Dissolved organic carbon (DOC), dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) and dissolved organic phosphorus (DOP) measured in deep profiles in the N-E Atlantic and in the N-W Mediterranean in the period 1984-2002 are described. After accurate validation, they show close agreement with those previously published. Classic profiles were obtained, with concentrations decreasing in deep waters. In the Mediterranean and in the Atlantic comparable concentrations were found in the 1500-2000 m waters, 44-46 mumol 1(-1) DOC, 2.6-2.8 mumol 1(-1) DON and 0.02-0.03 mumol 1-1 DOP. In the surface layers, DOC concentrations were higher, but DON and DOP concentrations lower, in the Mediterranean than in the Atlantic, leading to higher element ratios in the Mediterranean. In autumn,... |