Coccolithophores in the Gulf of Mexico (M67/2)

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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.