The Seasonal Distribution of Atlantic Plankton Organisms

Per Teodor Cleve's 1900 work, The Seasonal Distribution of Atlantic Plankton Organisms, is a foundational text in oceanography. Plankton refers to drifting organisms in marine and freshwater environments, forming the base of aquatic ecosystems. This includes algae, bacteria, protozoans, crustaceans, and more, distinguished from strong swimmers (nekton) and bottom-dwellers (benthos).1

Cleve's research focused on the seasonal cycles of plankton, noting how their abundance and composition vary with latitude due to changes in light and temperature. In temperate regions, plankton peaks occur in spring and autumn, influenced by nutrient availability and daylight. The Atlantic Ocean, particularly the North Atlantic, supports significant plankton blooms in areas of upwelling, which are crucial for its rich fish populations.23