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Journal of Plankton Research Vol.24 no.11 pp.1163-1171, 2002
© Oxford University Press 2002

Optical and hydrographic consequences of freshwater run-off during spring phytoplankton growth in a Scottish fjord

David Mckee, Alex Cunningham* and Ken J. Jones1

Department of Physics and Applied Physics, University of Strathclyde, 107 Rottenrow, Glasgow G4 Ong and 1 Dunstaffnage Marine Laboratory, Po Box 3, Oban, Argyll Pa34 4ad, UK

* Corresponding Author: a.cunningham{at}strath.ac.uk

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.


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