Spectral algal concentrations measured with a bbe Moldaenke FluoroProbe in discrete water column samples from lakes in the McMurdo Dry Valleys, Antarctica

Abstract:

An important component of the McMurdo Dry Valleys Long Term Ecological Research (MCM LTER) project is monitoring the spatial and temporal patterns and processes that regulate primary production in perennial ice-covered lakes. Phytoplankton are the dominant primary producers in the photic zones of these lakes and play a central role in carbon cycling. This data package quantifies spectral algal concentrations measured with a bbe Moldaenke FluoroProbe at discrete depths throughout the water column of multiple lakes across the McMurdo Dry Valleys of Antarctica, providing long-term observations that support investigations into primary production dynamics and ecosystem responses to environmental change.

LTER Core Areas:

primary production

Dataset ID:

Associated Personnel:

1260

1261

1259

Short name:

lake-fluoroprobe

Methods:

Spectral algal concentrations were measured using a bbe Moldaenke FluoroProbe, a submersible chlorophyll fluorometer that quantifies phytoplankton functional groups based on pigment-specific fluorescence. The instrument was attached to a hand winch, and depth profiles were collected manually. The spectrofluorometer recorded algal community profiles based on spectral classes. Brown/mixed algae were characterized by chlorophyll excitation at 525 nm, green algae at 470 nm, cyanobacteria at 610 nm, and cryptophytes at 570 nm.