Biosedimentary systems in Arctic environments: Polar coralline algae
Final Report Abstract
The project “Biosedimentary systems in Arctic environments: Polar coralline algae” sheds light on a vastly neglected polar carbonate factory and based on data and sampled collected during the MSM 02/03 expedition of RV Maria S. Merian, heading around the Svalbard archipelago. The surveys revealed that the prevailing coralline red algal communities show very similar patterns in terms of their physical and biological controls. The physical environment of the several sites is characterised by a distinct seasonality, as it is typical for polar environments. The biotic assemblages at the sites also show clear similarities, among themselves and to other, non-polar rhodolith communities. These patterns are characterised by a functional association of the photoautotrophic, rhodolith forming coralline red algae with various grazing organisms. The coralline red algae themselves are heavily calcifying organisms and exhibit distinct annual banding patterns, which, to a certain extent, resemble the annual rings of trees. This banding pattern, however, can be used to calculate the rhodoliths annual carbonate production rates and the project results show that this production is more significant than previously thought and depends mostly on the prevailing light regime. In summary, the findings of this study revealed various aspects of the rhodolith communities at the Svalbard archipelago, concerning their physical and biological controls, their significance as polar biosedimentary system, and their potential susceptibility to environmental changes.
Publications
- (2012) Rhodolith beds (Corallinales, Rhodophyta) and their physical and biological environment at 80°31’N in Nordkappbukta (Nordaustlandet, Svalbard Archipelago). Phycologia 51: 371-390
Teichert S, Woelkerling W, Rüggeberg A, Wisshak M, Piepenburg D, Meyerhöfer M, Form A, Büdenbender J, Freiwald A
- (2013) Polar coralline algal CaCO3-production rates correspond to intensity and duration of the solar radiation. Biogeosciences Discussions 10: 14115– 14140
Teichert S, Freiwald A
(See online at https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-11-833-2014) - (2014) Arctic rhodolith beds and their environmental controls (Spitsbergen, Norway). Facies 60: 15-37
Teichert S, Woelkerling W, Rüggeberg A, Wisshak M, Piepenburg D, Meyerhöfer M, Form A, Freiwald A
(See online at https://doi.org/10.1007/s10347-013-0372-2)
