Seasonal and interannual variation of the phytoplankton and copepod dynamics in Liverpool Bay

Greenwood, Naomi; Forster, Rodney M.; Créach, Veronique; Painting, Suzanne J.; Dennis, Anna; Cutchey, Stewart J.; Silva, Tiago; Sivyer, David B.; Jickells, Tim. 2012 Seasonal and interannual variation of the phytoplankton and copepod dynamics in Liverpool Bay. Ocean Dynamics, 62 (2). 307-320. 10.1007/s10236-011-0500-x

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Abstract/Summary

The seasonal and interannual variability in the phytoplankton community in Liverpool Bay between 2003 and 2009 has been examined using results from high frequency, in situ measurements combined with discrete samples collected at one location in the bay. The spring phytoplankton bloom (up to 29.4 mg chlorophyll m−3) is an annual feature at the study site and its timing may vary by up to 50 days between years. The variability in the underwater light climate and turbulent mixing are identified as key factors controlling the timing of phytoplankton blooms. Modelled average annual gross and net production are estimated to be 223 and 56 g C m−2 year−1, respectively. Light microscope counts showed that the phytoplankton community is dominated by diatoms, with dinoflagellates appearing annually for short periods of time between July and October. The zooplankton community at the study site is dominated by copepods and use of a fine mesh (80 μm) resulted in higher abundances of copepods determined (up to 2.5×106 ind. m−2) than has previously reported for this location. There is a strong seasonal cycle in copepod biomass and copepods greater than 270 μm contribute less than 10% of the total biomass. Seasonal trends in copepod biomass lag those in the phytoplankton community with a delay of 3 to 4 months between the maximum phytoplankton biomass and the maximum copepod biomass. Grazing by copepods exceeds net primary production at the site and indicates that an additional advective supply of carbon is required to support the copepod community.

Item Type:	Publication - Article
Digital Object Identifier (DOI):	10.1007/s10236-011-0500-x
Programmes:	NOC Programmes
ISSN:	16167341
Additional Information. Not used in RCUK Gateway to Research.:	(No email id for Anna Dennis?)
Date made live:	16 Feb 2012 10:57 +0 (UTC)
URI:	https://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/310980

Item Type:

Publication - Article

Digital Object Identifier (DOI):

10.1007/s10236-011-0500-x

Programmes:

NOC Programmes

ISSN:

16167341

Additional Information. Not used in RCUK Gateway to Research.:

(No email id for Anna Dennis?)

Date made live:

16 Feb 2012 10:57 +0 (UTC)