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Biomass and productivity of three phytoplankton size classes in San Francisco Bay

January 1, 1986

The 5-22 mu m size accounted for 40-50% of annual production in each embayment, but production by phytoplanton >22 mu m ranged from 26% in the S reach to 54% of total phytoplankton production in the landward embayment of the N reach. A productivity index is derived that predicts daily productivity for each size class as a function of ambient irradiance and integrated chlorophyll a in the photic zone. For the whole phytoplankton community and for each size class, this index was constant at approx= 0.76 g C m-2 (g chlorophyll a Einstein)-1. The annual means of maximum carbon assimilation numbers were usually similar for the three size classes. Spatial and temporal variations in size-fractionated productivity are primarily due to differences in biomass rather than size-dependent carbon assimilation rates. -from Authors

Publication Year 1986
Title Biomass and productivity of three phytoplankton size classes in San Francisco Bay
DOI 10.2307/1351944
Authors B.E. Cole, J. E. Cloern, A.E. Alpine
Publication Type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Series Title Estuaries
Index ID 70014856
Record Source USGS Publications Warehouse
USGS Organization California Water Science Center; San Francisco Bay-Delta; Pacific Regional Director's Office