Meroplankton abundance in the Northeast Water Polynya: Insights from oceanographic parameters and benthic abundance patterns

摘要: Abstract We investigated meroplankton (planktonic larvae of benthic organisms) abundance and distribution in the Northeast Water (NEW) Polynya, located on northeast coast Greenland, from July 15 to August 15, 1992. Meroplankton was present at all sites visited (0.03–84.83 individuals per m 3 ); one station comprised 8.28% total zooplankton. Total correlated with zooplankton infaunal but not either microscopic carbon concentration or primary productivity. Examination data for barnacle nauplii adults indicated that both were concentrated same locations. Patterns also examined stelleroid plutei, polychaete trochophores. There distinct geographic patterns class-specific distributions, maximal abundances occurring over Belgica Bank eastern regions Westwind Trough minimal Trough. The apparent control by hydrography region, coupled correlation between meroplankton, adult abundance, reinforces hypothesis plays a major role controlling biota NEW polynya (Ambrose Renaud, 1995; Ashjian et al., 1995, 1997-this volume; Smith Piepenburg volume).