ABSTRACT: A mathematical expression is proposed to describe the relationship between the photosynthetic capacity (P_max) of natural assemblages of motile benthic diatoms and temperature. Experiments were performed in 2 different seasons to document the response of P_max to a rapid increase in temperature (3*C h^-1). In both cases, there was a progressive increase in P_max up to an optimum temperature (T_opt), beyond which P_max declined rapidly. T_opt did not change from September to December 1995, but the maximum photosynthetic capacity (P_MAX, i.e. P_max at T_opt) was twice as high in September as in December.

KEY WORDS: Microphytobenthos . Temperature . Intertidal . Photosynthetic capacity . Model

Published in MEPS Vol. 134 (1996) on April 25
ISSN: 0171-8630. Copyright © Inter-Research, Oldendorf/Luhe, 1996