skip to main content
OSTI.GOV title logo U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Title: Zooplankton distribution as related to summer hydrographic conditions in Onslow Bay, North Carolina

Journal Article · · Bull. Mar. Sci.; (United States)
OSTI ID:6064486

Zooplankton concentration and composition was related to hydrographic parameters in Onslow Bay, NC. During summer the hydrography of Onslow Bay is often characterized by the presence of nutrient-rich Gulf Stream waters. These originate from greater depths of the Gulf Stream, intrude at subsurface depths, frequently strand in the Bay and have high concentrations of particulate matter and chlorophyll a. Since such water masses can maintain their integrity for up to one month, temporal changes in phyto- and zooplankton communities may be followed. Researchers describe the concentration, composition and distribution of abundant zooplankton taxa from summer 1976. Zooplankton distribution was affected by hydrography as, for example, Oncaeidae and Corycaeidae were significantly more abundant in intrusions than in the upper mixed layer. Zooplankton biomass and composition indicate relatively high production of and low predation rates on zooplankton in intruded waters.

DOE Contract Number:
EY-76-S-09-0936
OSTI ID:
6064486
Journal Information:
Bull. Mar. Sci.; (United States), Vol. 30:4
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English