TITLE:     Temporal and spatial variability of primary productivity in the
           western antarctic peninsula during 1994/95 and 1995/96 growth
	   seasons
AUTHOR:    M. Vernet, Karen S. Baker, H. Dierssen, S. Stammerjohn, and
	   Raymond C. Smith
DATE:      10-14 February 1997 
PLACE:     ASLO, Aquatic Sciences Meeting, Santa Fe, New Mexico
           Talk (abstract)
	   NOTE: leave all authors with reference; in book only first author
ABSTRACT:  
The Palmer LTER is testing the hypothesis that the magnitude and
distribution in carbon uptake by phytoplankton is linked to the extent of
ice cover during the preceding winter months.  The temporal variability is
studied at a coastal station on Anvers Island during the growth season
(November to April) to determine the extent and timing of productivity in
the area.  In addition, annual cruises sample over the continental shelf,
from Anvers Island to Marguerite Bay, during the month of January.  Two to
three major pulses in primary production occur in late austral spring as
well as later in the summer.  The largest event occurs in January with
smaller pulses in December and sometimes in March.  These pulses in
production last for 1 to 2 weeks.  Yearly production at Anvers Island is
estimated at 117 and 279.9 gC m-2 y-1r in 94/95 and 95/96 respectively.
Similarly, average primary production over the continental shelf in January
was lower in 94/95 than in 95/96, with average values of 588 and 931 mgC
m-2 d-1.  A strong onshore-offshore gradient in production was observed
over the continental shelf during both seasons with 3-5 times higher daily
production in inshore stations.  Overall summer productivity is higher than
the 30-year composite in northern part of the Antarctic  Peninsula,
suggesting higher than average production associated with higher ice in the
previous winter.