A model is described for nutrient uptake by the giant kelp Macrocystis integrifolia Bory that incorporates blade boundary-layer dynamics. The model input is derived from field measurements of water motion near wave-exposed and wave-sheltered M. integrifolia beds. Factors considered in the model include (i) the distinction between uni-directional and oscillatory flow in wave-exposed and -sheltered locations, (ii) the reduction in boundary-layer thickness due to wave-driven flow and (iii) the tight packing of M. integrifolia beds at low tide which can reduce the in-canopy flow rates. The velocities are incorporated into the model which indicates that uptake rates can vary between 5 to 300% of the steady-state equilibrium value depending on the flow regime.

Item Type:	Refereed Article
Keywords:	kelp, boundary layers, hydrodynamics, biomechanics, waves, currents, water motion, seaweed
Research Division:	Biological Sciences
Research Group:	Ecology
Research Field:	Marine and Estuarine Ecology (incl. Marine Ichthyology)
Objective Division:	Expanding Knowledge
Objective Group:	Expanding Knowledge
Objective Field:	Expanding Knowledge in the Biological Sciences
UTAS Author:	Hurd, CL (Professor Catriona Hurd)
ID Code:	93133
Year Published:	2003
Web of Science® Times Cited:	22
Deposited By:	IMAS Research and Education Centre
Deposited On:	2014-07-14
Last Modified:	2014-08-04
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