Buoyancy regulation and vertical migration of Trichodesmium: a computer-model prediction

Abstract

The buoyancy regulation and vertical migration of three Trichodesmium spp. was simulated by means of a computer model. Colonies can sink to depths of 100-200 m although, in general, buoyancy regulation will keep the colonies in the upper water layers. Nitrogen fixing colonies are more prone to photoinhibition and, as a consequence, will form surface blooms, which get trapped at the surface. This may cause the death of part of the population. -from Authors