Biology of Arctic macroalgae

Updated 2007-04-13

The effects of stratospheric ozone depletion and of global warming on the marine biosphere are still underexplored, especially in the Arctic. Seaweeds are very important primary producers but are strongly susceptible to enhanced UV radiation and elevated temperatures, especially their spores. The UV susceptibility of spores has previously been invoked to determine the depth distribution of seaweeds. Therefore, we will investigate the effect of different radiation and temperature conditions on the ultra-structure, physiology and biochemistry of spores from various brown and green algae growing in different water depths. Moreover, we will study competition between zoospores of various species of brown macroalgae in order to get an insight about biotic factors structuring seaweed communities and also to explain more clearly the present seaweed zonation pattern.

Time frame

Status
Ongoing
Project time span
1996 -
Data collection
not specified
Data processing
not specified
Data reporting
not specified

Contact information

Contact person
Christian Wiencke
Address
Prof. Dr. Christian Wiencke Alfred Wegener Institute Section Seaweed Biology Am Handelshafen 12 D-27570 Bremerhaven
Phone
+49-+471-48311338
Fax
+49-+471-48311425
Email
ed.iwa@ekcneiW.naitsirhC
Other project contacts
Dr. Michael Roleda (mroleda@ipoe.uni-kiel.de) Ruth Müller (Ruth.Mueller@awi.de) Franciska Steinhoff (Franciska.Steinhoff@awi.de)

Parameters and Media

Not specified

Geography

Regions studied
Koldewey Station, Ny-Ålesund/Spitsbergen
Koldewey Station, Ny-Ålesund/Spitsbergen

Data availability

Samples/specimens archived in specimen banks?
No

Methods & Procedures

Not specified

Additional Information

Is this a bi- AND multi-lateral project (i.e. a project involving cooperation between different countries)?
No
Please log in to edit this record