Abstract.
Phytoplankton photosynthesis was measured during spring–summer 1991–1992 in the inner and outer part of the shallow Potter Cove, King George Island. Strong winds characterise this area. Wind-induced turbulent mixing was quantified by means of the root-mean square expected vertical displacement depth of cells in the water column, Z t . The light attenuation coefficient was used as a measure of the influence of the large amount of terrigenous particles usually present in the water column; 1% light penetration ranged between 30 and 9 m, and between 30 and 15 m for the inner and outer cove, respectively. Obvious differences between photosynthetic capacity [P*max; averages 2.6 and 0.6 µg C (µg chlorophyll-a)–1 h–1] and photosynthetic efficiency {α*; 0.073 and 0.0018 µg C (µg chlorophyll-a)–1 h–1 [(µmol m–2 s–1)–1]} values were obtained for both sites during low mixing conditions (Z t from 10 to 20 m), while no differences were found for high mixing situations (Z t >20 m). This suggests different photoacclimation of phytoplankton responses, induced by modifications of the light field, which in turn are controlled by physical forcing. Our results suggest that although in experimental work P*max can be high, wind-induced mixing and low irradiance will prevent profuse phytoplankton development in the area.
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Schloss, I.R., Ferreyra, G.A. Primary production, light and vertical mixing in Potter Cove, a shallow bay in the maritime Antarctic. Polar Biol 25, 41–48 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1007/s003000100309
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s003000100309