In-situ parameters, nutrients and dissolved carbon distribution in the water column and pore waters of Arctic Fjords (Western Spitsbergen) during a melting season

A nutrient distribution such as phosphate (PO₄³⁻), ammonium (NH₄⁺), nitrate (NO₃⁻), dissolved silica (Si), total dissolved nitrogen (TN), dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) together with dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and inorganic carbon (DIC), was investigated during a high melting season in 2021 in the western Spitsbergen fjords (Hornsund, Isfjorden, Kongsfjorden, and Krossfjorden). Both the water column and the pore water were investigated for nutrients and dissolved carbon distribution and gradients. The water column concentrations of most measured parameters such as PO₄³⁻, NH₄⁺, NO₃⁻, Si, and DIC showed significant changes among fjords and water masses. In addition, pore water gradients of PO₄³⁻, NH₄⁺, NO₃⁻, Si, DIC and DOC revealed significant variability between fjords and are likely substantial sources of the investigated elements for the water column. The obtained dataset reflects differences in hydrography and biogeochemical ecosystem function of the western Spitsbergen fjords and may form the base for further modelling of physical oceanographic and biogeochemical processes within the investigated fjord systems.