Journal of the Marine Biological Association of India

Environmental conditions and phytoplankton distribution in the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, September 1986.

Volume 31 Issue 1&2

M. M. Dorgham and A. Moftah

Abstract

The present study is concerned with the environmental conditions and the characteristics of the phytoplankton population during September 1986 in the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.

Marked regional variations were observed in the physical and nutritional conditions of the surface waters. Due to the impact of the surface current from the Gulf of Oman the surface salinity decreased markedly in a significant part of the Arabian Gulf. The concentrations of nutrients were higher in the Gulf of Oman than in the Arabian Gulf. Water circulation in the latter region is complicated and effects the distribution of the nutrients and phytoplankton.

During September 1986 the Arabian Gulf was characterised by a higher phytoplankton standing crop than the Gulf of Oman with an average cell count of about 9 folds greater. Chlorophyll showed clear zonation in the whole area, but it was higher in the Arabian Gulf.

The possibility of phytoplankton penetration from the Gulf of Oman into the Arabian Gulf is recognised. Toxic dinoflagellates were recorded sometimes in large numbers at several stations in the Arabian Gulf

Date : 31-12-1989