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Next: Radiation Amplification Factor Up: Relationship between Exposure Previous: Reciprocity.

Shape of the function.

The shape of the inhibition vs. exposure relationship is also important [Vincent Roy 1993]. Data from the field on UV-induced photoinhibition have been described with linear [Ray Smith Baker Holm-Hansen Olson 1980, Behrenfeld Hardy Gucinski Hanneman Lee Wones 1993], and sigmoid [Helbling Villafane Ferrario Holm-Hansen 1992, Ray Smith Prezelin macintyre 1992] relationships. These shapes influence the amplification factors (see below). The scatter in field measurements, usually dependent upon broad-band exclusion/inclusion techniques, and uncertainties about reciprocity make it difficult to identify the best form. However, laboratory results [Cullen Lesser 1991, Cullen Neale Lesser 1992, Lesser Cullen Neale science 1992] can be characterized with inhibition described as a hyperbolic function of biologically effective irradiance. The same model works for natural phytoplankton from the Antarctic [Neale Lesser Cullen Weiler 1994],


U.S. National Report to IUGG, 1991-1994
Rev. Geophys. Vol. 33 Suppl., © 1995 American Geophysical Union