The physiology of Phymatolithon foecundum from Cape Evans

Benthic surveys indicated that P. foecundum is abundant throughout the deep gradients (10-30m depth). A range of approaches were taken to determine the light vs photosynthesis characteristics of this growth form including both in situ and laboratory experiments.

A diving-PAM fluorometer to log photosynthetic yield of a chosen piece of coralline algae attached to a rock was installed and made measurements at 20 minute intervals over a 15 hour period. Three deployments were made at depths of 16-20m. In the laboratory, coralline covered rocks were incubated in -1 °C water and used in two experiements.