THE TRENDS OF DISTRIBUTION OF DISSOLVED A ND PARTICULATE ORGANIC-MATTER IN THE SEA OF OKHOTSK

The paper presents data on the distribution of dissolved and particula te organic matter obtained during cruises 21 and 24 of R/V ''Akademic A. Nesmeyanov'' (June-August, 1992 and 1993). In general, a significan tly heterogeneous distribution of both dissolved and particulate organ ic carbon (DOC and POC) was observed in the basin. The concentrations of DOC and POC ranged from 98 to 700 mu M C, and from 3 to 50 mu M C, respectively. As a rule, the maximal concentrations characterized the shelf waters, while minima were observed in the central basin, The tra nsformed discharge of the Amur dyer drives an increase of dissolved OM in the Sakhalin Bay. Meanwhile, the oil output on the Sakhalin shelf cause POC increase up to maximum values and the reverse decrease of DO C. The concentrations of DOC and POC in the surface microlayer were me asured for the first time. It is shown that these concentrations ate 1 .5-2.0 times higher than in the surface waters.