chlorophyll method

views updated Jun 11 2018

chlorophyll method A method that is used for estimating the primary productivity of ecosystems. Experimental evidence shows that, with appropriate calibration, the chlorophyll content of the community occupying a given area can form an index of the area's productivity. The method was pioneered for marine ecosystems, but has now been extended to other aquatic and to terrestrial communities.

chlorophyll method

views updated May 21 2018

chlorophyll method A method used for estimating the primary productivity of ecosystems. Experimental evidence shows that, with appropriate calibration, the chlorophyll content of the community occupying a given area can form an index of the area's productivity. The method was pioneered for marine ecosystems, but has now been extended to other aquatic and to terrestrial communities.