Nutrient Enrichment and Physical Environmental Effects Caused by Typhoons in a Semi-enclosed Bay

Abstract

In order to clarify the impact of typhoons on the nutrient concentration and the enhancement of phytoplankton, we measured nutrients, chlorophyll a and salinity at eight stations along the Toyo River transect in the Atsumi Bay estuary, Japan; pre- and post- the typhoons during the summers of 2010 and 2011. The results revealed the heavy rainfall associated with the typhoons Chaba, Ma-On and Roke increased discharges of freshwater and surface nutrient concentrations which caused subsequent phytoplankton blooms.