Variation in phytoplankton abundance along a transect of the Kuroshio

Abstract

[author abstract] Phytoplankton abundance levels are an important factor in the world’s oceans because they directly correlate to productivity as well as contribute to the global carbon export cycle. Phytoplankton abundance levels as well as chlorophyll concentrations vary along the Kuroshio in respect to area as well as season. Measurements were taken with a CTD as well as net tows. The abundances were taken from different depths of 200 meters, 75 meters and the surface along the current from south to north and then back down. Mixing increased in the north which increased nutrient concentrations resulting in more of the larger size of phytoplankton. The nutrient concentrations were less in the south which was shown in the higher abundance of smaller phytoplankton.