Vertical distribution patterns in a subarctic Pacific zooplankton community

• Main Author: Marlowe, Christopher J.
• Other Authors: Miller, Charles, School of Oceanography, Oregon State University. Graduate School
• Format: Master Thesis
• Language: English; unknown
• Published: Oregon State University
• Subjects: Zooplankton > Pacific Ocean; Subarctic
• Online Access: https://ir.library.oregonstate.edu/concern/graduate_thesis_or_dissertations/5138jh26n

A study has been made of the vertical distributions and migrations of a large number of zooplankton species at Weather Station "P" in the Subarctic Pacific. Simultaneously towed horizontal opening-closing nets were used for the study. The distributions and migrations of 104 taxa have been subjectively grouped into seven basic patterns. A few taxa could not be so grouped. Examination of hydrographic features reveals correlations between animal distributions and strong hydrographic gradients. It is concluded that: 1. In boreal oceanic waters, few animals perform diurnal migrations, 2. Depth ranges for most zooplankton are on the order of hundreds of meters, and 3. Hydrographic features may influence the vertical distributions and migrations of zooplankton.