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Phytoplankton photosynthetic response to vertical movement in a mixed layer

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Abstract

14C uptake was measured in experimental bottles suspended at a series of fixed depths (using subsamples from one sample depth), and was compared with estimates obtained from bottles provided with vertical movement similar to that which might occur in Langmuir circulations. In most experiments, the vertically cycled bottles gave estimates of integral photosynthesis 19 to 87% higher than estimates from the control series. Evidence from laboratory experiments detailing the change in photosynthesis over time at various irradiance levels shows that a higher lightsaturated photosynthetic rate under variable light conditions could account for the enhanced integral photosynthesis found in the bottles provided with vertical movement.

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Communicated by M.R. Tripp, Newark

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Marra, J. Phytoplankton photosynthetic response to vertical movement in a mixed layer. Mar. Biol. 46, 203–208 (1978). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00390681

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00390681

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