Primary production in the Benguela ecosystem, 1999-2002
Barlow, R.; Lamont, T.; Mitchell-Innes, B.A.; Lucas, M.; Thomalla, S. (2009). Primary production in the Benguela ecosystem, 1999-2002. Afr. J. Mar. Sci. 31(1): 97-101
In: African Journal of Marine Science. NISC/Taylor & Francis: Grahamstown. ISSN 0257-7615; e-ISSN 1814-2338, more
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Keywords |
Chlorophyll Primary production Properties > Physical properties > Thermodynamic properties > Temperature Marine/Coastal |
Authors | | Top |
- Barlow, R.
- Lamont, T.
- Mitchell-Innes, B.A.
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Abstract |
Phytoplankton production was investigated throughout the whole Benguela ecosystem in winter 1999 and in summer 2002 during two four-week research cruises from Cape Town, South Africa, through Namibian waters to Namibe in southern Angola. Primary production ranged from 0.14-2.26 g C m−2 d−1 during June-July 1999 and from 0.39-8.83 g C m−2 d−1 during February-March 2002. Mean productivity values indicated that the Benguela ecosystem was twice as productive in summer than in winter. In 1999, most of the productivity occurred within a temperature range of 13.5-18 °C, whereas in 2002 elevated production was associated with temperatures of 14-22 °C. The relationship between primary production and chlorophyll a was good for winter 1999 but poor for summer 2002, suggesting that predicting primary production from chlorophyll a is not straightforward for the Benguela ecosystem. |
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