Chlorophyll <i>a</i>, phaeopigments and particulate organic carbon in the Northern and Western Bay of Bengal

Abstract

Distribution of chl <i>a</i> at surface closely corresponds to the surface flow patterns. Integral mean concentration (IMC) of chl <i>a</i> in inshore waters (depth 200 m) is double than that in the offshore waters (depth > 200 m) while IMC of particulate organic carbon from inshore and the offshore waters does not differ significantly. The euphotic zone lies within the upper homogeneous layer. Phaeopigment concentration increases with decrease in light intensity. For comparison of these parameters IMC is considered to be a more valid index than the integrated concentration.