Non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) of phytoplankton in the Mid-Atlantic coastal ocean

Seagoing project aboard the R/V Hugh R. Sharp over the course of 12 months
2008-2009

Authors

Affiliation

M.J. Oliver

University of Delaware

M.D. Grossi

University of Delaware

E.F. Geiger

University of Delaware

A Conductivity-Temperature-Depth (CTD) rosette sampler deployed off the R/V Hugh R. Sharp. Photo by M.D. Grossi.

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Part of a broader funded project entitled “Mapping photosynthetic quantum yield in the coastal ocean,” this work investigated a physiological phenomonon in marine phytoplankton called non-photochemical quenching (NPQ), a means by which phytoplankton protect themselves from too much sunlight. Think natural sunscreen.

The project involved twelve week-long cruises (one per month) along the mid-Atlantic bight from Delaware Bay north along the New Jersey coast. Carried out on the Universitiy of Delaware’s UNOLS research vessel R/V Hugh R. Sharp, we sampled continuously for phytoplankton maximum quantum yield using a Fluorescence Induction and Relaxation (FIRe) system, ocean particle size distribution and counts using a Coulter Counter, surface nutrients using a Submersible Ultraviolet Nitrate Analyzer (SUNA), solar irradiance, sea surface temperature, and surface salinity.

Poster

1. Treible, L.M., E.F. Geiger, Grossi, M.D., M.J. Oliver (2010) The Impact of Wind on Non-Photochemical Quenching in the Mid-Atlantic Coastal Ocean, 2010 Ocean Sciences Meeting, February 22-26, 2010, Portland, OR.