On the Biology of Eelgrass in Alaska.

Abstract

A collection of essays is presented on the biology of eelgrass (Zostera marina L.) in Alaska. The distribution of the plant in Alaska is disjunct and extends from Kotzebue Sound to the southern border of the state. The present circumboreal distribution is thought to be the result of dispersal from a west Pacific origin around the Pacific rim and through the Arctic into the Atlantic. Ten widely scattered eelgrass populations in Alaska have been sampled for quantitative comparison. The highest standing stocks were found in Kinzarof and lzembek lagoons on the Alaska Peninsula. The caloric content, chlorophyll a concentration, turion density, and leaf size varied greatly among the populations. The eelgrass in Safety Lagoon survives the arctic winter under one meter of se ic in conditions of extremely low light intensity and anoxic water. (Author)

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 1972
Accession Number
AD0745776

Entities

People

  • C. Peter Mcroy

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Chlorophylls
  • Cooperation
  • Intensity
  • Oceanography

Readers

  • Aquatic Ecology
  • Polar and Arctic Studies