FRESH-WATER DIATOM COMMUNITIES OF THE STROMNESS BAY AREA, SOUTH GEORGIA

Modern diatom samples were collected from 43 sites across the Stromnes s Bay area of South Georgia. From 115 taxa belonging to 22 six diatom assemblages were distinguished. A CCA-analysis indicated that the asse mblages are linked to pH and conductivity ranges, and habitat structur e. The Eunotia paludosa var. paludosa - Eunotia subarcuatoides assembl age occurs in small acid water bodies. Samples of the Fragilaria germa inii - Pinnularia aff. anglica assemblage are found in pools with a re latively high conductivity. The Fragilaria neoproducta assemblage and the Achnanthes subatomoides - Navicula vitabunda assemblage are mainly found in larger pools and lakes. This relationship between the assemb lages and pH was comparable with results found in the testate amoebae fauna of South Georgia.