SURFACE CHLOROPHYLL DISTRIBUTION AND OCEANOGRAPHIC CONDITIONS OFF THE CENTRAL COAST OF CHILE (32° - 38° LAT. S, FEBRUARY 1982).

Abstract

The surface oceanographic condition, temperaiure, salinity, density (Sigma - T) and phytoplankton abundance as mg Chl a m^-3 were observed in ihe Southeastern Pacific Ocean off the coasi of Central Chile (32°S - 38"S) during February, 1982. The results showed an extensive area of upwelled waters between Punta Roncura and Punta Lavapié, characterized by a temperaiure less than 16°C, salinity greater than 34,3, density (Sigma-T) greater than 25.5 and a phytoplankton biomass greater than 20 mg Chl a m^-3. The area of upwelled waters is of approximately 16,000 km2 with an average of 13 mg Chl a m^-3 which would represent a primary production of 0,45 gC m^-3 d^~1. This valué is in agreeinent with those previously reponed for the northern coast of Chile and for the upwelling areas off Perú.