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The influence of Phaeocystis globosa on microscale spatial patterns of chlorophyll a and bulk-phase seawater viscosity
Seuront, L.; Lacheze, C.; Doubell, M.J.; Seymour, J.R.; Van Dongen-Vogels, V.; Newton, K.; Alderkamp, A.-C.; Mitchell, J.G. (2007). The influence of Phaeocystis globosa on microscale spatial patterns of chlorophyll a and bulk-phase seawater viscosity. Biogeochemistry 83(1-3): 173-188. https://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10533-007-9097-z
In: Biogeochemistry. Springer: Dordrecht; Lancaster; Boston. ISSN 0168-2563; e-ISSN 1573-515X, more
Also appears in:
Van Leeuwe, M.A.; Stefels, J.; Belviso, S.; Lancelot, C.; Verity, P.G.; Gieskes, W.W.C. (Ed.) (2007). Phaeocystis, major link in the biogeochemical cycling of climate-relevant elements. Biogeochemistry, 83(1-3). Springer: Dordrecht. ISBN 978-1-4020-6213-1. 330 pp. https://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4020-6214-8, more
Peer reviewed article  

Available in  Authors 

Keywords
    Aquatic communities > Plankton
    Patchiness
    Physics > Mechanics > Rheology
    Properties > Physical properties > Mechanical properties > Viscosity
    Turbulence
    Phaeocystis globosa Scherffel, 1899 [WoRMS]
    ANE, English Channel [Marine Regions]
    Marine/Coastal
Author keywords
    Eastern English Channel; patchiness; Phaeocystic globosa; planktonrheology; turbulence

Authors  Top 
  • Seuront, L.
  • Lacheze, C.
  • Doubell, M.J.
  • Seymour, J.R.
  • Van Dongen-Vogels, V.
  • Newton, K.
  • Alderkamp, A.-C.
  • Mitchell, J.G.

Abstract
    A two-dimensional microscale (5 cm resolution) sampler was used over the course of a phytoplankton spring bloom dominated by Phaeocystis globosa to investigate the structural properties of chlorophyll a and seawater excess viscosity distributions. The microscale distribution patterns of chlorophyll a and excess viscosity were never uniform nor random. Instead they exhibited different types and levels of aggregated spatial patterns that were related to the dynamics of the bloom. The chlorophyll a and seawater viscosity correlation patterns were also controlled by the dynamics of the bloom with positive and negative correlations before and after the formation of foam in the turbulent surf zone. The ecological relevance and implications of the observed patchiness and biologically induced increase in seawater viscosity are discussed and the combination of the enlarged colonial form and mucus secretion is suggested as a competitive advantage of P. globosa in highly turbulent environments where this species flourishes.

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