Phytoplankton Diversity in Relation to Coastal Physical Processes

摘要

This study describes and interprets phytoplankton distributions across the Texas-Louisiana shelf, detailing relationships among the major phytoplankton groups, including diatoms (Bacillariophyceae). Phytoplankton distributions will be related to physical processes acting on the shelf and to variable seasonal Mississippi River flows from May 1992 to May 1993. The objective is to establish a 2-dimensional model for predicting dominant phytoplankton species, distributions, and biomass across the Texas-Louisiana continental shelf under a given set of hydrographic, river flow, and physical conditions. These variations in the phytoplankton community will be documented seasonally and annually. Coastal on-shore/off-shore gradients of phytoplankton are interpreted with the dominant environmental parameters. Both dynamic physical forces, such as mixing, and diffusive processes, such as nutrient regeneration from sediments, are addressed.