Spatio-temporal variability of the winter phytoplankton distribution across the Catalan and North Balearic fronts (NW Mediterranean)

The qualitative and quantitative composition of the phytoplankton assemblages of the Catalano-Balearic Sea (NW Mediterranean) was examined in relationship with frontal boundaries and short-term meteorological forcing originated by an intense wind storm. Data were obtained during February 1990, before and after strong NW winds, from several transects across the Catalan (continental side) and North Balearic (Balearic Islands side) shelf/slope fronts. High chlorophyll concentrations and diatom dominance inshore of the Catalan Front were typical of the winter-spring phytoplankton maximum. However, offshore of the Catalan Front, diatoms were scarce and the phytoplankton assemblage was dominated by coccolithophorids. In spite of weak density stratification, a deep chlorophyll maximum (DCM) was well developed, before the storm, offshore of the Catalan Front. The wind event shifted the North Balearic Front 15 km further offshore and appeared to cause a pulse of new production, as suggested by increased oxygen concentrations in the vicinity of the DCM. The results presented here indicate the existence of a persistent association between the distribution of distinct phytoplankton assemblages and hydrographic characteristics of the studied area. Our results also show that, at least during an important part of the winter-spring bloom period of the Catalano-Balearic Sea, high phytoplankton biomass offshore of the Catalan Front is not associated with the diatom dominance typically found in coastal waters and other offshore areas of the NW Mediterranean. This finding has biogeochemical implications in relationship with vertical export fluxes of particulate matter.