Fluctuations in export productivity over the last century from sediments of a southern Chilean fjord (44°S)

Productivity of the Puyuhuapi fjord during the last century was characterized by a constant increase from the late 19th century to the early 1980s, then decreased until the late 1990s, and then rose again to present-day values. The influence of rainfall on productivity was most noticeable during periods of low rainfall, which coincided with decreased overall productivity within the Puyuhuapi fjord. Simultaneous variations in productivity and rainfall in the study area suggest that marine productivity could respond to atmospheric-oceanic interactions at a local scale. At a regional scale, marine productivity of the area may be related to other large-scale processes such as the El Niño Southern Oscillation.