Abstract:
Phymatolithon foecundum is a coralline growth found in the coastal benthic environment. Benthic surveys indicated that P. foecundum is abundant throughout the deep gradients (10-30m depth). A range of approaches were taken to determine the light vs photosynthesis characteristics of this growth form including both in situ and laboratory experiments. A diving-PAM fluorometer to log photosynthetic yield of a chosen piece of coralline algae attached to a rock was installed and made measurements at 20 minute intervals over a 15 hour period. Three deployments were made at depths of 16-20m. In the laboratory, coralline covered rocks were incubated in -1 °C water and used in two experiements. In the first, the surface of the coralline crust was exposed to irradiance intensities similar to those expected when ice-out occurs. Using a PAM fluorometer, the short term response of yeild vs irradiance characteristics were measured. In the second, oxygen micro-electrodes were installed to measure changes in oxygen gradients in the layer of water above the coralline crust under a range of irradiance conditions. This data will allow prediction of coralline algae to irradiance conditions during ice-free periods.
Name:
SHULAMIT
GORDON Phone:
+64 3 358 0200
Fax:
+64 3 358 0211
Email:
s.gordon at antarcticanz.govt.nz
Contact Address:
Antarctica New Zealand
Private Bag 4745 City:
Christchurch
Country:
New Zealand
Personnel
VONDA
CUMMINGS Role:
INVESTIGATOR
Phone:
+64 7 856 7026
Fax:
+64 7 856 0151
Email:
v.cummings at niwa.co.nz
Contact Address:
NIWA
PO Box 11-115 City:
Hamilton
Country:
New Zealand
SHULAMIT
GORDON Role:
DIF AUTHOR
Phone:
+64 3 358 0200
Fax:
+64 3 358 0211
Email:
s.gordon at antarcticanz.govt.nz
Contact Address:
Antarctica New Zealand
Private Bag 4745 City:
Christchurch
Country:
New Zealand
Publications/References
Schwarz, A-M. Hawes, I. Andrew, N. Norkko, A. Cummings, V. Thrush, S. Macroalgal photosynthesis near southern global limit for growth; Cape Evans, Ross Sea, Antarctica. Polar biology 26: 789-799, 2003.
Creation and Review Dates
DIF Creation Date:
2005-10-11
Last DIF Revision Date:
2008-04-22
