Rm. Asmus et E. Bauerfeind, THE MICROPHYTOBENTHOS OF KONIGSHAFEN - SPATIAL AND SEASONAL DISTRIBUTION ON A SANDY TIDAL FLAT, Helgolander Meeresuntersuchungen, 48(2-3), 1994, pp. 257-276
A microphytobenthic species composition of a tidal flat in the norther
n Wadden Sea was analysed regarding cell numbers and biomass (in carbo
n units). The three sampling sites differed in tidal inundation from 1
5 cm to about 90 cm water depth at high tide. The sediment was sandy a
t all three stations. A cluster analysis revealed a separation of the
benthic diatoms into three areas: a Nereis-Corophium-belt, a seagrass-
bed and the Arenicola-flat. Small epipsammic diatoms were most abundan
t and dominated the microalgal biomass. A microphytobenthic ''spring b
loom'' even started beneath the ice cover of the flat in January. Lowe
st values of cell numbers and biomass of benthic microalgae were found
in summer. Highest values were measured in the uppermost area (Nereis
-Corophium-belt), and only here was an autumnal increase of benthic mi
croalgae found. Further cluster analysis within each of the three area
s revealed seasonal differences although the majority of species were
present all year round. Many species were most abundant in spring, and
some showed a bimodal distribution (spring-autumn) in the year of inv
estigation.