Abstract
The present description of Trichodesmium spp. population dynamics and associated environmental variables is the first one using a very short sampling interval (2–3 days). Such a strategy allows a fine description of changes involving the population density and characteristics. It also lends itself to interpreting those changes from past environmental conditions. During the two surveys, 2 and 5 month-long, T. erythraeum dominated the Trichodesmium population, with temporary occurrence of T. thiebautii and five blooms could be described. These events appeared at temperatures > 24 °C and followed, in all cases, nitrate, soluble reactive phosphorus and chlorophyll a enrichments, with a 3–7 day time lag. Low wind speed (< 4 m s − 1 ) was not a prerequisite for Trichodesmium bloom developments as long as temperatures exceeded 26 °C. As abundance increased during the bloom, so did the number of filaments (trichomes) in colonies and their buoyancy, leading to a clear positive biomass gradient from the bottom to the surface. A simple model, using variable growth rates, showed trichome ascent would be responsible for 87–99% of concentrations at 0.5 m, with Trichodesmium net growth rates ranging from 0.11 to 0.38 d − 1 . Finally, rapid trichome density declines could be ascribed to nutrient depletion and massive surface death following ascent.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
More From: Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.