Geography 2010A/B Study Guide - Quiz Guide: Photic Zone, Cyanobacteria, Zooplankton
29 Aug 2018
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To some extent, water temperature represents a limitation on the overall productivity: however, even at low temperatures (near 0 c), most phytoplankton are able to bloom and photosynthesize. Rare to see temperatures higher than 2 degrees in the artcic, so we"re not very interested in temperature, as opposed ot other resources like nutrients and light. More critically, light and nutrient supply represent important limitations to productivity. Pervasive sea ice cover reduces light in the upper photic zone of the water column. Encourages high productivity in these areas, notably the barents, chukchi and. In ice covered areas, the reduction and loss of ice results in a phytoplankton bloom in spring that follows the ice edge. The timing of the bloom is further constrained by solar insolation, and if sufficient light is not available, this will delay the bloom. Stratification of the water column will result in nutrient depletion during the bloom, which will result in cessation of the bloom.
