Interregional difference in spring neap variations in stratification and chlorophyll fluorescence during summer in a tidal sea (Yatsushiro Sea, Japan)

Spring neap variations in stratification and chlorophyll fluorescence were studied during the summers of 2011–2014 in a tidal sea (Yatsushiro Sea, Japan) using monitoring data and hydrodynamic models. Vertical profiles of salinity, temperature and chlorophyll fluorescence were collected nearly weekly from nine stations in this sea during the same period. Composite analysis using vertical profiles of density clearly indicated enhancement of the stratification during the neap tide and a vertically mixed water column during the spring tide in the tidal area. Interregional differences were revealed in the variation of chlorophyll fluorescence with the spring neap tidal cycle. More notable increases in chlorophyll fluorescence were observed during the neap tide in the tidal area around the narrow strait than in the inner area. Temporal stratification led to an increase in the chlorophyll fluorescence in the tidal strait during the neap tide.