Heterogeneous distribution of plankton within the mixed layer and its implications for bloom formation in tropical seas

摘要: Intensive sampling at the coastal waters of central Red Sea during a period thermal stratification, prior to main seasonal bloom winter, showed that vertical patches prokaryotes and microplankton developed persisted for several days within apparently density uniform upper layer. These structures were most likely result in situ growth mortality (e.g., grazing) rather than physical or behavioural aggregation. Simulating mixing event by adding nutrient-rich deep water abruptly triggered dense phytoplankton blooms nutrient-poor environment findings suggest mixed layer provide critical seeding stocks can rapidly exploit nutrient influx mixing, leading winter formation.