Time-series observation of nutrients and dissolved inorganic carbonate in Funka Bay
· Please see Observations at Funka Bay for an explanation of why observations are recorded at Funka Bay.
Observations have been recorded at Funka Bay for several decades. There are many research cases of marine chemistry as well.
We must identify what is new relative to conventional research.
Therefore, we utilize conventional but high-frequency observations with various samples (seawater, sediments, river water, etc.) and components (nutrient salts, dissolved inorganic carbonate, organic gases, etc.).
It is a brute-force approach, but a careful arrangement of the obtained data and comparing it with past research can result in a high-quality analysis.
Implementing high-frequency observations
・We set observation points near the center of Funka Bay and continued to make oceanographic observations in February, early March, mid-March, April, May, June, August, October, and December.
・The diatom bloom occurs from early March to early April. Hence, this enables us to capture the status before, during, and after the diatom bloom.
Collecting various samples in order to determine geochemical cycles
・We collect water at 0 m and 12 layers from 5-85 cm as well as 10 and 50 cm above the seabed near the center of Funka Bay.
・During the diatom bloom, the diatoms are collected by pulling vertically with a plankton net.
・We also collect organic particles derived from diatoms that are deposited on the seabed.
・We also collect water from the Yurappu River flowing into Funka Bay.
・We also collect seawater at the estuary of Funka Bay.