Variations of hydrochemical features in the coastal waters of monte conero: 1982-1990

This paper briefly summarises research carried out in 1982–1990 in the coastal area off Monte Conero, SW northern Adriatic Sea. Oceanographic data on temperature, salinity, oxygen saturation, nutrients (nitrates, silicates and orthophosphates), and chlorophylls were collected to characterise this coastal ecosystem in view of the setting up of the "Costa del Monte Conero" protected marine area. Towards the coast the physical and chemical parameters exhibited a seasonal periodicity. Temperature showed a clear annual periodicity with a certain interannual variability; this also holds true for oxygen saturation, with peaks in March and minima in September, though without hypoxic events.