Implications of bio-optical modeling of phytoplankton photosynthesis in Antarctic waters: Further evidence of no light limitation in the Bransfield Strait

摘要

During the cruise ECOANTAR 94 photosynthesis versus irradiance relationships, phytoplankton spectral absorp- tion, quantum yield of carbon fixation, and water column light regime were determined in the eastern Bransfield Strait and surrounding areas of the Weddell Sea and Weddell-Scotia Confluence, to determine if photosynthesis is Light limited in these areas. There were no significant differences in the light-saturate chlorophyll-specific rate of Photosynthesis (P~B_m), light-limited slope (α~B), light saturation parameter (E_KPAR), and the maximum quantum yield (φ_m) between surface and subsurface water for several water masses in the area, which indicates that the photosyn- theitc response in the upper mixed layer was unifiorm.