Coccolithophores in the Gulf of Mexico (M67/2)

• Applicant: Karl-Heinz Baumann, Ph.D.
• Subject Area: Atmospheric Science, Oceanography and Climate Research
• Term: from 2007 to 2011
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 51462676

In the proposed study we will investigate the spatial distribution of the living coccolithophores in the southeastern Gulf of Mexico in order to clarify the relationships between the environment and the nannoflora in this region. We will examine and correlate the species occurrences at least to the means of phosphate and nitrate content as well as temperatures and salinities, in order to narrow down the preferred living conditions of “traditional” species as well as of the available morphotypes. In addition, it is intended to check whether the coccolithophore communities prospering in the waters above cool-water seeps differ from those not directly influenced by them. In general we suspect that this study will help to better determine the ecological niche of single species and coccolithophores as a group.

• DFG Programme: Priority Programmes
• Subproject of: SPP 516: Evaluation of the "Meteor" Expeditions