Physical and chemical characterization of the water column in the Piceno coastal area (Adriatic Sea)

This paper summarises the research carried out from 2001 to 2002 in the coastal area of Piceno, NW central Adriatic Sea. Physical and chemical oceanographic data were collected to characterise this coastal ecosystem. Temperature and salinity showed a seasonal variability with a water column mixed in April and stratified in June-August. Nutrient concentration indicated a high variability mainly due to the local river inflows as shown by comparison between this area and a station located north of Conero Promontory.