The Environmental Evaluation Work Group FY 1979 Studies of the Winter Navigation Demonstration Program.
Abstract
Shipping through ice creates pressure waves. Pressure waves can displace benthos. The object of this study was to determine if through 'hinge' cracks in the ice the quantitative and qualitative loss was significant to the total estimated benthic population at three St. Marys River sites sampled between January 26 and March 27, 1979. Benthic displacement was associated with vessel length, speed, channel distance, bottom contours of the river, ice thickness and benthic density. The study found that approximately 0.1% of the benthic population below the ice was displaced and concluded that at Coast Guard regulated vessel speed limits, little damage would occur to existing benthic populations as a result of displacement through surface ice 'hinge' cracks. Keywords: Diptera; Environmental impact. (kt)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 31, 1979
- Accession Number
- ADA195719
Entities
People
- David J. Behmer
- Gale R. Gleason
- Kurtis L. Vincent