Contrast and comparison of aerial algal communities from two distinct regions in the U.S.A., the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (TN) and the Lake Superior region.

A comparative analysis of aerial algal communities in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP) and the Lake Superior region (LSR) reveals no significant regional distinction, despite their geographic separation. Both regions exhibit dominance by cyanobacteria, accounting for over 50% of relative abundance in each. While unique taxa exist in low abundances, many prevalent species overlap between the two areas. Non-metric multidimensional scaling ordination highlights that moisture availability within GSMNP influences community structure, with drier habitats favoring cyanobacteria and wetter ones supporting higher abundances of chlorophytes and diatoms. The study employs a comprehensive approach, measuring physical and chemical factors such as aspect, moisture levels, light, and pH to assess ecological patterns.

Ress, J. A., & Lowe, R. L. (2013). Contrast and comparison of aerial algal communities from two distinct regions in the U.S.A., the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (TN) and the Lake Superior region. Fottea, 13(2), 165–172. https://doi.org/10.5507/fot.2013.014