THE SIZE, SHAPE AND DENSITY OF MARINE PHYTOPLANKTON CONCENTRATIONS

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Abstract
SUMMARY: Data concerning the size, shape and density of concentrations of marine phytoplankton are considered.It is shown that patches of many shapes may occur, but that those most frequently encountered are elliptical, having the major axis four times the minor.The patches vary in size in a continuous series from a few feet across to as much as 30 or 40 miles by 120 or 180 miles, but the mean seems about 10 by 40 miles.Very long narrow bands or streaks are common and should be distinguished from the patches considered above. They are only a few feet in width and may form a pattern superimposed on the latter.Diatoms at concentrations of 10 cells/mm.3 and flagellates at 50 cells/mm.3 may be found in all these patches. Much higher concentrations have been reported but more common ones are 0–5 cell/mm.3 of diatoms and 2–5 cells/mm.3 of flagellates.Some possible origins of this pattern of distribution are briefly discussed. It seems likely that two different mechanisms are involved: the long narrow bands or streaks resulting from the aggregation of dispersed organisms under the influence of wind‐induced water movements, and the larger patches resulting from spatially restricted upwelling of nutrient rich water into the photic zone.

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