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Comparative seasonal changes, and inter-annual variability and stability, in a 26-year record of total phytoplankton biomass in four English lake basins

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Abstract

Long-term sequences of total phytoplankton biomass are described and analysed in relation to environmental conditions and species composition. They are based on largely weekly sampling of mean concentrations of chlorophyll a ([Chl]) in the euphotic zones of four English lake basins over 26 years. More restricted sampling is used to illustrate the regulation of vertical distribution, and a comparison with several chemical indices of seston abundance.

The seasonal variation of [Chl] is predominantly constructed from two peaks in spring and summer-autumn. These are separated by a universal and light-limited winter minimum that is accentuated in the deeper basins and a more variable early summer minimum to which diatom sedimentation, species replacement and grazing by Cladocera contribute. In some years or year-sequences additional peaks of varied origin may be interpolated (‘frequency modulation’), especially in the shallower basins. Some variability of maxima with nutrient enrichment and particular species-crop failure or success (e.g. Ceratium spp.), and of minima with growth limitation, loss modes and species replacement, exists within and between basins (‘amplitude modulation’).

Depth-colonization is primarily controlled by restrictions on vertical mixing associated with the seasonal temperature/density stratification. Relative timings can be important for areal biomass development. Though [Chl] is mainly epilimnetic in summer, metalimnetic and hypolimnetic accumulations can also arise by growth in situ, flagellate migration, or sedimentation. Variations in the content of Chl below unit area, for entire lake column or euphotic zone, are less sensitive to trophic state than are mean euphotic concentrations because of compensating influences of morphometry and light penetration.

Correspondences exist between temporal sequences of [Chl] and some chemical components of seston (C, N, reducing capacity), but ratios to P show much variation.

Comparison is made with other observations of seasonal phytoplankton biomass, with reference to latitudinal influence and to proposed generalisations regarding seasonal pattern.

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Talling, J.F. Comparative seasonal changes, and inter-annual variability and stability, in a 26-year record of total phytoplankton biomass in four English lake basins. Hydrobiologia 268, 65–98 (1993). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00006879

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