Aquatic Sciences Meeting, Albuquerque 2001

CS28 Phytoplankton: Distributions in Space and Time

Date: Thursday, February 15, 2001, Time: 10:15:00 AM

Location: Dona Ana

Yagiela, A, M, Center for Great Lakes and Aquatic Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA, ayagiela@umich.edu

Julius, M, L, Center for Great Lakes and Aquatic Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA, mjulius@umich.edu

Goad, L, M, Center for Great Lakes and Aquatic Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA, lgoad@umich.edu

DIATOM SPECIES DISTRIBUTION IN LAKE MICHIGAN'S WATER COLUMN OVER THE COURSE OF THE DAY

Diatoms species often compose a significant portion of the phytoplankton community in freshwater and marine systems and have been extensively utilized as indicator species for environmental quality. However, species composition has not been extensively studied in association with water depth. This investigation examines the distribution and diversity of diatom species at different water depths in Lake Michigan in conjunction with the movement and formation of chlorophyll peaks over the course of the day. In July 1999, samples were collected corresponding to chlorophyll peaks over a 24-hour period at two locations on Lake Michigan. Duplicate samples were obtained in August 2000 for the same Lake Michigan station over a 24-hour period These data were subsequently examined and used to compare diatom community structure across station depth, and provide an initial snap shot of species distribution for depth. Distinct species communities were identified at different positions in the lake. The depth at which these communities were located varied over the course of the day, and seems tied to fluctuations in the thermal structure depth and variations in light.

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Aquatic Sciences Meeting, Albuquerque 2001

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