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	How fast does the Diatom grow??
	Here is an experiment 5 days into testing “regrowth”. I have cut a Fucus seaweed in half on the 12^th – (see below) the seaweed acts as a “whisk” and keeps the rock clear of diatoms (there is an encrusting red algae that is unaffected) -- at left the diatom has not re-grown inside the curved yellow line

REGROWTH

Below is after 3 weeks – the diatom has completely re-covered the ‘new’ area	A close look (after 11 days) distinguished the new from older diatom -- ‘discernible’ below at small yellow arrow-- the longer arrow = Fucus

BELOW__enlarged of the original Fucus seaweed before cut in half

Cut in Half below

	CUT in Half on 12th

Simple Experiment	Diatom grew back ‘all at once’
	The diatom did not come back from the margin inwards – nor did it appear in some areas before others – it seems to spread everywhere equally – thus probably initiated by ‘spores’ broadcast over intertidal LG

Created by LG Thursday, March 13, 2003