Diel Vertical Variability of the Concentration of Chlorophyll a and Colored Dissolved Organic Matter in Possjet Bay, Sea of Japan

Abstract

The vertical distribution of the concentration of chlorophyll a (Chl) and colored dissolved organic matter (CDOM), temperature (T), and salinity (S) were studied at two diel stations located at close coordinates and performed at a weekly interval and seven stations spaced 1 mi apart on hydrological section in the shelf zone of Possjet Bay (Sea of Japan) in the autumn of 2014. The Chl concentration was estimated from fluorescence intensity (FChl). In the surface layer of the diel stations, the Chl concentration varied within ± 10% of the mean value. In the water column, a negative correlation of FChl with T and a positive relationship of S with CDOM were established at both stations. At all stations, the maximum Chl concentration occurred under the seasonal pycnocline layer.