Hydrochemical sea condition front Bransfield Strait, southern summer 2007 (ANTAR XVII)

Abstract

This study explores the functional relationships of the marine ecosystem in the Bransfield Strait and hydrochemical parameters, aiming to improve the understanding of the environment and resource interactions krill (Euphausia superba), considered the most important and abundant crustacean in the Antarctic marine ecosystem. The greatest amounts of chlorophyll-a is presented in the north of the area evaluated, coinciding with the largest distribution of krill in the coastal area of Deception Islands and Elephant with values of 0.5 to 1.0 μg/L chlorophyll-a. The dissolved oxygen content isoline showed a minimum of 6.25 mL/L between the 250 and 300 m depth, normal with respect to previous. The silicates were influenced by the physical dynamics of the Bransfield Strait, with isolines of 70.0 μM and decreasing in intermediate areas generating cores from 30.0 to 50.0 μM.