2016 Ocean Sciences Meeting

February 21-26

Recent field, laboratory, modeling, and theoretical efforts have improved understanding of the patterns of plankton diversity and the mechanisms that maintain them, as well as the broader importance of diversity in setting ecosystem properties and functions. Despite significant progress, considerable research challenges and uncertainties remain. For this session, we invite contributions addressing these and related fundamental questions: How is plankton diversity measured, manipulated, and modeled?; What are the observed and simulated patterns of plankton diversity?; What controls the diversity of plankton?; and, How does diversity affect broader ecosystem properties and functions? We welcome contributions from any methodological approach focusing on any aquatic system or taxonomic groups. We particularly encourage studies that diagnose and interpret spatial and temporal diversity gradients across a range of scales and organisms, and examine the dynamic interplay between physical and biological processes. The goals of the session are to: a) build understanding of the patterns, regulation, and importance of plankton diversity, b) highlight areas of persistent uncertainty as focal areas for future research, and c) provide an interdisciplinary forum for communicating novel methodological and conceptual developments in the study of plankton diversity.

• B - Biogeochemistry and Nutrients
• MM - Microbiology and Molecular Biology
• PO - Physical Oceanography/Ocean Circulation
• PP - Phytoplankton and Primary Production