Abstract
An integrated approach using hydrodynamic and transport numerical models, lepidochronology and stable isotope
analysis was used to investigate how local hydrodynamic conditions influence the primary production and fate of the
seagrass Posidonia oceanica in a Mediterranean semi-enclosed marine system (Stagnone di Marsala). The water
mass exchange aptitude of different sectors of the basin was analysed, and data collected were used to select two
sectors (colonized by Posidonia oceanica showing the lowest and highest water exchange values) for biological
analyses. According to the mean dispersal coefficient differences simulated by the hydrodynamic model, growth
rate and primary production of P. oceanica differed between sectors, with average values lower in the central
sector where water exchange is lower than in the southern sector. Although P. oceanica coverage and primary
production were higher in the southern sector, carbon and nitrogen stable isotope analysis suggests that the
transfer of seagrass organic matter to higher trophic levels of the food web was higher in the central sector.
The possibility of a link between hydrodynamism, production and fate of organic matter is proposed to explain
the observed patterns.
Lingua originale | English |
---|---|
pagine (da-a) | 183-201 |
Numero di pagine | 19 |
Rivista | CHEMISTRY IN ECOLOGY |
Volume | 20 (3) |
Stato di pubblicazione | Published - 2004 |
All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes
- ???subjectarea.asjc.1100.1105???
- ???subjectarea.asjc.1900???
- ???subjectarea.asjc.2300???
- ???subjectarea.asjc.2300.2303???