Temperature effects on microphytobenthic productivity in temperate intertidal mudflat

Based on field measurements and computer simulations, we describe the tempo ral (short- and long-term) and spatial dynamics of the mud surface temperat ure (MST) on temperate intertidal mudflats. We then document the photosynth etic responses of natural assemblages of epipelic microalgae to such variat ions by means of field observations and laboratory experiments. This synthe tic work is an attempt to put into perspective our knowledge about the scal es of variation of one major physical forcing (MST) and the relevant ecophy siological responses of microalgae.