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Variations of Hydrochemical Features in the Coastal Waters of Monte Conero: 1982–1990 |
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| Authors: | Mauro Marini Paola Fornasiero Antonio Artegiani |
| Institution: | Istituto di Ricerche sulla Pesca Marittima –CNR, Largo Fiera della Pesca 1,1–60125 Ancona, Italy. |
| Abstract: | Abstract. This paper briefly summarises research carried out in 1982–1990 in the coastal area off Monte Conero, SW northern Adriatic Sea. Oceanographic data on temperature, salinity, oxygen saturation, nutrients (nitrates, silicates and orthophosphates), and chlorophylls were collected to characterise this coastal ecosystem in view of the setting up of the "Costa del Monte Conero" protected marine area. Towards the coast the physical and chemical parameters exhibited a seasonal periodicity. Temperature showed a clear annual periodicity with a certain interannual variability; this also holds true for oxygen saturation, with peaks in March and minima in September, though without hypoxic events. Nutrient concentrations peaked at the surface layer at the coastal station from December to March (nitrates: 35–50 μmol 1 In the coastal area of Senigallia, 40 km to the north, where the influence of the coastal current that carries the river inflows to the south is stronger, the seasonal cycle was similar, albeit with higher values for nutrients and chlorophylls. |
| Keywords: | Coastal area seasonal variation river inflow temperature salinity chlorophyll dissolved oxygen nutrients |