A contribution to the ecology and biological productivity of the diatom mass-vegetation on the stony shores of Lake Balaton

Felföldy, Lajos (1958) A contribution to the ecology and biological productivity of the diatom mass-vegetation on the stony shores of Lake Balaton. A Magyar Tudományos Akadémia Tihanyi Biológiai Kutatóintézetének évkönyve, 25. pp. 331-342. ISSN 0365-3005

Preview

Text 359_cut_MTA_TihanyiBiologiaiKutIntEvkonyve_25.pdf Download (9MB) | Preview

Abstract

On the stony shores of Lake Balaton in direct contact with the water surface a diatom mass vegetation thrives in late autumn and early spring. In April 1957 this diatom belt was especially developed and consisted almost exclusively of Diatoma elongatum var. tenuis. From above this vivid yellow Diatoma girdle was bordered by the tufted Gomphonemd girdle. This brown mass of Gomphonema was found on many places only azonally, wedged into the Diatoma girdle. Beneath the Diatoma girdle was situated a broad, soiled "sandy girdle". These two girdles were connected by the narrow "transitory girdle". Spreading in depth, chemical composition, photosynthetic activity and oxygen consumption of these three zones of different appearance were studied. On the basis of these examinations the following inferences were drawn : 1. The early spring and late autumn development of diatom belt is due not so much to low temperature than to moderate light and to water movement caused by storms more frequent in these months. 2. The Diatoma elongatum var. tenuis belt is narrow and it develops close to the water surface. It was suggested that the cleaning effect of water movement is the most important factor in development and existence of this girdle. 3. Although there is 500 kg dry matter heaped up on the stones of I km shore, only a small part of it is of organic origin (6 kg organic carbon and about 88 kg loss of ignition). 4. Under favourable conditions the Diatoma girdle is capable of reproducing itself daily by its photosynthetic activity.

Actions (login required)

Edit Item