Variation of Both Thermohaline and Chemical Properties in an Estuarine Upwelling Ecosystem: Ria de Arousa; I. Time Evolution

An intensive sampling was carried out in Ria de Arousa during theGalicia Xcruise (summer 1989) in order to observe the evolution of conservative, non-conservative and biological properties of the water column in a representative station (E4). Variations of physical and chemical parameters in the surface layer are mainly due to the influence of atmospheric and/or continental factors, while variability in the deep layer is affected by the upwelling, relaxation and downwelling events. Phytoplankton succession is also dominated by the stability of the water column. Relations between the properties involved in the photosynthesis-mineralization balance are discussed, showing similar values to those of Redfield ratios. Relations between particulate organic properties are affected by detrital sedimentation derived from mussel culture.