Underwater light

zone suitable for green algae and diatoms [m depth],   zone suitable for cyanobacteria [m depth]

The chart visualizes a vertical profile of the Keszthely Basin. The average depth in the Basin is only 2.3 meters, but underwater light availability is usually restricted due to the frequent resuspension of sediment particles. Based on the global radiation and the turbidity measurements, we calculate the PAR in the water column. Considering typical light saturation constants for the eukaryotic algae and cyanobacteria living in this turbid environment (50µE m-2 s-1 for cyanobacteria, 200 µE m-2 s-1 for green algae and diatoms), we can estimate the depths where these groups meet saturating light intensities. These depths are calculated every hour and are added to the profile.