Ernest H. Williams
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- September 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780195179293
- eISBN:
- 9780199790470
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195179293.003.0013
- Subject:
- Biology, Natural History and Field Guides
The habitats of coastal margins include marshes, estuaries, mud flats, sand dunes, rocky shores, and coastal forests, all of which are influenced by salt spray and the rising and falling of tidal ...
More
The habitats of coastal margins include marshes, estuaries, mud flats, sand dunes, rocky shores, and coastal forests, all of which are influenced by salt spray and the rising and falling of tidal waters. The intertidal gradient from high and dry to continuously submerged strongly affects plants and animals because the physical conditions for life change so dramatically over such a short distance. A number of observations described in this chapter reflect the differences across the intertidal zone.Less
The habitats of coastal margins include marshes, estuaries, mud flats, sand dunes, rocky shores, and coastal forests, all of which are influenced by salt spray and the rising and falling of tidal waters. The intertidal gradient from high and dry to continuously submerged strongly affects plants and animals because the physical conditions for life change so dramatically over such a short distance. A number of observations described in this chapter reflect the differences across the intertidal zone.
Paul del Giorgio and Peter Williams (eds)
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- September 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780198527084
- eISBN:
- 9780191713347
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198527084.001.0001
- Subject:
- Biology, Aquatic Biology
Respiration represents the major area of ignorance in our understanding of the global carbon cycle. In spite of its obvious ecological and biogeochemical importance, most oceanographic and ...
More
Respiration represents the major area of ignorance in our understanding of the global carbon cycle. In spite of its obvious ecological and biogeochemical importance, most oceanographic and limnological textbooks deal with respiration only superficially and as an extension of production and other processes. The objective of this book is to fill this gap and to provide a comprehensive review of respiration in the major aquatic systems of the biosphere. The introductory chapters review the general importance of respiration in aquatic systems, and deal with respiration within four key biological components of aquatic systems: bacteria, algae, heterotrophic protists, and zooplankton. The central chapters of the book review respiration in major aquatic ecosystems: freshwater wetlands, lakes and rivers, estuaries, coastal and open oceans, and pelagic ecosystems, as well as respiration in suboxic environments. For each major ecosystem, the corresponding chapter provides a synthesis of methods used to assess respiration, outlines the existing information and data on respiration, discusses its regulation and links to biotic and abiotic factors, and provides regional and global estimates of the magnitude of respiration. This is followed by a chapter on the modelling of respiration for various components of the plankton. The final chapter provides a general synthesis of the information and data provided throughout the book, and places aquatic respiration within the context of the global carbon budget.Less
Respiration represents the major area of ignorance in our understanding of the global carbon cycle. In spite of its obvious ecological and biogeochemical importance, most oceanographic and limnological textbooks deal with respiration only superficially and as an extension of production and other processes. The objective of this book is to fill this gap and to provide a comprehensive review of respiration in the major aquatic systems of the biosphere. The introductory chapters review the general importance of respiration in aquatic systems, and deal with respiration within four key biological components of aquatic systems: bacteria, algae, heterotrophic protists, and zooplankton. The central chapters of the book review respiration in major aquatic ecosystems: freshwater wetlands, lakes and rivers, estuaries, coastal and open oceans, and pelagic ecosystems, as well as respiration in suboxic environments. For each major ecosystem, the corresponding chapter provides a synthesis of methods used to assess respiration, outlines the existing information and data on respiration, discusses its regulation and links to biotic and abiotic factors, and provides regional and global estimates of the magnitude of respiration. This is followed by a chapter on the modelling of respiration for various components of the plankton. The final chapter provides a general synthesis of the information and data provided throughout the book, and places aquatic respiration within the context of the global carbon budget.
Charles S. Hopkinson and Erik M. Smith
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- September 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780198527084
- eISBN:
- 9780191713347
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198527084.003.0008
- Subject:
- Biology, Aquatic Biology
This chapter reviews the rates of benthic, pelagic, and whole system respiration in estuaries. Estuaries are defined as semi-enclosed coastal bodies of water with some degree of mixing between fresh ...
More
This chapter reviews the rates of benthic, pelagic, and whole system respiration in estuaries. Estuaries are defined as semi-enclosed coastal bodies of water with some degree of mixing between fresh and salt water. Rates of respiration in these locations are high, reflecting high rates of organic loading from both autochthonous and allochthonous sources. Areal rates of pelagic respiration (58-114 mmol C/m2-d) are 2-4 times higher than benthic respiration rates (34 mmol C/m2-d), consistent with estimates that only about 24% of total organic inputs to estuaries are respired by the benthos. Estimates of whole system respiration derived from open-water techniques (294 mmol C/m2-d) are substantially higher than those obtained by summing component rates (92-148 mmol C/m2-d), this is most likely due to the different spatial scales sampled by the two different approaches.Less
This chapter reviews the rates of benthic, pelagic, and whole system respiration in estuaries. Estuaries are defined as semi-enclosed coastal bodies of water with some degree of mixing between fresh and salt water. Rates of respiration in these locations are high, reflecting high rates of organic loading from both autochthonous and allochthonous sources. Areal rates of pelagic respiration (58-114 mmol C/m2-d) are 2-4 times higher than benthic respiration rates (34 mmol C/m2-d), consistent with estimates that only about 24% of total organic inputs to estuaries are respired by the benthos. Estimates of whole system respiration derived from open-water techniques (294 mmol C/m2-d) are substantially higher than those obtained by summing component rates (92-148 mmol C/m2-d), this is most likely due to the different spatial scales sampled by the two different approaches.
Robert R. Christian, Daniel Baird, Joseph Luczkovich, Jeffrey C. Johnson, Ursula M. Scharler, and Robert E. Ulanowicz
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- September 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780198564836
- eISBN:
- 9780191713828
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198564836.003.0004
- Subject:
- Biology, Aquatic Biology
Estuaries are excellent ecosystems for testing the veracity of the inferences of ecological network analysis for three reasons. First, more network analyses have been conducted on estuaries than any ...
More
Estuaries are excellent ecosystems for testing the veracity of the inferences of ecological network analysis for three reasons. First, more network analyses have been conducted on estuaries than any other kind of ecosystem. Second, estuarine environments are often stressed by natural and anthropogenic forcings. These conditions allow hypotheses of response to stress to be formulated and tested. Finally, sampling of estuaries has often been extensive, such that reasonable food webs can be constructed under different conditions of stress. This chapter reviews studies that incorporate these three elements, and assesses how efficacious analysis output variables are at describing the effects of stress. Output variables index a range of trophic dynamic properties from populations to entire food webs. The assessment is structured in the context of this range.Less
Estuaries are excellent ecosystems for testing the veracity of the inferences of ecological network analysis for three reasons. First, more network analyses have been conducted on estuaries than any other kind of ecosystem. Second, estuarine environments are often stressed by natural and anthropogenic forcings. These conditions allow hypotheses of response to stress to be formulated and tested. Finally, sampling of estuaries has often been extensive, such that reasonable food webs can be constructed under different conditions of stress. This chapter reviews studies that incorporate these three elements, and assesses how efficacious analysis output variables are at describing the effects of stress. Output variables index a range of trophic dynamic properties from populations to entire food webs. The assessment is structured in the context of this range.
S. D. KRYZHITSKIY
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- January 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780197264041
- eISBN:
- 9780191734311
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- British Academy
- DOI:
- 10.5871/bacad/9780197264041.003.0002
- Subject:
- Classical Studies, Archaeology: Classical
In the 1790s, the location of Olbia was established, and since 1901 systematic excavations have been made by three successive generations of scholars. The first of these scholars was Pharmakovskiy ...
More
In the 1790s, the location of Olbia was established, and since 1901 systematic excavations have been made by three successive generations of scholars. The first of these scholars was Pharmakovskiy and his school in 1901–1926. The second scholars to make excavations in Olbia were under the leadership of Slavin, Levi and Karasev. The third generation who took over the excavations from 1972 was headed by Kryzhitskiy from 1972–1995 and Krapivina from 1995. This chapter focuses on the contributions made by the third generation of scholars that made excavations in the Olbia region. The excavations made in this period were governed by three aims: the study of the historico-archaelogical stratigraphy and topography of cultural levels in the various parts of the city including the underwater area beneath the Bug estuary; an emphasis on the least-studied phases of the city's existence, particularly the cultural levels of the archaic period and the early centuries AD; and the rescue and conservation of the coastal portion of the city. The excavations generated important results such as the discovery of the temenos wall, altars, the temple of Apollo Ietros, Hellenistic period citadels and dwellings, and defensive walls belonging to the fifth century. In addition to these excavations and discoveries, the teams headed by Kryzhitskiy and Krapivina made extensive studies on the lower Bug estuary and Olbia's chora.Less
In the 1790s, the location of Olbia was established, and since 1901 systematic excavations have been made by three successive generations of scholars. The first of these scholars was Pharmakovskiy and his school in 1901–1926. The second scholars to make excavations in Olbia were under the leadership of Slavin, Levi and Karasev. The third generation who took over the excavations from 1972 was headed by Kryzhitskiy from 1972–1995 and Krapivina from 1995. This chapter focuses on the contributions made by the third generation of scholars that made excavations in the Olbia region. The excavations made in this period were governed by three aims: the study of the historico-archaelogical stratigraphy and topography of cultural levels in the various parts of the city including the underwater area beneath the Bug estuary; an emphasis on the least-studied phases of the city's existence, particularly the cultural levels of the archaic period and the early centuries AD; and the rescue and conservation of the coastal portion of the city. The excavations generated important results such as the discovery of the temenos wall, altars, the temple of Apollo Ietros, Hellenistic period citadels and dwellings, and defensive walls belonging to the fifth century. In addition to these excavations and discoveries, the teams headed by Kryzhitskiy and Krapivina made extensive studies on the lower Bug estuary and Olbia's chora.
Gonzalo Fernández de Oviedo
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- September 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780813035406
- eISBN:
- 9780813038377
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University Press of Florida
- DOI:
- 10.5744/florida/9780813035406.003.0024
- Subject:
- History, World Early Modern History
This chapter describes the shipwreck and very perilous journey that happened to the people of Governor Hierónimo Dortal. While he was going to the banks of the great and famous Huyapari River, ...
More
This chapter describes the shipwreck and very perilous journey that happened to the people of Governor Hierónimo Dortal. While he was going to the banks of the great and famous Huyapari River, Governor Dortal sent some people and ships under Captain Alonso de Herrera to settle at a town called Aruacay. However, there they found the town abandoned, and the captain and the Spaniards crossed to the other bank of the same river to a town called Capao. From there they sent the governor some gold and Indians and great news of the riches said to be had in Meta, urging him to hurry to join with them so they could go forward with the enterprise. It took them twenty days to sail a good 250 leagues to the mouth of the estuary.Less
This chapter describes the shipwreck and very perilous journey that happened to the people of Governor Hierónimo Dortal. While he was going to the banks of the great and famous Huyapari River, Governor Dortal sent some people and ships under Captain Alonso de Herrera to settle at a town called Aruacay. However, there they found the town abandoned, and the captain and the Spaniards crossed to the other bank of the same river to a town called Capao. From there they sent the governor some gold and Indians and great news of the riches said to be had in Meta, urging him to hurry to join with them so they could go forward with the enterprise. It took them twenty days to sail a good 250 leagues to the mouth of the estuary.
R. R. Davies
- Published in print:
- 2000
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780198208785
- eISBN:
- 9780191678141
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198208785.003.0001
- Subject:
- History, British and Irish Medieval History
The history of Wales during the medieval period is the subject of this book. It behooves one, therefore, at the outset, to ask two fundamental questions: what was Wales? and how meaningful is it to ...
More
The history of Wales during the medieval period is the subject of this book. It behooves one, therefore, at the outset, to ask two fundamental questions: what was Wales? and how meaningful is it to discuss its history as that of a single country and a single people? The answer to the first of these questions is rather less straightforward than might be expected. The sea, of course, provided a natural frontier for Wales to the north, south, and west. Even on its eastern, landward side certain natural boundaries seemed to demarcate clearly the extent of the country in places: the Dee estuary in the north, the Severn valley for a few miles near Buttington, and above all in the south-east the river Wye, which King Athelstan (according to William of Malmesbury) had designated as the boundary between his kingdom and that of the Welsh in the early tenth century.Less
The history of Wales during the medieval period is the subject of this book. It behooves one, therefore, at the outset, to ask two fundamental questions: what was Wales? and how meaningful is it to discuss its history as that of a single country and a single people? The answer to the first of these questions is rather less straightforward than might be expected. The sea, of course, provided a natural frontier for Wales to the north, south, and west. Even on its eastern, landward side certain natural boundaries seemed to demarcate clearly the extent of the country in places: the Dee estuary in the north, the Severn valley for a few miles near Buttington, and above all in the south-east the river Wye, which King Athelstan (according to William of Malmesbury) had designated as the boundary between his kingdom and that of the Welsh in the early tenth century.
Arnas Palaima (ed.)
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- January 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780520274297
- eISBN:
- 9780520954014
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- University of California Press
- DOI:
- 10.1525/california/9780520274297.001.0001
- Subject:
- Biology, Ecology
The San Francisco Bay, the biggest estuary on the west coast of North America, was once surrounded by an almost unbroken chain of tidal wetlands, a fecund sieve of ecosystems connecting the land and ...
More
The San Francisco Bay, the biggest estuary on the west coast of North America, was once surrounded by an almost unbroken chain of tidal wetlands, a fecund sieve of ecosystems connecting the land and the Bay. Today, most of these wetlands have disappeared under the demands of coastal development, and those that remain cling precariously to a drastically altered coastline. This volume is a collaborative effort of nearly 40 scholars in which the wealth of scientific knowledge available on tidal wetlands of the San Francisco Estuary is summarized and integrated. This book addresses issues of taxonomy, geomorphology, toxicology, the impact of climate change, ecosystem services, public policy, and conservation, and it is an essential resource for ecologists, environmental scientists, coastal policymakers, and researchers interested in estuaries and conserving and restoring coastal wetlands around the world.Less
The San Francisco Bay, the biggest estuary on the west coast of North America, was once surrounded by an almost unbroken chain of tidal wetlands, a fecund sieve of ecosystems connecting the land and the Bay. Today, most of these wetlands have disappeared under the demands of coastal development, and those that remain cling precariously to a drastically altered coastline. This volume is a collaborative effort of nearly 40 scholars in which the wealth of scientific knowledge available on tidal wetlands of the San Francisco Estuary is summarized and integrated. This book addresses issues of taxonomy, geomorphology, toxicology, the impact of climate change, ecosystem services, public policy, and conservation, and it is an essential resource for ecologists, environmental scientists, coastal policymakers, and researchers interested in estuaries and conserving and restoring coastal wetlands around the world.
Thomas S. Bianchi
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- November 2020
- ISBN:
- 9780195160826
- eISBN:
- 9780197562048
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/oso/9780195160826.003.0008
- Subject:
- Earth Sciences and Geography, Geochemistry
Geologically speaking, estuaries are ephemeral features of the coasts. Upon formation, most begin to fill in with sediments and, in the absence of sea ...
More
Geologically speaking, estuaries are ephemeral features of the coasts. Upon formation, most begin to fill in with sediments and, in the absence of sea level changes, would have life spans of only a few thousand to tens of thousands of years (Emery and Uchupi, 1972; Schubel, 1972; Schubel and Hirschberg, 1978). Estuaries have been part of the geologic record for at least the past 200 million years (My) BP (before present; Williams, 1960; Clauzon, 1973). However, modern estuaries are recent features that only formed over the past 5000 to 6000 years during the stable interglacial period of the middle to late Holocene epoch (0–10,000 y BP), which followed an extensive rise in sea level at the end of the Pleistocene epoch (1.8 My to 10,000 y BP; Nichols and Biggs, 1985). There is general agreement that four major glaciation to interglacial periods occurred during the Pleistocene. It has been suggested that sea level was reduced from a maximum of about 80 m above sea level during the Aftoninan interglacial to 100 m below sea level during the Wisconsin, some 15,000 to 18,000 y BP (figure 2.1; Fairbridge, 1961). This lowest sea level phase is referred to as low stand and is usually determined by uncovering the oldest drowned shorelines along continental margins (Davis, 1985, 1996); conversely, the highest sea level phase is referred to as high stand. It is generally accepted that low-stand depth is between 130 and 150 m below present sea level and that sea level rose at a fairly constant rate until about 6000 to 7000 y BP (Belknap and Kraft, 1977). A sea level rise of approximately 10 mm y−1 during this period resulted in many coastal plains being inundated with water and a displacement of the shoreline. The phenomenon of rising (transgression) and falling (regression) sea level over time is referred to as eustacy (Suess, 1906). When examining a simplified sea level curve, we find that the rate of change during the Holocene is fairly representative of the Gulf of Mexico and much of the U.S. Atlantic coastline (Curray, 1965).
Less
Geologically speaking, estuaries are ephemeral features of the coasts. Upon formation, most begin to fill in with sediments and, in the absence of sea level changes, would have life spans of only a few thousand to tens of thousands of years (Emery and Uchupi, 1972; Schubel, 1972; Schubel and Hirschberg, 1978). Estuaries have been part of the geologic record for at least the past 200 million years (My) BP (before present; Williams, 1960; Clauzon, 1973). However, modern estuaries are recent features that only formed over the past 5000 to 6000 years during the stable interglacial period of the middle to late Holocene epoch (0–10,000 y BP), which followed an extensive rise in sea level at the end of the Pleistocene epoch (1.8 My to 10,000 y BP; Nichols and Biggs, 1985). There is general agreement that four major glaciation to interglacial periods occurred during the Pleistocene. It has been suggested that sea level was reduced from a maximum of about 80 m above sea level during the Aftoninan interglacial to 100 m below sea level during the Wisconsin, some 15,000 to 18,000 y BP (figure 2.1; Fairbridge, 1961). This lowest sea level phase is referred to as low stand and is usually determined by uncovering the oldest drowned shorelines along continental margins (Davis, 1985, 1996); conversely, the highest sea level phase is referred to as high stand. It is generally accepted that low-stand depth is between 130 and 150 m below present sea level and that sea level rose at a fairly constant rate until about 6000 to 7000 y BP (Belknap and Kraft, 1977). A sea level rise of approximately 10 mm y−1 during this period resulted in many coastal plains being inundated with water and a displacement of the shoreline. The phenomenon of rising (transgression) and falling (regression) sea level over time is referred to as eustacy (Suess, 1906). When examining a simplified sea level curve, we find that the rate of change during the Holocene is fairly representative of the Gulf of Mexico and much of the U.S. Atlantic coastline (Curray, 1965).
Donald S. McLusky and Michael Elliott
- Published in print:
- 2004
- Published Online:
- April 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780198525080
- eISBN:
- 9780191728198
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198525080.001.0001
- Subject:
- Biology, Ecology
For the inhabitants of many of the world's major cities and towns, estuaries provide their nearest glimpse of a natural habitat; a habitat which, despite the attempts of man to pollute or reclaim it, ...
More
For the inhabitants of many of the world's major cities and towns, estuaries provide their nearest glimpse of a natural habitat; a habitat which, despite the attempts of man to pollute or reclaim it, has remained a fascinating insight into a natural world where energy is transformed from sunlight into plant material, and then, through the steps of a food chain, is converted into a rich food supply for birds and fish. This book first outlines the estuarine environment and the physical and biological factors that are important within it. It then examines the responses of the animals and plants to these factors, considers the problems of life in estuaries and why so few species have adapted to it, and then proposes a food web for an estuary. The coastal waters of the sea, and especially the waters of estuaries, are widely polluted. Thus in practice, marine pollution is often essentially estuarine pollution. To reflect this large impact of mankind on estuaries, and to consider how mankind may either destroy or enrich the estuarine ecosystem, chapters consider pollution in estuaries, and the diverse uses and abuses of the estuarine habitat by man, as well as the methods used to study human-induced changes in estuaries, and the ways in which estuarine management can either monitor, control, or prevent pollution or destruction of the estuarine ecosystem.Less
For the inhabitants of many of the world's major cities and towns, estuaries provide their nearest glimpse of a natural habitat; a habitat which, despite the attempts of man to pollute or reclaim it, has remained a fascinating insight into a natural world where energy is transformed from sunlight into plant material, and then, through the steps of a food chain, is converted into a rich food supply for birds and fish. This book first outlines the estuarine environment and the physical and biological factors that are important within it. It then examines the responses of the animals and plants to these factors, considers the problems of life in estuaries and why so few species have adapted to it, and then proposes a food web for an estuary. The coastal waters of the sea, and especially the waters of estuaries, are widely polluted. Thus in practice, marine pollution is often essentially estuarine pollution. To reflect this large impact of mankind on estuaries, and to consider how mankind may either destroy or enrich the estuarine ecosystem, chapters consider pollution in estuaries, and the diverse uses and abuses of the estuarine habitat by man, as well as the methods used to study human-induced changes in estuaries, and the ways in which estuarine management can either monitor, control, or prevent pollution or destruction of the estuarine ecosystem.
Donald S. McLusky and Michael Elliott
- Published in print:
- 2004
- Published Online:
- April 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780198525080
- eISBN:
- 9780191728198
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198525080.003.0002
- Subject:
- Biology, Ecology
This chapter considers the general features that are common to plants and animals in estuaries. All the plants and animals in estuaries originate from either the sea or from freshwaters. They either ...
More
This chapter considers the general features that are common to plants and animals in estuaries. All the plants and animals in estuaries originate from either the sea or from freshwaters. They either enter estuaries as part of a movement or migration during their own lifetimes, or else their ancestors entered estuaries and successive generations have become settled within estuaries, so that it is now the only habitat for some species. The species living in estuaries fall into several categories: Oligohaline organisms, True estuarine organisms, euryhaline marine organisms, stenohaline marine organisms, and Migrants. Many studies of the distribution and abundance of animals and plants in estuaries have shown that the number of species within estuaries is less than the number of species within either the sea or fresh waters. In the major groups of species living within estuaries, a clear generalized pattern of declining diversity can be seen as one enters the estuary from either end.Less
This chapter considers the general features that are common to plants and animals in estuaries. All the plants and animals in estuaries originate from either the sea or from freshwaters. They either enter estuaries as part of a movement or migration during their own lifetimes, or else their ancestors entered estuaries and successive generations have become settled within estuaries, so that it is now the only habitat for some species. The species living in estuaries fall into several categories: Oligohaline organisms, True estuarine organisms, euryhaline marine organisms, stenohaline marine organisms, and Migrants. Many studies of the distribution and abundance of animals and plants in estuaries have shown that the number of species within estuaries is less than the number of species within either the sea or fresh waters. In the major groups of species living within estuaries, a clear generalized pattern of declining diversity can be seen as one enters the estuary from either end.
Donald S. McLusky and Michael Elliott
- Published in print:
- 2004
- Published Online:
- April 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780198525080
- eISBN:
- 9780191728198
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198525080.003.0008
- Subject:
- Biology, Ecology
The main objective of estuarine management is to devise a framework within which man may coexist with nature. This chapter divides estuarine management into three broad areas: policies and ...
More
The main objective of estuarine management is to devise a framework within which man may coexist with nature. This chapter divides estuarine management into three broad areas: policies and philosophies, planning and designations, and practice. Policy reflects the underlying approaches and frameworks in the way we manage estuaries, which is related to the political and administrative framework. Planning is used for the process of resource allocation, be it by ecological or economic yardsticks. Practice covers the means by which we can derive and implement decisions. All of these aspects are interrelated and each follows from each other.Less
The main objective of estuarine management is to devise a framework within which man may coexist with nature. This chapter divides estuarine management into three broad areas: policies and philosophies, planning and designations, and practice. Policy reflects the underlying approaches and frameworks in the way we manage estuaries, which is related to the political and administrative framework. Planning is used for the process of resource allocation, be it by ecological or economic yardsticks. Practice covers the means by which we can derive and implement decisions. All of these aspects are interrelated and each follows from each other.
John Waldman
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- May 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780823249855
- eISBN:
- 9780823252589
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Fordham University Press
- DOI:
- 10.5422/fordham/9780823249855.003.0002
- Subject:
- History, Environmental History
New York Harbor is a sprawling network of tidal bays, inlets, channels, and creeks set within both the broader Hudson Estuary and the urban matrix of New York City. Its geography is recent in ...
More
New York Harbor is a sprawling network of tidal bays, inlets, channels, and creeks set within both the broader Hudson Estuary and the urban matrix of New York City. Its geography is recent in geological time—the product of glaciers that receded only fifteen thousand years ago. Many natural habitats may be found in the Harbor, from freshwater and brackish wetlands, to boulder and bedrock shores, to sand beaches. Its annual temperature range is extreme, resulting in a dynamic biota that changes seasonally.Less
New York Harbor is a sprawling network of tidal bays, inlets, channels, and creeks set within both the broader Hudson Estuary and the urban matrix of New York City. Its geography is recent in geological time—the product of glaciers that receded only fifteen thousand years ago. Many natural habitats may be found in the Harbor, from freshwater and brackish wetlands, to boulder and bedrock shores, to sand beaches. Its annual temperature range is extreme, resulting in a dynamic biota that changes seasonally.
José A. Vargas and Alfonso Mata
- Published in print:
- 2004
- Published Online:
- March 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780520223097
- eISBN:
- 9780520937772
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University of California Press
- DOI:
- 10.1525/california/9780520223097.003.0010
- Subject:
- Biology, Biodiversity / Conservation Biology
This chapter focuses on the Gulf of Nicoya estuary located in the northwestern part of the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. It discusses the main physical, chemical, and biological features of the ...
More
This chapter focuses on the Gulf of Nicoya estuary located in the northwestern part of the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. It discusses the main physical, chemical, and biological features of the estuary. It also discusses some control initiatives for the rational use and the protection of resources in the Gulf of Nicoya, including the reduction of habitat destruction, and control of pollution sources, and support for environmental education and ecological research.Less
This chapter focuses on the Gulf of Nicoya estuary located in the northwestern part of the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. It discusses the main physical, chemical, and biological features of the estuary. It also discusses some control initiatives for the rational use and the protection of resources in the Gulf of Nicoya, including the reduction of habitat destruction, and control of pollution sources, and support for environmental education and ecological research.
Leslie Reeder-Myers, Torben C. Rick, and Victor D. Thompson
Leslie Reeder-Myers, John A. Turck, and Torben C. Rick (eds)
- Published in print:
- 2019
- Published Online:
- May 2020
- ISBN:
- 9780813066134
- eISBN:
- 9780813058344
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University Press of Florida
- DOI:
- 10.5744/florida/9780813066134.003.0005
- Subject:
- Archaeology, Historical Archaeology
The productive woodlands, estuaries, and coastlines of the Middle Atlantic region of North America have been home to Native Americans from the Paleoindian period to the modern day. Inhabitants of ...
More
The productive woodlands, estuaries, and coastlines of the Middle Atlantic region of North America have been home to Native Americans from the Paleoindian period to the modern day. Inhabitants of this region adapted to broad environmental changes, including the emergence of Chesapeake Bay when rising seas drowned the Susquehanna River valley around 8000 years ago. Estuarine conditions expanded throughout the Holocene, alongside the establishment of a rich and diverse forest environment. Much of the evidence for human harvesting of coastal resources has likely been obscured by sea level rise and modern development, but first appears around 5000 years BP. By the Middle Woodland (2500 to 1100 BP), people were harvesting oysters, clams, fish, and other bay resources as part of a broad foraging subsistence. When Europeans arrived, at least some of the people living around Chesapeake Bay were practicing agriculture while also harvesting oysters and other resources. Oyster harvesting was remarkably consistent and sustainable through time, with minimal impact on oyster populations or other environmental conditions. This long history of sustainable fishing practices in the face of persistent sea level rise and climate change suggests that reduced harvest pressure may be a key component to restoring modern Chesapeake ecosystems.Less
The productive woodlands, estuaries, and coastlines of the Middle Atlantic region of North America have been home to Native Americans from the Paleoindian period to the modern day. Inhabitants of this region adapted to broad environmental changes, including the emergence of Chesapeake Bay when rising seas drowned the Susquehanna River valley around 8000 years ago. Estuarine conditions expanded throughout the Holocene, alongside the establishment of a rich and diverse forest environment. Much of the evidence for human harvesting of coastal resources has likely been obscured by sea level rise and modern development, but first appears around 5000 years BP. By the Middle Woodland (2500 to 1100 BP), people were harvesting oysters, clams, fish, and other bay resources as part of a broad foraging subsistence. When Europeans arrived, at least some of the people living around Chesapeake Bay were practicing agriculture while also harvesting oysters and other resources. Oyster harvesting was remarkably consistent and sustainable through time, with minimal impact on oyster populations or other environmental conditions. This long history of sustainable fishing practices in the face of persistent sea level rise and climate change suggests that reduced harvest pressure may be a key component to restoring modern Chesapeake ecosystems.
Bruce S. Miller and Arthur W. Kendall
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- March 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780520249721
- eISBN:
- 9780520943766
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University of California Press
- DOI:
- 10.1525/california/9780520249721.003.0008
- Subject:
- Biology, Aquatic Biology
This chapter begins by discussing the variety of habitats that are occupied by fish eggs and larvae; these habitats include the open ocean, coastal ocean, and estuaries. Also, the chapter discusses ...
More
This chapter begins by discussing the variety of habitats that are occupied by fish eggs and larvae; these habitats include the open ocean, coastal ocean, and estuaries. Also, the chapter discusses the stage-specificity of the area of occurrence of each stage (adults, eggs, larvae, juveniles) in the life history of fishes, pointing out the differences of demersal, pelagic, neustonic (associated with the very surface of the water), anadromous (fish that migrate from the ocean to fresh water to spawn), catadromus (fish that migrate from fresh water to the ocean to spawn), and estuarine or coastal fishes. The effect of human activity and pollution on water quality and fish habitats is discussed as well. This chapter also discusses conservation biology, marine protected areas, and fisheries management.Less
This chapter begins by discussing the variety of habitats that are occupied by fish eggs and larvae; these habitats include the open ocean, coastal ocean, and estuaries. Also, the chapter discusses the stage-specificity of the area of occurrence of each stage (adults, eggs, larvae, juveniles) in the life history of fishes, pointing out the differences of demersal, pelagic, neustonic (associated with the very surface of the water), anadromous (fish that migrate from the ocean to fresh water to spawn), catadromus (fish that migrate from fresh water to the ocean to spawn), and estuarine or coastal fishes. The effect of human activity and pollution on water quality and fish habitats is discussed as well. This chapter also discusses conservation biology, marine protected areas, and fisheries management.
Aart Kroon
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- November 2020
- ISBN:
- 9780199277759
- eISBN:
- 9780191917639
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/oso/9780199277759.003.0016
- Subject:
- Earth Sciences and Geography, Physical Geography and Topography
The present coastline of western Europe is shaped by physical processes such as wind, waves, and tidal currents, which cause the marine and coastal ...
More
The present coastline of western Europe is shaped by physical processes such as wind, waves, and tidal currents, which cause the marine and coastal sediment transport. Spatial gradients in sediment transport rates induce the morphological adaptation, reflected by either an accumulation or erosion of material. All mutual interactions between these physical processes, and the resultant gradients in sediment transport together with the morphological adaptations, constitute the coastal morphodynamics. The specific initial stage of the morphology and the availability of sediment influence the direction of the morphological adaptation, whereas the rate of the morphological adaptation mostly depends on the energy input into the system. Chemical processes are of less importance in coastal environments of the high to mid-latitudes. Here most geochemical reactions are far too slow to influence the coastal morphology. However, biological processes sometimes play an important role. For example, flocculation of fine sediments by algae in estuaries (Ten Brinke 1993) or filtering by salt-marsh vegetation (Houwing 2000a, b) both positively influence the sediment accumulation rates. The long-term boundary conditions upon which the physical processes act are often determined by geology. The nature of the drainage basin that delivers fresh water and sediments into coastal waters and the nature of the shoreline can be considered as static boundary conditions for short-term morphodynamics. Tectonic forces and global sea-level rise are typical long-term geophysical forces. They will slowly change these boundary conditions, but they hardly influence the short-term adaptations of the morphology. The western European shelf fringes a series of integrated coastal environments that vary from coastal dunes and sandy beaches to estuaries and tidal basins and to sea cliffs and shore platforms. In this chapter a general description of the location and dimensions of the shores of western Europe is presented, followed by a brief summary of its geological history. The geology is focused on present-day deposits, the local lithology with sinks and sources of sediments, and with reference to some geophysical processes such as the relative sea-level rise. Thereafter, the actual coastal processes are discussed.
Less
The present coastline of western Europe is shaped by physical processes such as wind, waves, and tidal currents, which cause the marine and coastal sediment transport. Spatial gradients in sediment transport rates induce the morphological adaptation, reflected by either an accumulation or erosion of material. All mutual interactions between these physical processes, and the resultant gradients in sediment transport together with the morphological adaptations, constitute the coastal morphodynamics. The specific initial stage of the morphology and the availability of sediment influence the direction of the morphological adaptation, whereas the rate of the morphological adaptation mostly depends on the energy input into the system. Chemical processes are of less importance in coastal environments of the high to mid-latitudes. Here most geochemical reactions are far too slow to influence the coastal morphology. However, biological processes sometimes play an important role. For example, flocculation of fine sediments by algae in estuaries (Ten Brinke 1993) or filtering by salt-marsh vegetation (Houwing 2000a, b) both positively influence the sediment accumulation rates. The long-term boundary conditions upon which the physical processes act are often determined by geology. The nature of the drainage basin that delivers fresh water and sediments into coastal waters and the nature of the shoreline can be considered as static boundary conditions for short-term morphodynamics. Tectonic forces and global sea-level rise are typical long-term geophysical forces. They will slowly change these boundary conditions, but they hardly influence the short-term adaptations of the morphology. The western European shelf fringes a series of integrated coastal environments that vary from coastal dunes and sandy beaches to estuaries and tidal basins and to sea cliffs and shore platforms. In this chapter a general description of the location and dimensions of the shores of western Europe is presented, followed by a brief summary of its geological history. The geology is focused on present-day deposits, the local lithology with sinks and sources of sediments, and with reference to some geophysical processes such as the relative sea-level rise. Thereafter, the actual coastal processes are discussed.
James P. Barry and Stephen Widdicombe
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- November 2020
- ISBN:
- 9780199591091
- eISBN:
- 9780191918001
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/oso/9780199591091.003.0015
- Subject:
- Earth Sciences and Geography, Oceanography and Hydrology
The biodiversity of the oceans, including the striking variation in life forms from microbes to whales and ranging from surface waters to hadal trenches, forms a ...
More
The biodiversity of the oceans, including the striking variation in life forms from microbes to whales and ranging from surface waters to hadal trenches, forms a dynamic biological framework enabling the flow of energy that shapes and sustains marine ecosystems. Society relies upon the biodiversity and function of marine systems for a wide range of services as basic as producing the seafood we consume or as essential as generating much of the oxygen we breathe. Perhaps most obvious is the global seafood harvest totalling over 100 Mt yr–1 (82 and 20 Mt in 2008 for capture and aquaculture, respectively; FAO 2009) from fishing effort that expands more broadly and deeper each year as fishery stocks are depleted (Pauly et al. 2003). Less apparent ecosystem services linked closely to biodiversity and ecosystem function are waste processing and improved water quality, elemental cycling, shoreline protection, recreational opportunities, and aesthetic or educational experiences (Cooley et al. 2009). There is growing concern that ocean acidification caused by fossil fuel emissions, in concert with the effects of other human activities, will cause significant changes in the biodiversity and function of marine ecosystems, with important consequences for resources and services that are important to society. Will the effects of ocean acidification on ecosystems be similar to those arising from other environmental perturbations observed during human or earth history? Although changes in biodiversity and ecosystem function due to ocean acidification have not yet been widely observed, their onset may be difficult to detect amidst the variability associated with other human and non-human factors, and the greatest impacts are expected to occur as acidification intensifies through this century. In theory, large and rapid environmental changes are expected to decrease the stability and productivity of ecosystems due to a reduction in biodiversity caused by the loss of sensitive species that play important roles in energy flow (i.e. food web function) or other processes (e.g. ecosystem engineers; Cardinale et al. 2006). In practice, however, most research concerning the biological effects of ocean acidification has focused on aspects of the performance and survival of individual species during short-term studies, assuming that a change in individual performance will influence ecosystem function.
Less
The biodiversity of the oceans, including the striking variation in life forms from microbes to whales and ranging from surface waters to hadal trenches, forms a dynamic biological framework enabling the flow of energy that shapes and sustains marine ecosystems. Society relies upon the biodiversity and function of marine systems for a wide range of services as basic as producing the seafood we consume or as essential as generating much of the oxygen we breathe. Perhaps most obvious is the global seafood harvest totalling over 100 Mt yr–1 (82 and 20 Mt in 2008 for capture and aquaculture, respectively; FAO 2009) from fishing effort that expands more broadly and deeper each year as fishery stocks are depleted (Pauly et al. 2003). Less apparent ecosystem services linked closely to biodiversity and ecosystem function are waste processing and improved water quality, elemental cycling, shoreline protection, recreational opportunities, and aesthetic or educational experiences (Cooley et al. 2009). There is growing concern that ocean acidification caused by fossil fuel emissions, in concert with the effects of other human activities, will cause significant changes in the biodiversity and function of marine ecosystems, with important consequences for resources and services that are important to society. Will the effects of ocean acidification on ecosystems be similar to those arising from other environmental perturbations observed during human or earth history? Although changes in biodiversity and ecosystem function due to ocean acidification have not yet been widely observed, their onset may be difficult to detect amidst the variability associated with other human and non-human factors, and the greatest impacts are expected to occur as acidification intensifies through this century. In theory, large and rapid environmental changes are expected to decrease the stability and productivity of ecosystems due to a reduction in biodiversity caused by the loss of sensitive species that play important roles in energy flow (i.e. food web function) or other processes (e.g. ecosystem engineers; Cardinale et al. 2006). In practice, however, most research concerning the biological effects of ocean acidification has focused on aspects of the performance and survival of individual species during short-term studies, assuming that a change in individual performance will influence ecosystem function.
Sigmund F. Zakrzewski (ed.)
- Published in print:
- 2002
- Published Online:
- November 2020
- ISBN:
- 9780195148114
- eISBN:
- 9780197565629
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/oso/9780195148114.003.0016
- Subject:
- Chemistry, Environmental Chemistry
Water covers 70% of the earth’s surface. Only 3% of this is freshwater, which is indispensable in sustaining plant and animal life. The amount of freshwater is ...
More
Water covers 70% of the earth’s surface. Only 3% of this is freshwater, which is indispensable in sustaining plant and animal life. The amount of freshwater is maintained constant by the hydrological cycle. This cycle involves evaporation from oceans and inland waters, transpiration from plants, precipitation, infiltration into the soil, and runoff of surface water into lakes and rivers. The infiltrated water is used for plant growth and recharges groundwater reserves. Although the global supply of available freshwater is sufficient to maintain life, the worldwide distribution of freshwater is not even. In some areas the supply is limited because of climatic conditions or cannot meet the demands of high population density. In other places, although there is no shortage of freshwater, the water supply is contaminated with industrial chemicals and is thus unfit for human use. Moreover, fish and other aquatic species living in chemically contaminated water become unfit for human consumption. Thus, water pollution deprives us and other species of two essential ingredients for survival: water and food. An example of hydrologic changes caused by urbanization is given in Figure 11.1. Conditions before and after urbanization were measured in Ontario, Canada, by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (1). In the urban setting, pervious areas are replaced with impervious ones (such as streets, parking lots, and shopping centers). Groundwater replenishment is greatly reduced and runoff is considerably increased by these changes. Thus, urbanization not only contributes to water pollution; it also increases the possibility of floods. Nitrogen is an important element for sustenance of life. However, in order to be incorporated into living matter it has to be converted into an assimilative form—an oxide or ammonia. Until the beginning of the twentieth century most of the atmospheric nitrogen was converted into assimilative form by soil microorganisms and by lightning. Nitrogen compounds which were not utilized by living matter did not accumulate because the denitrifying bacteria decomposed them to elemental nitrogen which was then released back into the atmosphere. In this way the nitrogen cycle was completed.
Less
Water covers 70% of the earth’s surface. Only 3% of this is freshwater, which is indispensable in sustaining plant and animal life. The amount of freshwater is maintained constant by the hydrological cycle. This cycle involves evaporation from oceans and inland waters, transpiration from plants, precipitation, infiltration into the soil, and runoff of surface water into lakes and rivers. The infiltrated water is used for plant growth and recharges groundwater reserves. Although the global supply of available freshwater is sufficient to maintain life, the worldwide distribution of freshwater is not even. In some areas the supply is limited because of climatic conditions or cannot meet the demands of high population density. In other places, although there is no shortage of freshwater, the water supply is contaminated with industrial chemicals and is thus unfit for human use. Moreover, fish and other aquatic species living in chemically contaminated water become unfit for human consumption. Thus, water pollution deprives us and other species of two essential ingredients for survival: water and food. An example of hydrologic changes caused by urbanization is given in Figure 11.1. Conditions before and after urbanization were measured in Ontario, Canada, by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (1). In the urban setting, pervious areas are replaced with impervious ones (such as streets, parking lots, and shopping centers). Groundwater replenishment is greatly reduced and runoff is considerably increased by these changes. Thus, urbanization not only contributes to water pollution; it also increases the possibility of floods. Nitrogen is an important element for sustenance of life. However, in order to be incorporated into living matter it has to be converted into an assimilative form—an oxide or ammonia. Until the beginning of the twentieth century most of the atmospheric nitrogen was converted into assimilative form by soil microorganisms and by lightning. Nitrogen compounds which were not utilized by living matter did not accumulate because the denitrifying bacteria decomposed them to elemental nitrogen which was then released back into the atmosphere. In this way the nitrogen cycle was completed.
Rob Duck
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- September 2015
- ISBN:
- 9781845860905
- eISBN:
- 9781474406031
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Edinburgh University Press
- DOI:
- 10.3366/edinburgh/9781845860905.003.0003
- Subject:
- Society and Culture, Scottish Studies
Dundee has a truly dramatic location on the north bank of Tay Estuary, which has for many years been widely regarded as the cleanest major estuary in Europe. This chapter discusses developments in ...
More
Dundee has a truly dramatic location on the north bank of Tay Estuary, which has for many years been widely regarded as the cleanest major estuary in Europe. This chapter discusses developments in the twentieth century that helped reshape the Tay Estuary, modify its form and its flow dynamics, and impact upon its natural capacity to accommodate the tidal influx of water. The largest and most influential coastal protection scheme in the Tay was a 3-kilometre-long rock armour revetment built by the Ministry of Defence in 1992–3. to protect the east-facing side of the promontory of Buddon Ness. This massive, visually intrusive structure has served to protect the promontory from wave attack but in so doing has cut off what is a natural source of beach sand for the Tay.Less
Dundee has a truly dramatic location on the north bank of Tay Estuary, which has for many years been widely regarded as the cleanest major estuary in Europe. This chapter discusses developments in the twentieth century that helped reshape the Tay Estuary, modify its form and its flow dynamics, and impact upon its natural capacity to accommodate the tidal influx of water. The largest and most influential coastal protection scheme in the Tay was a 3-kilometre-long rock armour revetment built by the Ministry of Defence in 1992–3. to protect the east-facing side of the promontory of Buddon Ness. This massive, visually intrusive structure has served to protect the promontory from wave attack but in so doing has cut off what is a natural source of beach sand for the Tay.