Pelagic-benthic coupling in organic matter utilization: the contribution of bacterial communities and benthic suspension feeders to carbon cycling in the Puyuhuapi Fjord ecosystem (Chilean Patagonia) ...

• Main Author: MONTERO REYES, PAULINA ANDREA
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: Universit� degli studi di Genova 2020
• Subjects: Antarctic; Patagonia; Antarc*
• Online Access: https://dx.doi.org/10.15167/montero-reyes-paulina-andrea_phd2020-05-20; https://iris.unige.it//handle/11567/1011190

1. Main oceanographic characteristics of Patagonian fjords The Chilean Patagonia (41�-56�S) encompasses one of the most extensive fjord regions in the world (240000 km2) with oceanographic conditions that can sustain unique ecosystems. The region is made up mainly of fjords and channels, characterized by intertangled geomorphologies where water inputs from terrestrial and marine ecosystems overlap and mix (Gonz�lez et al., 2013). Patagonian fjords are characterized by highly complex geomorphology and hydrographic conditions, besides strong seasonal and latitudinal patterns in precipitation, freshwater discharge, glacier coverage, and light regime (Aracena et al., 2011). These systems receive Sub-Antarctic Water (SAAW) with high loads of nitrate and phosphate from the ocean, and freshwater with high loads of silicic acid from land (Silva, 2008). The surface freshwater layer that is formed by river discharges, high precipitation and glacier melting, gradually mixes with the deeper and salty SAAW layer through ...