The determination and distribution of Zn in surface water samples collected in the northeast Atlantic Ocean

Dissolved Zn concentrations were determined in surface water samples collec ted on-line along transects in the eastern North Atlantic in spring (March 1998). Two frontal zones could be identified in the research area by a chan ge in salinity, temperature and nutrient concentrations. One zone was ident ified at 42 degrees N, separating the North Atlantic central water (NACW) a nd the Atlantic surface water (ASW) from each other, and another one crossi ng the continental slope at 12 degrees and 8 degrees E, respectively. Varia bility in Zn concentrations was observed near these zones, not only as a re sult of a change of water mass, but also due to external Zn sources. Surfac e Zn concentrations were 0.5-1 nM and 2 nM in the NACW and ASW, respectivel y, increasing to 4 nM over the continental shelf and finally 5-6 nM in the English Channel. Contributions of Zn derived from shelf sediments appear to be the major source for the enriched surface values in the continental zon e.