Our science
Physical Biology of Kelp forests
Nereocystis luetkeana, the bull kelp, a species our group is studying. Photo: Kristen Elsmore.
Physical-biological interactions in kelp forest ecosystems
Canopy-forming kelps create crucial biogenic habitat along rocky coasts in temperate seas. However, the relationship of these species to their physical surroundings is only partly understood. We examine how kelp forests alter flows that enter and pass around their boundaries, and we study how currents and waves influence the transport of algal spores. Together with colleagues, we are also working to understand recent declines in kelp forest cover and evaluate approaches for aiding recovery.
Selected publications (go here for pdfs)
Arroyo-Esquivel, J., R. Adams, S. Gravem, R. Whippo, Z. Randell, J. Hodin, A. Galloway, B. Gaylord, and M.L. Baskett. 2024. Multiple resiliency metrics reveal complementary drivers of ecosystem persistence: an application to kelp forest systems. Ecology 105: e4453.
Burnett, N., A.M. Ricart, T. Winquist, A.M. Saley, M.S. Edwards, B. Hughes, J. Hodin, M.L. Baskett, and B. Gaylord. 2024. Bimodal spore release heights in the water column enhance local retention and population connectivity of bull kelp, Nereocystis luetkeana. Ecology and Evolution 14: e70177, doi: 10.1002/ece3.70177.
Elsmore, K., K.J. Nickols, L.P. Miller, T. Ford, M.W. Denny, and B. Gaylord. 2024. Wave damping by giant kelp, Macrocystis pyrifera. Annals of Botany 133: 29-39.
Elsmore, K., K.J. Nickols, T. Ford, K.C. Cavanaugh, K.C. Cavanaugh, and B. Gaylord. 2022. Macrocystis pyrifera forest development shapes the physical environment through current velocity reduction. Marine Ecology Progress Series 694: 45-59.
Gaylord, B., K.J. Nickols, and L. Jurgens. 2012. Roles of transport and mixing processes in kelp forest ecology. Journal of Experimental Biology 215: 997-1007.
Stewart, H.L , J.P. Fram, D.C. Reed, S.L. Williams, M.A. Brzezinski, S. MacIntyre, and B. Gaylord. 2009. Differences in growth, morphology and tissue C and N of Macrocystis pyrifera within and at the outer edge of a giant kelp forest in California, USA. Marine Ecology Progress Series 375: 101-112.
Gaylord, B., M.W. Denny, and M.A.R. Koehl. 2008. Flow forces on seaweeds: Field evidence for roles of wave impingement and organism inertia. Biological Bulletin 215: 295-308.
Fram, J.P., H.L. Stewart, M.A. Brzezinski, B. Gaylord, D.C. Reed, S.L. Williams, and S. MacIntyre. 2008. Physical pathways and utilization of nitrate supply to the giant kelp, Macrocystis pyrifera. Limnology and Oceanography 53: 1589-1603.
Gaylord, B., J. Rosman, D.C. Reed, J.R. Koseff, J. Fram, S. MacIntyre, K. Arkema, C. McDonald, M.A. Brzezinski, J.L. Largier, S.G. Monismith, P.T. Raimondi, and B. Mardian. 2007. Spatial patterns of flow and their modification within and around a giant kelp forest. Limnology and Oceanography 52: 1838-1852.
Gaylord, B., D.C. Reed, P.T. Raimondi, and L. Washburn. 2006. Macroalgal spore dispersal in coastal environments: Mechanistic insights revealed by theory and experiment. Ecological Monographs 76: 481-502.
Gaylord, B., D.C. Reed, L. Washburn, and P.T. Raimondi. 2004. Physical-biological coupling in spore dispersal of kelp forest macroalgae. Journal of Marine Systems 49: 19-39.
Raimondi, P.T., D.C. Reed, B. Gaylord, and L. Washburn. 2004. Effects of self-fertilization in the giant kelp, Macrocystis pyrifera. Ecology 85: 3267-3276.
Gaylord, B., M.W. Denny, and M.A.R. Koehl. 2003. Modulation of wave forces on kelp canopies by alongshore currents. Limnology and Oceanography 48: 860-871.
Gaylord, B., D.C. Reed, P.T. Raimondi, L. Washburn, and S.R. McLean. 2002. A physically based model of macroalgal spore dispersal in the wave and current-dominated nearshore. Ecology 83: 1239-1251.