Temporal patterns of benthic microalgal migration on a semi-protected beach

Logistic regression analysis revealed no relationship between patterns of temporal shifts in BMA and temperature or salinity. The relationship with wind direction was significant, with chl a removal associated with an onshore (i.e., east or northeast) wind. There was no correlation between wind speed and vertical distribution pattern. Wind-induced wave energy, dominated by fetch rather than wind speed, appeared to be a major factor in the resuspension process at our study site. Integrated (top 5 mm) chl a concentration also seemed to be related to vertical dynamics of BMA, with the no-shift pattern associated with highest surface chl a levels.