Spatial and Temporal Characterization of Sediment Oxygen Consumption (SOC) Rates in Chesapeake Bay,
Abstract
Since its inception in 1984 the Maryland Chesapeake Bay Water Quality monitoring Program has sought to provide a synoptic characterization of the causes and consequences of water quality problems in Chesapeake Bay. Components of this on-going program have compiled records of nutrient loadings, water quality parameters, plankton activities, and ecosystem processes (including primary productivity, organic matter deposition, and sediment oxygen and nutrient fluxes). These data support water quality modeling efforts aimed at improving our understanding of the process of estuarine eutrophication as well as guiding management actions taken to improve water quality. The purpose of this presentation is to (1) describe techniques developed by the Ecosystem Processes Component (EPC) of the Chesapeake Program for monitoring organic matter deposition and benthic fluxes; (2) describe spatial, annual, and interannual patterns of sediment oxygen consumption (SOC) and nutrient flux rates in Chesapeake Bay; and (3) show evidence in support for a hypothesis that links annual rates of SOC to nutrient loading of the main-stem bay rates via the processes of organic matter production and deposition.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1992
- Accession Number
- ADP007786
Entities
People
- Jonathan H. Garber
Organizations
- Environmental Protection Agency