Dissolved Oxygen (DO) Fluctuations within the Carmel River Lagoon: Variations Due to Seasonal Breaching/Closure
Abstract
The Carmel River Lagoon (CRL) is a bar-built estuary located at the mouth of the Carmel River on Californias Central Coast. Its ecological importance lies in the fact that it serves as a nursery ground for the federally protected steelhead trout. The CRL is a unique environment in that the state beach will transform (via episodic breaching), transitioning between a closed and open state, discharging to Carmel Bay. These episodic breaching and closure events change the hydrodynamic flow through the system. These flow alterations can impact the water quality and, specifically, the dissolved oxygen (DO) level within the lagoon. Via field collection of DO levels, this study looks at the relationship between DO variations and seasonal breaching events from February 2020 to August 2020. Measurements from CRL found that the average oxygen concentration remained suitable for biological resources. DO variations did occur on smaller time scales, resulting in brief periods where the DO level reached stressful conditions. Results suggested that the DO level was correlated with the seasonal breaching/closure events. The open or breached season rapidly flushed the lagoon, maintaining higher and steady levels, while the closed season (including temporarily closed) showed higher fluctuations, driving brief hypoxic/anoxic events.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 2020
- Accession Number
- AD1126392
Entities
People
- Jason M. Dawson
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School