The Phosphate Content of Sea Water in relation to the Growth of the Algal Plankton. Part III.

Abstract

A comparison of the years 1923, 1924 and 1925 as regards the phosphate content of the water at Station El in the English Channel has shown that the vernal diminution was earliest in the year 1924, and latest in 1923, the extreme difference being approximately two months. These differences stand in direct relation to the spring sunshine, that of 1924 for the daily average of the 9th to 12th weeks inclusive being 2-3 hours in excess of the normal, 1923 being 0-1 hr. in deficit and 1925 being 0-6 hr. in excess. Since the phosphate diminution is proportional to the increase in phytoplankton the year 1924 must have been exceptionally early in this respect. The year 1925 was in general similar to the other two in having a summer phosphate minimum and a winter maximum; but it was noticeable for marked periods of regeneration of phosphate, followed by utilization, within the main cycle. The maximum value at El was 40 mg. per m3 of phosphate as P2O5, the minimum 5-1 mg. for thewhole water column, 0-70 metres. Much additional evidence has been found to show that the deep water of the ocean is a reservoir of phosphate, containing 50-80 mg. per m3, or more. The water of the North Sea was markedly richer in phosphate in the spring of 1925 than in that of 1924, as was also the water around the Faroe-Shetland Channel in July, 1925, as compared with the previous July. A causal connection may be sought. In tropical waters the intense light normally results in the utilization of all phosphate down to at least 50 metres, and the winter cooling never suffices to effect mixing with the deeper water. At about 38N. latitude the water may be expected to be isothermal in winter to a depth of 350-400 metres, and further north the isothermal column has its base deeper down; accordingly the seasonal phosphate cycle must become more pronounced.