Structurally, phytoplankton are much different than land plants but perform the same key function: converting carbon dioxide and nutrients into oxygen and plant biomass. The availability of key "ingredients" -- nutrients, light, carbon -- is directly tied to environmental conditions.
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These activities will guide
you through working with on-line oceanographic data:
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Chief Scientist Mike Sieracki explains changes in phytoplankton ecology over time. Investigate how our Gulf of Maine data compare to the "textbook view" of seasonal marine conditions. |
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Exercises help you discover how phytoplankton growth and diversity depend on the marine physical environment. You can also see how a storm affected oceanographic structure during October '99. |
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The Gulf of Maine has a variety of marine environments. Examine regional data sets -- satellite maps & in-water profiles -- to better understand this complex environment. |
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What is the spring bloom? Did we see it during our spring cruise? Research Gulf of Maine's springtime conditions using our on-line data sets. |
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Curricular materials for a classroom unit on ecology. Access teacher-developed materials for content standards "Matter Energy and Organization in Living Systems" and "Science as Inquiry." |
