In order to investigate the distribution of suspended particulate matter of the surface water in the South Sea of Korea in early winter, the cruise results during 2 to 8 December 2004 were analyzed in relation to the hydrography. The front was formed along the line connecting between Tsushima and Cheju Islands, which divided the water into two water masses; the coastal water with low temperature and low salinity, and the Tsushima Warm Current Water with high temperature and high salinity. In the coastal water the suspended particulte matter was 5.0-6.5 mg/l, while in the oceanic water suspended particulate matter was 4.5-5.0 mg/l. The coastal water showed higher mixing effects, compared to the oceanic area where vertical stratification was clearly formed. These indicate that the distribution of suspended particulate matter was affected by the stratification or mixing of the water column. Also it is suggested that the mixing effects of sea surface cooling and wind play an important role on the distribution of suspended particulate matter in the South Sea of Korea in winter time.

The aim of this study is to determine the outbreaks of nontoxic Gonyaulax polygramma Stein in Yeosu waters in place of harmful Cochlodinium polykrikoides Margalef, which has occurred annually in the same region since 1995. The observation of cellular arrangement and structure by electron microscopy showed that G. polygramma isolated from Yeosu waters had a few spines connecting with membranes and prominent longitudinal ridges on the cell surface, with a cingular displacement 1.5 times their cell width. Furthermore, the location of the nucleus was posterior of large oval formation according to electron microscopy. On 6 August, 2004, the first bloom of G. polygramma occurred, the date of its disappearance was with a maximum cell density of 8,000 cells ml-1 on 21 August, 2004. During the period of this study, the horizontal distribution of sea water temperature and salinity showed a strong coastal front, whereas the front of DIN (Dissolved Inorganic Nitrogen) was significantly different between the occurrence and disappearance of G. polygramma blooms. These results suggested that the process of the breakdown of stratification by wind and a low level of inorganic nitrogen play important roles in the rapid growth of G. polygramma, which is associated with a greater robustness in growth against DIN than that of C. polykrikoides in nature.