| Here in Maine there is
a distinct seasonality of intertidal community composition and
biomass.
The cold winter air, shorter days, and length of the winter season,
all contribute to dramatic seasonal changes. Low light conditions
in winter reduce algal growth, which is dependent on sunlight,
nutrient availability, time of submergence, air temperature,
and wave action. Stress from temperature changes causes high
interannual variability in biomass. The effects of these seasonal
changes range from annual senescence (see-ness-ens) or die-back
of seaweeds to high mortality of animals during extended periods
of cold weather. Severe cold weather and scouring of ice can
kill a large percentage of the exposed mussels, barnacles, and
other intertidal invertebrates, however this does create exposed
surfaces for new colonization in the spring. |
