Abstract.
A model is described for nutrient uptake by the giant kelp Macrocystis integrifolia Bory that incorporates blade boundary-layer dynamics. The model input is derived from field measurements of water motion near wave-exposed and wave-sheltered M. integrifolia beds. Factors considered in the model include (i) the distinction between uni-directional and oscillatory flow in wave-exposed and -sheltered locations, (ii) the reduction in boundary-layer thickness due to wave-driven flow and (iii) the tight packing of M. integrifolia beds at low tide which can reduce the in-canopy flow rates. The velocities are incorporated into the model which indicates that uptake rates can vary between 5 to 300% of the steady-state equilibrium value depending on the flow regime.
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Received: 11 June 2002; revised manuscript accepted: 20 December 2002
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ID="*"Corresponding author phone: +64 4 386 0300; fax: +64 3 386 2153; e-mail: c.stevens@niwa.cri.nz¶ Published on Web: March 19, 2003
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Stevens, C., Hurd, C. & Isachsen, P. Modelling of diffusion boundary-layers in subtidal macroalgal canopies: The response to waves and currents. Aquat. Sci. 65, 81–91 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1007/s000270300007
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s000270300007