Algae in the motion: spatial distribution of phytoplankton in thermally statified reservoirs

Phytoplankton spatial distribution patterns in four Andalusian reservoirs with different physical characteristics are described and evaluated in this work. Both vertical and horizontal distribution patterns are presented in order to demonstrate that thermally stratified reservoirs are dynamic, complex and heterogeneus ecosystems. Vertically, phytoplankton patchiness was physically controlled by turbulent mixing and light climate and biologically determined by the hydromechanical characteristics of each microalgae functional group. The horizontal distribution of phytoplankton was the result of the interaction between the wind-induced advective transport of water masses and the vertical distribution of each algal group. The precise knowledge of the phytoplankton spatial distribution patterns and their responsible agents constitutes a powerful tool for a limnologicallybased dynamic reservoir management and must be integrated in reservoir water quality monitoring procedures. The use of fastresponse and high-resolution technologies, such as in vivo and in situ spectrofluorimetry, should significantly helps in reaching this objective