Light climate at the deep chlorophyll maxima in North Patagonian Andean Lakes (Argentina).

PÉREZ, G. L., C. P. QUEIMALIÑOS & B. E. MODENUTTI.

JOURNAL OF PLANKTON RESEARCH

Año: 2002 vol. 24 p. 591 - 599

0142-7873

The Light climate at the deep chlorophyll maxima (DCM) was analyzed in a set of lake of the North Patagonian Andean region. Apparent and inherent optical properties and the chlorophyll a vertical distribution were analyzed in seven deep and shallow lakes of the North Patagonian Andean region. The large deep lakes were thermally stratified and presented very low diffuse attenuation coefficients of Photosynthetically Active Radiation (Kd PAR). They were categorized within waters Type W, since water itself was the main light-absorbing component. These entire features created the adequate conditions for the development of Deep Chlorophyll Maxima, which were constituted by the mixotrophic ciliate Ophrydium naumanni. In contrast, shallow lakes, which showed slightly higher Kd PAR values, and the spectral quality was affected by a relatively higher concentration of dissolved yellow substances, did not exhibit any heterogeneity in the chlorophyll a vertical distribution.