Annual Dynamics of Pelagic Carbon Fluxes in a Tidal Lagoon

Abstract

In aquatic ecosystems, phytoplankton primary production, zooplankton grazing, and pelagic respiration are important processes of carbon dynamics. The aim of this study is to quantify the annual dynamics of pelagic primary production, zooplankton grazing, and respiration in a shallow coastal system and to investigate possible benthic impacts. Pelagic primary production, zooplankton grazing, and respiration were investigated as weekly/monthly time series over a one year period in the northern Wadden Sea. Studies were related to the Sylt long term time series, providing data on temperature, salinity, inorganic and organic nutrients, chlorophyll a and suspended matter concentrations (e.g. MARTENS&ELBRÄCHTER 1998). This study was conducted in the framework of the European Research Project COSA (Coastal Sands as Biocatalytical Filters) to relate the temporal dynamics of pelagic carbon dynamics with benthic processes.