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