (-1989)
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
BIOGEOCHEMISTRY
CARBON CYCLE
CHEMISTRY
DISTRIBUTION
ELEMENTS
FEDERAL REGION IX
GEOCHEMISTRY
HAWAII
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
NITRATES
NITROGEN
NITROGEN COMPOUNDS
NITROGEN CYCLE
NONMETALS
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OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
PACIFIC OCEAN
PHOSPHATES
PHOSPHORUS
PHOSPHORUS COMPOUNDS
PRODUCTIVITY
SEAS
SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION
SURFACE WATERS
USA
WATER CHEMISTRY