Water and temperature dynamics in the anchialine cave Jama pod Orljakom in the function of the recent introduction of invasive species Ficopomatus enigmaticus (Annelida, Polychaeta)
Autori: Sunčana Geček, Tin Klanjšček, Marijana Cukrov, Tarzan Legović, Neven Cukrov
Autori i afilijacije
The invasive species Ficopomatus enigmaticus (Annelida, Polychaeta) colonized the anchialine cave Jama pod Orljakom (Krka River estuary, Croatia) seven years ago. This study examines the thermal regime of the cave and its water connection to the estuary. The results show that the cave is well connected to the Krka River estuary, but despite the good connectivity, limited water exchange can occur – especially in the surface layer. Since levels of dissolved oxygen and rates of food supply are heavily influenced by the water exchange rates, a weak exchange can determine limiting conditions on the growth and population density of F. enigmaticus in the cave.
Sažetak
The invasive species Ficopomatus enigmaticus (Annelida, Polychaeta) colonized the anchialine cave Jama pod Orljakom (Krka River estuary, Croatia) seven years ago. This study examines the thermal regime of the cave and its water connection to the estuary. The results show that the cave is well connected to the Krka River estuary, but despite the good connectivity, limited water exchange can occur – especially in the surface layer. Since levels of dissolved oxygen and rates of food supply are heavily influenced by the water exchange rates, a weak exchange can determine limiting conditions on the growth and population density of F. enigmaticus in the cave.
Ključne riječi
anchialine cave; Ficopomatus enigmaticus; water temperature; water level; water exchange; tidal analysis