Constraining the effect of mesoscale features on the carbon budget of the photic layer in the NE subtropical Atlantic

An oceanographic cruise was carried out in the subtropical NE Atlantic in April 1999 with the aim of investigating the role of the Azores Current, the STORM (subtropical oceanic rings of magnitude) cyclonic eddies and the Great Meteor Tablemount in triggering phytoplankton production. This information combined with previous studies allowed us to determine the role of these features in the carbon budget of the photic layer in this oligotrophic region. The results suggest that mesoscale dynamics, although modifying hydrographic characteristics and phytoplankton spatial distribution, do not appear to significantly affect primary production in the NE subtropical Atlantic.