Optical and hydrographic consequences of freshwater runoff during spring phytoplankton growth in a Scottish fjord

McKee, David and Cunningham, Alex and Jones, K. (2002) Optical and hydrographic consequences of freshwater runoff during spring phytoplankton growth in a Scottish fjord. Journal of Plankton Research, 24 (11). pp. 1163-1171. ISSN 0142-7873

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Official URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/plankt/24.11.1163

Abstract

A combination of in situ measurements and radiative transfer modelling were used to study optical conditions in the inner basin of Loch Etive, a Scottish fjord, in March and April 2000. The basin was strongly stratified with three layers separated by marked pycnoclines. The surface layer averaged 5 m in depth and was heavily stained with coloured dissolved organic matter (CDOM) which reduced the euphotic depth to between 7 and 10 m. Approximately 20% of the photosynthetically available radiation (PAR) in the water column was absorbed by phytoplankton, 44% by CDOM and 36% by sea water. Detectable concentrations of the major inorganic nutrients (nitrate, phosphate and silicate) occurred at all depths, but significant phytoplankton populations (averaging 6 mg chlorophyll a m-3) were found only in the reduced-salinity surface layer. The freshwater input therefore acted both as a source of buoyancy which promoted phytoplankton growth near the surface and as an attenuator of visible light which inhibited growth deeper in the water column.

Creators(s):	McKee, David ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8023-5923, Cunningham, Alex and Jones, K.;
Item type:	Article
ID code:	2910
Keywords:	optics, hydrography, phytoplankton growth, fjords, nanoscience, Solid state physics. Nanoscience, Ecology, Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics, Aquatic Science
Subjects:	Science > Physics > Solid state physics. Nanoscience
Department:	Faculty of Science > Physics Faculty of Science > Pure and Applied Chemistry
Depositing user:	Strathprints Administrator
Date deposited:	21 Feb 2007
Last modified:	06 Oct 2020 07:06
URI:	https://strathprints.strath.ac.uk/id/eprint/2910
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