Publications by authors named "Pamela Linford"
Article Synopsis
- Harmful algal blooms (HABs), especially those from toxin-producing microalgae like Prorocentrum micans, are a recurring issue in Patagonian fjords, and a significant HB-HAB occurred in Northwest Chilean Patagonia during February-March 2022.
- Observations showed a dramatic increase in P. micans cell density from low levels in January to a peak of over 8.3 x 10 cells/mL by mid-February, associated with warmer sea temperatures and varying salinity.
- Satellite images and oceanographic modeling revealed that water currents and temperature variations in the Gulf of Ancud supported the development and maintenance of this harmful algal bloom, indicating a hotspot for both HABs and HB-HAB
Article Synopsis
- * In March 2021, H. akashiwo caused heavy salmon mortality in Comau Fjord, with nearly 6000 tons of biomass lost in just 15 days, driven by a bloom reaching extremely high cell densities.
- * Environmental factors, including high-pressure systems, dry conditions, and local hydrodynamics in the fjord, played a crucial role in the development and intensity of this harmful algal bloom.
Article Synopsis
- - Harmful Algal Blooms (HAB), particularly those caused by the dinoflagellate Alexandrium catenella, produce saxitoxins that lead to serious human health issues like Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP).
- - Most research in the Chilean Patagonia has focused on coastal regions, overlooking the potential role of the offshore continental shelf as a source of A. catenella resting cysts that could trigger toxic blooms.
- - The study reveals that submarine canyons enhance coastal upwelling by increasing the vertical movement of bottom waters, which increases the risk of reintroducing A. catenella cysts into thriving regions for harmful blooms.
The postglacial Patagonian fjord system along the west coast of southern South America is one of the largest stretches of the southern hemisphere (SH) fjord belt, influenced by the SH westerly wind belt and continental freshwater input. This study reports a 3-year monthly time series (2017-2020) of physical and biogeochemical parameters obtained from the Reloncaví Marine Observatory (OMARE, Spanish acronym) at the northernmost embayment and fjord system of Patagonia. The main objective of this work was to understand the land-atmosphere-ocean interactions and to identify the mechanisms that modulate the density of phytoplankton.
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