Plankton bioluminescence measurements were made in the Almeria-Oran frontal zone during December 1997 and January 1998. Vertical profiles of bioluminescence, chlorophyll fluorescence, temperature and salinity were obtained using a bathyphotometer associated with a CTD (conductivity-temperature-depth) probe on a rosette. The first leg of the cruise was a regular sampling along a cross section of the area. The second leg consisted of a repetitive sampling of twelve stations at each one of the eight sites located in different water masses. Hydrological data allowed a distinction from north to south of three different water masses: Mediterranean, frontal and Atlantic. The continuous sampling indicated an increased bioluminescence in the frontal zone, with high... |