Factors affecting spring bloom in the South of Cheju Island in the East China Sea

A soil circulation occurs in the south of Cheju Island in the spring. Nutrients and its influence on chlorophyll a (Chl a) around the circulations were studied from April 9 to May 6, 2007. Spring bloom with elevated concentrations of Chl a was observed during the investigation. High concentrations of phosphate, nitrate and silicate at 0.6, 12, and 8 mmol/m3, respectively, were detected. A low water temperature prevented the growth of phytoplankton. Chl a concentrations in the study area might be strongly associated with the high silicate concentration.