Physico-chemical and biological factors influencing dinoflagellate cyst production in the Cariaco Basin

摘要: Abstract. We present a 2.5-year-long sediment trap record of dinoflagellate cyst production in the Cariaco Basin, off Venezuela (southern Caribbean Sea). The site lies under influence wind-driven, seasonal upwelling which promotes high levels primary productivity during boreal winter and spring. Changes is documented between November 1996 May 1999 at ∼ 14-day intervals interpreted context situ observations physico-chemical biological parameters measured mooring site. Dinoflagellate assemblages are diverse (57 taxa) dominated by taxa heterotrophic affinity, primarily Brigantedinium spp. (51 % total assemblage). Average fluxes to (17.1  ×  103 cysts m−2 day−1) show great interannual variability. On timescales, responds closely variations strength, with increases several protoperidinioid observed active intervals, predominantly Cyst produced autotrophic dinoflagellates, particular Bitectatodinium spongium, also respond positively upwelling. Several spiny brown cysts contribute substantially assemblages, including Echinidinium delicatum (9.7 %) granulatum (7.3 %), closer affinity weaker conditions. strong El Nino event 1997/98 appears have negatively impacted basin 1-year lag, may contributed unusually type Cp (possibly toxic Cochlodinium polykrikoides sensu Li et al., 2015), up 11.8  ×  103 cysts m−2 day−1 weak February–May 1999. Possible trophic interactions dinoflagellates other major planktonic groups investigated comparing timing magnitude proxies for phytoplanktonic communities (from photopigment data) micro- macrozooplankton abundance indicators palynological This work provides new, detailed insights into ecology cyst-producing will allow more interpretations fossil extracted from sedimentary records elsewhere.