The specific objectives of the research proposed are to measure grazing rates at various light levels and investigate potential methodological problems associated with irradiance effects on microzooplankton grazing. Elena Mauri A comparison of whole-cell absorption and chlorophyll a in natural phytoplankton communities. The settling blocks were placed across four different zones ranging from highly influenced by a black smoker vent characterized by high fluid flow, high water temperature, high concentrations of sulfide, and low concentrations of oxygen to no hydrothermal vent influence which is characterized by cold ambient water, low sulfide and normal oxygen levels. The juvenile gastropods removed from the settling blocks will be identified to the lowest possible taxon. The distribution and abundance of the juvenile gastropods will then be correlated to known hydrothermal vent chemistry and adult species ranges.
Some plant species exhibit vivid coloration in the form of iridescence.
Iridescence is caused by the interaction of tiny structures with light, resulting in the reflection of various wavelengths. This phenomenon might affect light absorption in plants, but has not been thoroughly investigated with respect to plant light relations. My research will compare optical and photosynthetic properties of the iridescent re alga Fauchea aciniata and a closely related alga, Rhodymenia pacifica , in order to determine the effects, if any, of iridescence on light absorption and primary production in seaweeds. Kimberly Puglise New techniques for the analysis of fluorescent pigment degradation products in detrital particles. On the absence of the marine picoplankter, Prochlorococcus sp., in Monterey Bay.