The spatial and temporal structure of hydrographic and phytoplankton biomass heterogeneity along the Catalan coast (NW Mediterranean)

Temporal chlorophyll variability was highly seasonal, but horizontal biomass variability was related to hydrographic variability, as evidenced by significant correlations with temperature and salinity. The strength of chlorophyll-salinity correlations changed according to the extent of riverine influences within the area, but significant correlations were always negative, indicating enhanced phytoplankton growth due to river runoff. Temperature-chlorophyll correlations changed seasonally, from highly positive in early summer to negative by late summer. Horizontal biomass patterns were dominated by an onshore-offshore decrease, which were altered by modifications of water circulation associated with topographic features. -from Authors