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Vocabulary Term Details

Algal blooms

Definition (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Algal_blooms)

An algal bloom is a rapid increase or accumulation in the population of algae (typically microscopic) in an aquatic system. Algal blooms may occur in freshwater as well as marine environments. Typically, only one or a small number of phytoplankton species are involved, and some blooms may be recognized by discoloration of the water resulting from the high density of pigmented cells. Although there is no officially recognized threshold level, algae can be considered to be blooming at concentrations of hundreds to thousands of cells per milliliter, depending on the severity. Algal bloom concentrations may reach millions of cells per milliliter. (Wikipedia)

Preferred Units: N/A

Scope Note:
N/A

Broader TermsNarrower TermsRelated Terms
Population dynamics
Red tide
Algae
Eutrophication
Phytoplankton

This term is used for the following terms: 
Plankton blooms
Sea blooms
Water blooms

Approved Date
26-Jul-2013

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