Photosynthetic activity of phytoplankton in a high altitude lake (Emerald Lake, Sierra Nevada, California)

Abstract

Photosynthetic activity by phytoplankton was measured during the ice-free seasons of 1984, 1985 and 1987 using the 14C radioassay in high altitude Emerald Lake (California). Relative quantum yield (αB) and light-saturated chlorophyll-specific carbon uptake (PmB) were calculated from the relationship of light and photosynthesis fitted to a hyperbolic tangent function. Temporal changes in PmB showed no regular pattern. Seasonal patterns of αB generally had peaks in the summer and autumn. Phytoplankton biomass (as measured by chlorophyll a) and light-saturated carbon uptake (Pm) had peaks in the summer and autumn which were associated with vertical mixing. Estimates of mean daily carbon production were similar among the three years: 57 mg C m−2 2 d−1 in 1984, 70 mg C m−2 2 d−1 in 1985 and 60 mg C m−2 d−1 in 1987. Primary productivity in Emerald Lake is low compared to other montane lakes of California and similar to high-altitude or high-latitude lakes in other regions.