MERIDIONAL DISTRIBUTION OF NUTRIENTS IN THE EASTERN EQUATORIAL ATLANTIC – PRELIMINARY STUDIES
Abstract
This research work was carried out as part of the mandate of the Regional Program for Physical Oceanography in West Africa (PROPAO) to enhance human capacity building in the field of oceanography in West Africa. Nutrient data from the eastern equatorial Atlantic collected during EGEE/AMMA cruises between 2005 and 2007 were analyzed to illustrate the potential impact of equatorial upwelling on the distribution pattern of nutrients (nitrite, nitrate, phosphate, and silicate). For the purpose of this report compilation, nutrient data for EGEE 3, 4, 5, and 6 (2006 and 2007) were taken into consideration, and all the plots here reported show the potential influence of equatorial upwelling on the nutrient distribution pattern in the equatorial Atlantic. Further studies shall be dedicated to the analysis of the nutrient distribution and variability in the Gulf of Guinea, and to the processes responsible for this variability, i.e. upwelling, biological, and potential trend due to climate change.