Naslov
Patchy distribution of phytoplankton in a highly stratified estuary (the Zrmanja estuary, October 1998.)

Autori
Viličić, Damir ; Orlić, Mirko ; Burić, Zrinka ; Carić, Marina ; Kršinić, Frano ; Jasprica, Nenad ; Smirčić, Ante ; Gržetić, Zvonko

Izvornik
Acta Botanica Croatica (0365-0588) 58 (1999); 105-125

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Radovi u časopisima, članak, znanstveni

Ključne riječi
phytoplankton; microzooplankton; estuary; halocline; river discharge; nutrients; Adriatic Sea

Sažetak
The abundance, biomass and species composition of phytoplankton were determined in relation to hydrographic conditions in the highly stratified Zrmanja Estuary, eastern Adriatic coast, Croatia, during the October 1998 episode of strong river outflow. Phytoplankton accumulated around the halocline in the middle portion of the estuary, where nanoplankton provided the dominant autotrophic constituent. Marine phytoplankton accumulated there due to more favorable light and nutrient conditions along the outflow plume, as well as reduced zooplankton grazing. Orthophosphate was detected as a limiting growth factor in the estuary. The phytoplankton species assemblages at the seaward and riverine ends of the estuary were made up of taxa with corresponding salinity preferences. A subsurface temperature maximum was detected in the middle portion of the estuary, due to the combined effect of radiative heating and reduced heat exchange at the halocline level, as well as the accumulation of suspended matter close to the halocline and selective absorption of solar radiation.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Geologija, Biologija

POVEZANOST RADA