Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1993

Publication Title

The Journal of the Elisha Mitchell Scientific Society

Volume

109

Issue

3

Pages

141-151

Abstract

The seasonal abundance and successional patterns of phytoplankton, including autotrophic picoplankton, are compared to spring, summer, and fall primary production maxima that occurred in three tidal rivers. The tidal freshwaters were dominated by diatoms, chlorophytes, and cyanobacteria during a late spring through early fall period of maximum growth. In contrast, downstream assemblages were dominated by estuarine diatoms, dinoflagellates, and cryptomonads which developed spring pulses and a protracted summer-fall maximum. Autotrophic picoplankton produced a major summer pulse at all river stations with reduced abundance during other seasons. The mean annual productivity rates for the tidal James, Rappahannock, and York rivers were 409.6, 213.8, and 199.1 gC m-2 yr-1 respectively.

Original Publication Citation

Marshall, H.G., & Nesius, K.K. (1993). Seasonal relationships between phytoplankton composition, abundance, and primary productivity in three tidal rivers of the lower Chesapeake Bay. Journal of the Elisha Mitchell Scientific Society, 109(3), 141-151.

Share

 
COinS