Benthic and Sedimentologic Studies on the Charleston Harbor Ocean Disposal Area, Charleston Harbor Deepening Project.
Abstract
Investigations were conducted in and adjacent to the Ocean Disposal Area during the summer and autumn of 1978 to assess the benthic communities and sediment characteristics of the area in relation to disposal of dredged materials over the site. Waters of high salinity and moderate dissolved oxygen content cover the study area. During August field sampling, salinities varied from 31.32-35.88 ppt, while oxygen concentrations ranged from 4.0-6.9 mg/1. Turbidities decreased progressively with increasing distance from shore, so that water clarity was markedly greater offshore. Shifting sands provide an unsuitable substrate for most sessile species, and the study area was sparsely populated with epifaunal invertebrates except in areas where accumulations of large shells were present. The number of species in dredge collections varied widely from one station to another. These differences were related to the presence of absence of suitable substrate rather than any effects from disposal of dredged materials in the area. The amount of material collected by the dredge was small at each of the 40 stations sampled. Although sponges, octocorals, hydroids, bryozoans, and ascidians were occasionally taken in the dredge, no live bottom area were found anywhere in the study area. No noteworthy difference in epifaunal composition were detected between the Ocean Disposal Area and adjacent sites outside that could be directly attributed to disposal practices.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1979
- Accession Number
- ADA152031