Objective Phytoplankton dynamics are highly variable in coastal ecosystems because physical, chemical and biological influences are forced in complex ways. Many important processes that influence coastal phytoplankton dynamics are episodic (e.g. hurricanes, storms and seiches). However, phytoplankton variability at short-term scales is poorly understood. Despite that alteration of the magnitude and frequency of episodic events (storms, rains, droughts) is considered one of the consequences of future global climate change, the potential effects of such changes in coastal ecosystems have not been fully studied. This is due to the difficulty of studying episodic events characterized by unpredictable timing, and the inability of traditional sampling strategies to resolve the scales involved, particularly biological data. The capacity to obtain biological measurements at sufficient temporal and spatial resolution is now possible with new emerging technologies that allow autonomous data of phytoplankton at the species and group levels. The Imaging Flow-Cytobot is a submersible particle analyzer and imager that combines aspects of microscopy and flow cytometry capable of unattended long-term deployments. It produces high-quality images that allow phytoplankton cells to be identified thereby providing taxonomically resolved estimates of phytoplankton abundance with fine temporal resolution. This project will explore phytoplankton biodiversity, variability and their relation to environmental factors at relevant ecosystem timescales. Continuous planktonic and oceanographic high-frequency time series obtained with high technology sensors will be combined with a detailed statistical analysis of the measured time series and molecular analysis of phytoplankton biodiversity. Further research as proposed here is needed for a better understanding and prediction of coastal ecosystem responses to environmental change, which is essential for the appropriate management of coastal marine resources Fields of science natural sciencesphysical sciencesopticsmicroscopyengineering and technologyelectrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineeringelectronic engineeringsensorsnatural sciencesearth and related environmental sciencesatmospheric sciencesclimatologyclimatic changesnatural sciencesbiological sciencesecologyecosystemscoastal ecosystems Programme(s) FP7-PEOPLE - Specific programme "People" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) Topic(s) FP7-PEOPLE-2011-IOF - Marie Curie Action: "International Outgoing Fellowships for Career Development" Call for proposal FP7-PEOPLE-2011-IOF See other projects for this call Funding Scheme MC-IOF - International Outgoing Fellowships (IOF) Coordinator AGENCIA ESTATAL CONSEJO SUPERIOR DE INVESTIGACIONES CIENTIFICAS EU contribution € 256 206,00 Address CALLE SERRANO 117 28006 Madrid Spain See on map Region Comunidad de Madrid Comunidad de Madrid Madrid Activity type Research Organisations Administrative Contact Alberto Sereno Alvarez (Mr.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data
