Type definition of vertical chlorophyll distribution in contrasting zones of the Mediterranean Sea

The analysis of vertical distribution of chlorophyll concentration (CHL) in deep-water regions of the Mediterranean Sea was carried out on the basis o f historical data received during 1979 - 1987 in western and eastern parts of the sea. It was shown that for a deep-water part of the Mediterranean se a presence of two types of a vertical structure: one-modal, satisfactorily described by the Gaussin curve, and quasi-homogeneaus uniform distribution from a surface up to certain depth and subsequent downturn of concentration up to a minimum was characteristic for various regions and seasons. Parame ters describing both types of vertical CHL distribution in the Mediterranea n Sea in researched period were computed. Type of a vertical CHL profile an d the parameters, describing its form, in each particular case in general c orresponds to character of vertical distribution of pigment in moderate lat itudes with expressed seasonal variability.