Circulation and biomass distribution during warm season in the Gulf of La Spezia (north-western Mediterranean)

Hydrographic and current measurements permitted to attain some insight in the dynamic conditions of the Gulf of La Spezia. It was shown that its circulation is the result of the interaction of two driving mechanisms: the estuarine circulation present in its interior and the large scale coastal circulation influencing the Gulf through its open boundary. The response of the Gulf to the wind is mainly baroclinic, in agreement with the expected response of the background two-layer system. The good correspondence between physical and biochemical parameters evidences the key role played by circulation in determining the biomass distribution along the Gulf littoral.