The goal of the research is to examine the linkages between the water column and the sediments to understand how interannual fluctuations in the magnitude and pattern of pelagic production result in variability in production of benthic (bottom-dwelling) organisms. The principal investigators hypothesize that the timing of the spring phytoplankton bloom helps determine the amount of organic matter reaching the bottom, as follows: (1) during early blooms, colder water temperatures slow bloom consumption by grazers in the water column; (2) early blooms limit the growth of grazers, which may themselves control the magnitude and duration of the bloom; and (3) organic matter from early blooms that reaches the bottom will degrade less rapidly because of colder temperatures. Before considering, in depth, field studies of their hypothesis, the prinicipal investigators will develop a mathematical simulation model of the spring bloom based on data obtained from the literature and their best estimate of unknown parameters. This simulation model will serve to clarify the mode of action of the spring bloom and indicate whether an exceptionally early or late bloom could have a significant effect on benthic production.
