Spatial-temporal characteristics of chlorophyll a concentration in the Sanya Bay of China

The present study investigated the spatial-temporal characteristics of chlorophyll a (chl-a) concentration in Sanya Bay by shipboard survey data at 12 stations from 2006 to 2008, and discussed the relationship between chl-a distribution and influential factors using MODIS sea surface temperature (SST), sea surface wind (SSW) and rainwater runoff data. Results showed that the chl-a concentration in Sanya Bay ranged from 0.30 to 13.58 mg·m-3, the average concentration and standard deviation (SD) were 1.49 mg·m -3 and 1.74 mg·m-3 respectively. The chl-a showed a decreased tendency from estuary to offshore, and a decreased trends with the depth increased in the estuary of Sanya River, whereas indicated increased trends in the area offshore. In the river mouth, the relative higher value appeared in autumn. But in the zone offshore, the relative lower value appeared in spring. Summer had a obvious stratification vertically. This changes were associated with environmental factors changes in this area, such as the seasonal monsoon and nutrients from rainfall runoff. © 2010 IEEE