How much energy do they get from the sun?
Giant kelp
Giant kelp, or Macrocystis pyrifera, obtains energy from the sun through the process of photosynthesis. As a primary producer, it uses sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen. On average, giant kelp requires around 200 to 600 µmol photons per square meter per second (µmol/m²/s) for optimal photosynthesis.
However, to quantify the exact amount of energy giant kelp receives from the sun is difficult. It depends on various factors like geographic location, season, depth, and water clarity, all of which affect the amount of sunlight reaching the kelp. Additionally, the size and density of the kelp bed can also influence the total energy acquired.
A rough estimation of the energy received can be made by calculating the total amount of solar radiation reaching the aquatic environment. On average, the amount of solar energy that falls on the Earth's surface is approximately 1360 watts per square meter (W/m²). However, only a fraction of this energy is transmitted through the water column and reaches the kelp bed.
Considering these factors, it is challenging to provide an exact value for the energy obtained by giant kelp from the sun.