Joint Global Ocean Flux Study. North Atlantic Pilot Study. Leg 3. Den Helder-Funchal-Reykjavik, 17 April to 31 May 1990 with Research Vessel TYRO

摘要

JGOFS leg 3 is part of the North Atlantic Pilot Study and is the second pelagicexpedition within the national JGOFS program, with the aim to collect a data set for the spring situation in addition to the summer observations of 1989 (see shipboard report 1989-1 by H.J.W. de Baar et al.). To understand global change in atmospheric, oceanographic and climatic conditions as effected by human activity, the fluxes of carbon must be measured and analysed on a mondial scale. The pathways must be quantified and limiting factors in the production of organic matter, as well as the transport mechanisms must be understood in such a detail, that the dynamics of carbon and correlated elements in the biosphere such as plant nutrients can be simulated with mathematical models. JGOFS coordinates an international effort to create a database based on standardized and intercalibrated methods of measurement in the oceans. A target area with main stations in the North Atlantic Ocean was chosen. The cruise contributed to the collection of information on carbon compartments, primary and secondary production, biomass distribution and species composition of algae, bacteria and zooplankton in relation to the horizontal and vertical variation of nutrients and physics.