Corresponding author:

• Main Authors: Yakov D. Afanasyev, Nikolay P. Nezlin, Andrey G. Kostianoy
• Other Authors: The Pennsylvania State University CiteSeerX Archives
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: 2000
• Subjects: Arctic; Newfoundland; Remo; Phytoplankton
• Online Access: http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/summary?doi=10.1.1.519.7259; http://www.physics.mun.ca/~yakov/paperRSE.pdf

2 The patterns of seasonal variation of surface plant pigment concentration (Chl) in the Newfoundland Region were studied using the remo ely sensed data from CZCS (1978–1986) and SeaWiFS radiometers (fromSeptember 1997 to October 1999). Sea Surface Temperature (SST) data obtained from AVHRR radiometers and Sea Surface Height (SSH) data obtained from TOPEX/POSEIDON altimeter were used then to interprete the observed patterns in terms of physical factors which influence the growth of phytoplankton. Stable seasonal cycles of both SST and Chl were observed in all parts of the region under study (Labrador Current, Newfoundland Bank, Flemish Pass, frontal zone between Gulf Stream and Labrador Current). The SST values in summer season during two years under study (September 1997–October 1999) were up to 3°C higher as compared with climatically averaged values. The seasonal pattern of Chl in Labrador Current zone was typical of Arctic regions (one maximum in summer), in Gulf Stream zone it was typical of subtropical regions (smoothed maximum during winter), and in between these zones it was typical of mid-latitudes (two maxima in spring and autumn). Over the Grand Newfoundland Bank the seasonal pattern had one spring m ximum, typical of shallow regions. The patterns of seasonal phytoplankton cycles resulted mainly from the meteorological factors influencing water stratification; the latter seems to be a crucial factor in either light or nutrient limitation of phytoplankton growth. 3 1.