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Dimethylsulfide, algal pigments and light in an Antarctic Phaeocystis sp. bloom

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Abstract

Dimethylsulfide (DMS) concentrations in sea water were found to be high (0.19 to 390 nM) in an Antarctic bloom of Phaeocystis sp. during October and November 1990. DMS concentrations were positively correlated with algal pigments, particularly 19′-hexanoyloxyfucoxanthin, a prymnesiophyte pigment. Concentrations of DMS varied diurnally, possibly due to effects of sunlight, although the exact mechanism is unknown. Since oceanic DMS production has been linked to the global albedo through the formation of cloud condensation nuclei, light-mediated changes in DMS concentrations may affect the global climate. The flux of DMS from this bloom into the atmosphere is calculated to be 67±55 μmol m-2 d-1.

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Author notes

  1. K. M. Crocker

    Present address: Ocean Sciences Centre, Memorial University of Newfoundland, A1C 5S7, St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Biology Department, UCSB, 93106, Santa Barbara, California, USA

    K. M. Crocker

  2. Department of Oceanography, University of Hawaii, 96822, Honolulu, Hawai, USA

    M. E. Ondrusek

  3. Marine Science Institute, UCSB, 93106, Santa Barbara, California, USA

    R. L. Petty

  4. Center for Remote Sensing, UCSB, 93106, Santa Barbara, California, USA

    R. C. Smith

Authors
  1. K. M. Crocker
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  2. M. E. Ondrusek
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  3. R. L. Petty
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  4. R. C. Smith
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Communicated by J. P. Grassle, New Brunswick

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Crocker, K.M., Ondrusek, M.E., Petty, R.L. et al. Dimethylsulfide, algal pigments and light in an Antarctic Phaeocystis sp. bloom. Marine Biology 124, 335–340 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00347137

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00347137

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