Multiple measurement of the coupling between benthic carbon fluxes and bioturbation activity during the ''spring bloom''

In accordance with the research plan outlined in our original proposal, we began monitoring indicators of plankton production (Chl-a, cell counts) in surface waters of Long Island Sound from the Port Jefferson / Bridgeport Ferry on Dec. 3, 1992. In contrast to past years no dramatic bloom has occurred to date although a significant pattern of increasing chl-a began during the first week of April. We anticipate that the bloom wig be complete by mid to late April. This has been a particularly cold year based on comparison of 1993 bottom water temperatures and previously reported patterns from LIS, possibly reflecting climatic conditions which delayed the bloom. Typical sampling includes: surface and bottom water sampling for suspended matter, cell counts, chlorophyll-a, nutrients; triplicate box cores for macro-, meio-, and microfauna analysis; subcores for O2 microelectrode profiles; box core for radiochemical analyses (234Th, 7Be); box core subcores for benthic fluxes under aerated and nonaerated conditions (O2, ΣN, Mn++, ΣCO2); Br- tracer flux core incubation for biogenic irrigation rates; box core for laboratory based luminophore tracer experiments (particle mixing); box core subcores for solid phase and pore water solute profiles (carbonate system, nutrients, Ca, Mg, Sr, F, Mn, Fe) at 0.25 - 1 cm intervals; and box core subcores for chloropigment profiles and reaction rate incubation experiments