Benthic Diatoms (mg C m^-2)
Period: 01-Jan-2004 - 31 Dec-2004

Biomass distribution

Benthic diatoms grow in shallow, well-lit areas and in the turbid Wadden Sea this implies the tidal flats. The biomass distribution is positively related to the length of time that the tidal flats are exposed to light and air. The figure gives the annual average biomass-distribution of benthic diatoms in the Western Wadden Sea. Note that benthic diatoms only occur abundantly above the LLWS line (Laag Laag Water Spring) which denotes the areas that appear above water at least once-a-month.

The seasonal dynamics are shown in 'Benthic Diatom Dynamics'.