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Trend surface analysis and seasonal distribution patterns of primary nutrients and chlorophyll in unstratified Gulf Coast estuaries
Author(s) -
Cechova Irina,
Davis Ernst M.
Publication year - 1973
Publication title -
water resources research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.863
H-Index - 217
eISSN - 1944-7973
pISSN - 0043-1397
DOI - 10.1029/wr009i006p01543
Subject(s) - estuary , environmental science , nutrient , surface runoff , bay , tributary , chlorophyll a , hydrology (agriculture) , oceanography , ecology , geography , geology , biology , botany , cartography , geotechnical engineering
The technique of data display, the synographic mapping system (Symap), was applied in ecological studies of unstratified Gulf Coast estuaries. Thirty‐four computer maps of spatial distribution of primary nutrients and chlorophyll concentrations in San Antonio and Matagorda (Texas) estuaries were prepared from survey data covering the period 1970‐1971. The maps provided a convenient means for detecting the sources of estuarine enrichment by primary nutrients and of seasonal changes in dispersion patterns. Weighted average concentrations of each compound in the entire estuarine water mass were determined from such displays and used in comparison of concentrations for different months of the survey period. The data presented on Symap displays were used in the determination of mixing and exchange efficiency in the estuaries. The results indicated that incoming nutrients often have very short residence times. Behavior of the nutrients followed patterns similar to those discussed by Pritchard (1954). It was demonstrated, however, that the efficiency of exchange and residence time of each compound vary significantly within a year, conditioned by variable compound loading, quantity of tributary runoff, range of tidal activity, and variable biological food demand. An attempt was made to relate the chlorophyll a concentrations obtained as weighted averages from Symap displays to concentrations of phosphorus, nitrogen, and carbon, to the amount of tributary runoff, and to yearly seasons by means of coaxial graphical correlation.