| Continental margins play a crucial role in biogeochemical fluxes between the continents and the open ocean. They are also highly sensitive to human perturbations. Primary production is highly dependent on the complex dynamics of these coastal zones, and on the river supply in nutrients, as well as in Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM) which limit light availability. The quantification of the production is a prerequisite in many applications, from the understanding of the role of the coastal ocean in climate change, to eutrophication and fisheries resources issues within the frame of the integrated management of the coastal zone. Coupled physical-biogeochemical models are useful in studying and monitoring primary production. Because of the numerous complex... |
