Forcing factors and phytoplankton biodiversity

This work reports on a cruise carried out in the Gulf of Augusta in the framework SAMCA (Systems Approach to Mediterranean Coastal Areas). The main objectives of this paper are: a)describe the phytoplankton vertical and horizontal distribution patterns; b)characterise the environmental factors which control the distribution of phytoplankton densities and its biodiversity. c)analyse the DCM structure in relation to the chemico-physical structure and dynamic of the water. Our results evidenced that the Gulf of Augusta ecosystem is an important and previously unreported example of costal system where a lateral flux is the mechanisms by which "new" nutrients are injected into the euphotic zone and play a crucial role on the phytoplankton diversity. These conditions observed in the late-summer period should be verify and implemented by further investigations in different season.