MEA 200 Lecture Notes - Lecture 16: Neuse River, Pfiesteria, Atlantic Menhaden
30 Mar 2017
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Document Summary
Rate at which energy is stored in organic matter. 99. 9% of the ocean"s biomass relies directly or indirectly on photosynthesis for food. Photosynthesis: the biological synthesis of organic matter (food) from inorganic carbon using light as the required energy source. Respiration: biological consumption & oxidation of organic matter. Photosynthesis and respiration happen at the same time! Photosynthesis decreases with depth (we lose light). Seawifs (sea-viewing wide field of view sensor) Satellite sensor collected ocean color data 1997 2010. Euphotic zone from surface to about 100 meters (330 feet) Visible light portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. Color of ocean ranges from deep blue to yellow-green. Areas of coastal upwelling are sites of high productivity. May be responsible for half of total photosynthetic biomass in oceans. Produce food for 99% of marine animals. Very potent toxins (few cells per liter can produce toxic effects) Harmful blooms (non-toxic or toxicity not confirmed) Some produce toxins inadvertently consumed by fish and shellfish.
