Abstract
A model of the time dependent relationship between productivity and light intensity following changes in light intensity is briefly described. The model incorporates two response timescales simulating initial response and photoinhibition, although additional timescales could easily be incorporated. The model is calibrated against one set of time dependent data, and applied to two simple models of motion in the upper mixed layer of a lake. The two models are: organised motion simulating Langmuir cells, and disorganised motion simulating the turbulent velocity field associated with surface wind stirring. The depth and therefore light histories for a number of photosynthesising particles are calculated by these models, and used by the productivity model to calculate mean productivities. The results show that the influence of the time dependent nature of the productivity relationship depends on the ratio of the mixed layer depth to the euphotic depth, and to a less extent, on the rate at which the particles circulate in the mixed layer.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Buranathanitt, T., D. J. Cockerell and P. H. John, 1982. Some effects of Langmuir circulation on the quality of water resource systems. Ecol. Modelling 15:49–74.
Cullen, J. J. and M. R. Lewis, 1988, The kinetics of algal photoadaptation in the context of vertical mixing. J. Plankton Res. 10:1039–1063.
Denman, K. L. and J. Marra, 1986. Modelling the time dependent photoadaptation of phytoplankton to fluctuating light. In: J. C. J. Nihoul (ed.) Marine Interfaces Ecohydrodynamics, Elsevier, Amsterdam, pp. 341–359.
Falkowski, P. G. and C. D. Wirick, 1981. A simulation model of the effects of vertical mixing on primary productivity. Marine Biology 65:69–75.
Fee, E. J., 1969. A numerical model for the estimation of photosynthetic production, integrated over time and depth, in natural waters. Limnol. Oceanogr. 14:906–911.
Ferris, J. M. and R. Christian, 1991. Aquatic primary production in relation to microalgal responses to changing light: a review. Aquatic Sciences 53:187–217.
Harris, G. P., 1978. Photosynthesis, productivity and growth: The physiological ecology of phytoplankton. Ergeb. der Limnol. 10:1–71.
Harris, G. P. and B. B. Piccinin, 1977. Photosynthesis by natural phytoplankton populations. Arch. Hydrobiol. 80:405–457.
Hocking, G., 1988. Summary of the Centre for Limnological Modelling workshop. Centre for Water Research report ED-241-GH, University of Western Australia.
Holloway, G., 1984. Effects of velocity fluctuations on vertical distributions of phytoplankton. J. Mar. Res. 42:559–571.
Imberger, J. and J. C. Patterson, 1990. Physical Limnology. In: J. W. Hutchinson and T. Y. Wu (eds.) Advances in Applied Mechanics. Vol. 27:303–475.
Imboden, D. M., 1990. Mixing and transport in lakes: Mechanisms and ecological relevance. In: M. Tilzer and C. Serruya (eds.) Large Lakes: Ecological Structures and Functions. Springer, Berlin, pp. 47–80.
Jassby, A. D. and T. Platt, 1976. Mathematical formulation of the relationship between photosynthesis and light for phytoplankton. Limnol. Oceanogr. 21:540–547.
Kirk, J. T. O., 1983. Light and photosynthesis in aquatic ecosystems. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 401 pp.
Kitaigorodskii, S. A., M. A. Donelan, J. L. Lumley and E. A. Terray, 1983. Wave-turbulence interactions in the upper ocean. Part II: Statistical characteristics of wave and turbulent components of the random velocity field in the marine surface layer. J. Phys. Oceanogr. 13:1988–1999.
Langmuir, I., 1938. Surface motion of water induced by winds. Science 87:119–123.
Marra, J., 1978a. Effect of short term variations in light intensity on photosynthesis of a marine phytoplankter: a laboratory simulation study. Marine Biology 46:191–202.
Marra, J., 1978b. Phytoplankton photosynthetic response to vertical movement in a mixed layer. Marine Biology 46:203–208.
Pahl-Wostl, C. and D. M. Imboden, 1990. DYPHORA — a dynamic model for the rate of photosynthesis of algae. J. Plankton Res. 12:1207–1221.
Patterson, J. C., B. R. Allanson and G. N. Ivey, 1985. A dissolved oxygen budget model for Lake Erie in summer. Freshwater Biol. 15:683–694.
Platt, T., K. L. Denman and A. D. Jassby, 1977. Modeling the productivity of phytoplankton. In: E. D. Goldberg, I. N. McCave, J. J. O'Brien and J. H. Steele (eds.) The Sea. Vol. 6:807–856, Wiley Interscience, New York.
Platt, T., C. L. Gallegos and W. G. Harrison, 1980. Photoinhibition of photosynthesis in natural assemblages of marine phytoplankton. J. of Marine Res. 38:687–701.
Prézelin, B. B., M. M. Tilzer, O. Schofield and C. Haese, 1991. The control of the production process of phytoplankton by the physical structure of the aquatic environment with special reference to its optical properties. Aquatic Sciences 53:136–186.
Savidge, G., 1988. Influence of inter- and intra-daily light field variability on photosynthesis by coastal phytoplankton. Mar. Biol. 100:127–133.
Stone, S. J. L. and G. G. Ganf, 1981. The influence of previous light history on the respiration of four species of freshwater phytoplankton. Arch. Hydrobiol. 91:435–462.
Takahashi, M., S. Shimura, Y. Yamaguchi and Y. Fujita, 1971. Photo-inhibition of phytoplankton photosynthesis as a function of exposure time. J. Oceanographical Soc. Japan 27:43–50.
Thornley, J. H. M., 1976. Mathematical models in plant physiology. A quantitative approach to problems in plant and crop physiology. Academic Press, London, 318 pp.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Patterson, J.C. Modelling the effects of motion on primary production in the mixed layer of lakes. Aquatic Science 53, 218–238 (1991). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00877060
Received:
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00877060