Cyanophyte Maximum Layer (Biotic Group)

Component: Biotic

Unique Identifier: 482

Biotic Setting	Planktonic Biota
Biotic Class	Phytoplankton
Biotic Subclass	Cyanophyte Phytoplankton
Biotic Group	Cyanophyte Maximum Layer
Biotic Community	Trichodesmium Maximum layer

Description

Definition

Relatively thin layer dominated by cyanophytes at depth in the water column. Cyanophytes can be found in a maximum layer where nutrients are sufficient (often at the base of the nutricline). They are often associated with an oxygen maximum layer due to their high rates of photosynthetic production.