Analysing the diel vertical migration of zooplankton at two stations in the tropical Atlantic using the ZooScan-Method.

Christiansen, Svenja (2013) Analysing the diel vertical migration of zooplankton at two stations in the tropical Atlantic using the ZooScan-Method. (Bachelor thesis), Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, Kiel, Germany, 72 pp.

[thumbnail of B.Sc. 2013 Christiansen. S.pdf] Text
B.Sc. 2013 Christiansen. S.pdf - Reprinted Version
Restricted to Registered users only

Download (3MB) | Contact

Abstract

The ZooScan-Method is a method for image-based zooplankton analysis and was first introduced at GEOMAR with this bachelor thesis. It is used for semiautomatic identification (at most to family degree) of zooplankton samples and, additionally, provides measurements that can be used for example for biomass determination. Zooplankton communities at two stations in the eastern tropical Atlantic, one north of Cape Verde (CVOO ) and one at the equator (on 23 ° W), were analysed on composition and vertical distribution. The vertical distribution was used to detect migration patterns like diel vertical migration (DVM), which is performed by several zooplankton taxa for reasons like for example the avoidance of visually hunting predators. At the two stations, different migration patterns were observed: 'normal' DVM (up at night and down during the day) at both stations (Copepoda of the family Metridinidae), 'normal' DVM at the CVOO and no migration at the equator (Calanidae), 'normal' DVM at the CVOO and a reversed DVM (up during the day and down at night) at the equator (Euchaetidae). No migration was performed by Eucalanidae and Chaetognatha. Possible reasons for different distribution patterns at the two stations can be differences in the biotic (predators, food etc.) and abiotic environment, especially because the stations are located in different hydrographic systems. The location and structure of the thermocline is probably of importance.

Document Type: Thesis (Bachelor thesis)
Thesis Advisor: Sommer, Ulrich, Kiko, Rainer and Hauss, Helena
Research affiliation: OceanRep > GEOMAR > FB3 Marine Ecology > FB3-EOE-N Experimental Ecology - Food Webs
OceanRep > GEOMAR > FB3 Marine Ecology > FB3-OEB Ökosystembiologie des Ozeans
OceanRep > GEOMAR > FB3 Marine Ecology > FB3-EOE-B Experimental Ecology - Benthic Ecology
Date Deposited: 03 Sep 2013 07:19
Last Modified: 05 Jan 2022 10:03
URI: https://oceanrep.geomar.de/id/eprint/21958

Actions (login required)

View Item View Item