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Article
Nutrient and Phytoplankton Dynamics on the Inner Shelf of the Eastern Bering Sea
Journal of Geophysical Research: Oceans
  • Calvin W. Mordy, University of Washington
  • Allan H. (Allan Houston) Devol, University of Washington
  • Lisa B. Eisner, Alaska Fisheries Science Center (U.S.)
  • Nancy Kachel, University of Washington
  • Carol A. Ladd, University of Washington
  • Michael W. Lomas, Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences
  • Peter Proctor, University of Washington
  • Raymond Nicholas Sambrotto, Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory
  • David Shull, Western Washington University
  • Phyllis Jean Stabeno, University of Washington
  • Eric Wisegarver, University of Washington
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
3-24-2017
Keywords
  • Bering Sea,
  • Inner shelf,
  • Nitrogen cycle,
  • Nitrate,
  • Ammonium,
  • Chlorophyll a,
  • Carbon,
  • Assimilation,
  • Primary production,
  • F-ratio
Abstract

In the Bering Sea, the nitrogen cycle near Nunivak Island is complicated due to limited nutrient replenishment across this broad shelf, and substantial nitrogen loss through sedimentary processes. While diffusion at the inner front may periodically support new production, the inner shelf in this region is generally described as a regenerative system. This study combines hydrographic surveys with measurements of nitrogen assimilation and benthic fluxes to examine nitrogen cycling on the inner shelf, and connectivity between the middle and inner shelves of the southern and central Bering Sea. Results establish the inner shelf as primarily a regenerative system even in spring, although new production can occur at the inner front. Results also identify key processes that influence nutrient supply to the inner shelf and reveal coupling between the middle shelf nutrient pool and production on the inner shelf.

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1002/2016JC012071
Subjects - Topical (LCSH)
Phytoplankton--Alaska--Nunivak Island--Geographical distribution; Nitrogen cycle--Bering Sea; Water currents--Bering Sea; Marine animals--Food
Geographic Coverage
Nunivak Island (Alaska); Bering Sea
Genre/Form
articles
Type
Text
Rights
Copying of this document in whole or in part is allowable only for scholarly purposes. It is understood, however, that any copying or publication of this document for commercial purposes, or for financial gain, shall not be allowed without the author’s written permission.
Language
English
Format
application/pdf
Citation Information
Mordy, C. W., et al. (2017), Nutrient and phytoplankton dynamics on the inner shelf of the eastern Bering Sea, J. Geophys. Res. Oceans, 122, 2422–2440, doi:10.1002/2016JC012071.