Penetration of light into aquatic ecosystems is greatly affected by the absorption and scattering processes that take place within the water. Thus within any water body, the intensity and colour of the light field changes greatly with depth and this has a marked influence on both the total productivity of, and the kinds of plant that predominate in, the ecosystem. This study presents an integrated and coherent treatment of the key role of light in aquatic ecosystems. It ranges from the physics of light transmission within water, through the biochemistry and physiology of aquatic photosynthesis, to the ecological relationships which depend on the underwater light climate.

‘With this revised edition, Kirk has consolidated the status of his book as a standard reference for research workers as well as for university students.’

Trevor Platt Source: Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology

‘ … an admirably clear account … which is required reading for all those working on aquatic photosynthesis and productivity.’

Source: New Phytologist

Praise for the first edition:'… excellent … Definitely the mastery of the plan, the extreme clarity of the writing, the exhaustiveness of the information, together with constant attention to the reader (so many authors seem to write for themselves) make this book surprising. Another characteristic lies in its being authentically interdisciplinary: it is both physical and biological; it deals with plankton as well as benthos; microphytes as well as macrophytes; freshwaters as well as oceans.'

Source: Limnology and Oceanography

Praise for the first edition:'The book is well produced, well indexed, pleasant to handle and read.'

Source: Journal of Applied Ecology