Chemical Constituents of Biological Importance in the English Channel. Part III. June-December, 1932. Phosphate, Silicate, Nitrate, Hydrogen Ion Concentration, with a Comparison with Wind Records

Abstract

In August, 1932, marked stratification of the water in the English Channel led to an unusual distribution of minor chemical constituents. Two thermoclines were present, between which high silicate values were found, indicating rapid re-solution of silica as found in former summers; pH was also very high at 15 metres.In or about December in four years, nitrite in inshore waters has been found much in excess of that present in the open Channel.The “mean cube Beaufort number” is suggested as a useful practical measure of sea disturbance. Three out of four midwinter plankton outbursts, inferred from a fall in the phosphate content of the water, have followed periods of sunny weather with little wind.