Contrasting phytoplankton distributions controlled by tidal turbulence in an estuary

• Published in: Journal of marine systems Vol. 21; no. 1; pp. 189 - 197
• Main Authors: Lauria, Mary Lou, Purdie, Duncan A., Sharples, Jonathan
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: London Elsevier B.V 01.06.1999; Elsevier
• Subjects: algae; Brackish; British Isles, England, Southampton Water; Coastal oceanography, estuaries. Regional oceanography; Coscinodiscus spp; diatoms; dinoflagellates; Earth, ocean, space; Exact sciences and technology; External geophysics; Freshwater; Marine; partially mixed estuary; Peridinium trochoideum; Physics of the oceans; Prorocentrum micans; shear; turbulence; vertical distribution; United Kingdom; Europe; ANE, British Isles, England, Hampshire, Southampton Water; English Channel; diatoms; shear; Coscinodiscus spp; dinoflagellates; Peridinium trochoideum; vertical distribution; turbulence; partially mixed estuary; Prorocentrum micans; Estuaries; Phytoplankton; Oceanic turbulence; Mixing process; Tides; Vertical distribution
• ISSN: 0924-7963; 1879-1573
• DOI: 10.1016/S0924-7963(99)00013-5

The vertical distribution of three phytoplankton species was monitored over a complete tidal cycle during daylight hours, with specific reference to estuarine hydrodynamics. The data suggest that pelagic diatoms ( Coscinodiscus spp.) and dinoflagellates ( Prorocentrum micans and Peridinium trochoideum) are able to co-exist by utilising contrasting properties of tidal mixing to develop and reside within the partially mixed estuary, Southampton Water, UK. The data imply that the stability within the water column during slack water periods, permits surface aggregation of dinoflagellates which become homogeneously distributed when turbulence intensifies during ebb and flood currents. Diatoms, conversely, rely on the periods of increased turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) to ensure entrainment into the upper water column and to prevent sinking from the photic zone during stable intervals. The unusual tidal regime for this estuary provides a unique environment to investigate the hydrodynamic properties which influence different phytoplankton groups.