The Relation of the Plankton to some Chemical and Physical Factors in the Clyde Sea Area

Abstract

1. Simultaneous observations are recorded of some biological, physical, and chemical changes in the Clyde Sea Area in 1924, 1925, and 1926. 2. A close relation between diatom increases and changes in pH value, dissolved oxygen saturation and dissolved phosphate has been found. 3. It appears that the more numerous diatom increases in Loch Strivan as compared with the open sea are due to the more frequent mixing. 4. Confirmation of the fact that diatom increases begin at the surface and gradually spread into deeper water has been obtained. 5. The occurrence of Peridinians is apparently related to high temperature and low salinity. 6. The amount of sunshine in the early part of the year does not exert any apparent influence on the date of the spring diatom increase in the Clyde Sea Area. 7. The regeneration of phosphate in the deep water of Loch Strivan has been described.