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MEPS 291:35-42 (2005)
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Abstract
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Benthic response to upwelling events off the SE Brazilian coast
Paulo Y. G. Sumida1,*, Marcos Y. Yoshinaga1, Áurea M. Ciotti2, Salvador A. Gaeta1
1Laboratório de Dinâmica Bêntica, Instituto Oceanográfico da Universidade de São Paulo CEP: 05508-120, São Paulo, Brazil
2UNESP Campus do Litoral Paulista, Praça Infante Dom Henrique
s/n°, São Vicente SP 11330-900, Brazil
*Email: psumida@io.usp.br
ABSTRACT: The main aim of the present study was to evaluate and compare temporal responses of the benthos in 2 continental shelf areas (Cabo Frio and Ubatuba) off the SE Brazilian coast. In Cabo Frio (23°S, 42°W), the western boundary coastal
upwelling of the South Atlantic Central Water (SACW) enhances primary productivity, potentially increasing food supply to the benthic communities via sinking of particulate organic carbon (POC). In contrast, POC fluxes in Ubatuba (23°S, 45°W) are
expected to be comparatively lower because SACW remains subsurface. We analyzed the temporal and spatial input of phytodetritus (concentration of chlorophyll a in sediments) and the benthic microbial biomass (estimated by ATP-based carbon content
in sediments). Median surface chlorophyll concentration was computed for all daily available SeaWiFS images (from 2001 and 2002) to follow chlorophyll a inputs. All parameters used to investigate benthic responses in the study areas showed
consistently higher values in Cabo Frio than in Ubatuba. The results showed that benthic response to upwelling may last months, fueling the microbial communities in the Cabo Frio region.
KEY WORDS: Benthic–pelagic coupling · Benthic microbial response · SE Brazilian continental shelf
Full text in pdf format
Published in MEPS Vol.
291
(2005) on April 28
Print ISSN: 0171-8630; Online ISSN: 1616-1599.
Copyright © Inter-Research, Oldendorf/Luhe, 2005
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