Annual growth bands in the bivalve Hiatella arctica validated by a mark-recapture study in NE Greenland

• Main Authors: Sejr, M.K., Thomas Jensen, K., Rysgaard, Sø., Jensen, K.T.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: 2002
• Subjects: Greenland; Polar Biology
• Online Access: https://pure.au.dk/portal/da/publications/annual-growth-bands-in-the-bivalve-hiatella-arctica-validated-by-a-markrecapture-study-in-ne-greenland(d27cdd39-1191-4c55-86e6-5114d866ca49).html; http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=0036927067&partnerID=8YFLogxK

The periodicity of growth lines in the shell of the bivalve Hiatella arctica was studied in Young Sound, Northeast Greenland. Small cuts were made in the shells of 48 individuals in August 1998, which were then allowed to grow in situ for 2 years before being recovered in August 2000. Forty-three of the marked individuals were recovered. The shell section deposited during this period was clearly visible. Cross-sectional cuts through the newly deposited shell were successfully produced for two individuals. They showed an alternating pattern of three light and two dark bands. We interpret these bands as three summer bands and two winter bands. Hence, growth bands visible in the shell of H. arctica provide a reliable age estimate.