It is thus clear that a lower limitation does not necessarily imply a lower rate. These quantities are meant to express only to what degree each controlling factor limits the growth, they are not meant for use in comparing the absolute rates, Frame 1 is included for that purpose. Growth is only accounting for a small percentage of the new cells in areas where germination is occurring in the early portion of the run. As the water warms later in the run, growth becomes increasingly important even in areas where germination is occurring. By the time there is any sizable growth occurring in cells germinated to the north they have traveled to the south.
Cells can grow outside the freshwater plume.
Being within the plume accelerates the growth rate somewhat, but it is not essential that cells be inside the plume for a bloom to develop under the current parameterization. To see this examine frame 1 and note that although the signature of increased growth rates in the plume is visible it is hardly prominent. Keep in mind that the current growth function does not account for nutrients, which may slow down the growth outside the plume. The current growth rates are based on data from nutrient replete environments. Temperature severely limits growth rate throughout the first half of the run.