Author Question: Compare and contrast two of the three phytoplankton discussed at length in this chapter (Diatoms, ... (Read 78 times)

bucstennis@aim.com · **on:** Aug 22, 2018

Compare and contrast two of the three phytoplankton discussed at length in this chapter (Diatoms, Dinoflagellates, and Coccolithophores).

Question 2

What is a storm surge and how does it differ from a breaking wind wave?

duke02 · **Reply #1 on:** Aug 22, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Diatoms are one of the most abundant and productive phytoplankton in the ocean. They have a glass-like frustule body structure which is made up of closely fit valves. They contain yellow and brown accessory pigments.
Dinoflagellates are single-celled autotrophs with normally two whip-like flagella. There are some species that live within tissues of other organisms. These phytoplankton are the main cause for red tides and harmful algae blooms. Some can transform chemical energy they use into light energy. This is called bioluminescence.
Coccolithophores are autotrophs that have calcium carbonate disks covering their body. They thrive at the surface in brightly lighted areas. These are responsible for seabed oozes which can uplift like the White Cliffs of Dover

Answer to Question 2

A storm surge is an abrupt bulge of water driven ashore by a hurricane or frontal storm. Water can reach great heights and can cause great coastal damage. The water from a storm surge does not break on shore like a shallow water wave but rushes onto land like a very sudden, very high tide. The devastating influences of a storm surge can be augmented if the surge comes ashore during high tide.