Studies on Bottom-living Algae in some Lakes of the English Lake District

Abstract

The distribution of algae on sediments of Windermere and Blelham Tarn at depths from 1 m down to 12 m has been recorded over a period of 1 year. The seasonal growth cycle at each depth is discussed in relation to the more detailed sampling at shallow stations on these and other lakes and to the environmental factors. Growth of algae is considerably reduced at 6 m and below 8 m is practically nil. There was not a steady decrease in growth from 1-6 m. Growth was probably at its optimum at 3 m and at 2 and 4 m the population was reduced, possibly related to a physical removal of cells. The gross algal productivities of both Bacillariophyceae and Cyanophyceae in the littoral zone followed the seasonal variation in light and temperature.