Sediment concentrations and loads in the Loxahatchee River estuary, Florida, 1980-82
This study was conducted to estimate the magnitude of sediment loads and the general spatial and temporal patterns of sediment transport in the Loxahatchee River estuary, Florida. Mean concentrations of suspended sediment generally were higher in the Jupiter Inlet area than in the remainder of the embayment area. Concentrations of suspended sediment varied with season and weather conditions. Concentrations in selected tributaries following Tropical Storm Dennis in August 1981 immediately increased as much as 16 times over concentrations before the storm. Suspended-sediment loads from the tributaries were also highly seasonal and storm related. During a 61-day period of above-average rainfall that included Tropical Storm Dennis, 5 major tributaries discharged 926 tons (short) of suspended sediment to the estuary, accounting for 74 percent of the input for the 1981 water year and 49 percent of the input for the 20-month study period. Suspended-sediment loads at Jupiter Inlet and at the mouth of the estuary embayment on both incoming and outgoing tides far exceeded tributary loads, but the direction of long-term, net tidal transport was not determined. (USGS)
Citation Information
Publication Year | 1984 |
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Title | Sediment concentrations and loads in the Loxahatchee River estuary, Florida, 1980-82 |
DOI | 10.3133/wri844157 |
Authors | Wayne H. Sonntag, Benjamin F. McPherson |
Publication Type | Report |
Publication Subtype | USGS Numbered Series |
Series Title | Water-Resources Investigations Report |
Series Number | 84-4157 |
Index ID | wri844157 |
Record Source | USGS Publications Warehouse |