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Summary of oceanographic and water-quality measurements near the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, Maryland, 2011

September 27, 2012
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Suspended-sediment transport is a critical element governing the geomorphology of tidal marshes. Marshes rely on both organic material and inorganic sediment deposition to maintain their elevation relative to sea level. In wetlands near the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, Maryland, portions of the salt marsh have been subsiding relative to sea level since the early 20th century. Other portions of the marsh have been successful at maintaining elevation. The U.S. Geological Survey performed observational deployments to measure suspended-sediment concentration in the tidal channels in order to understand the magnitude of suspended-sediment concentrations, the sediment-transport mechanisms, and differences between two marsh areas, one that subsided and one that maintained elevation. We deployed optical turbidity sensors and acoustic velocity meters at multiple sites over two periods in 2011. This report presents the time-series of oceanographic data collected during those field studies, including velocity, depth, turbidity, salinity, water temperature, and pH.

Citation Information

Publication Year 2012
Title Summary of oceanographic and water-quality measurements near the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, Maryland, 2011
DOI 10.3133/ofr20121099
Authors Neil K. Ganju, Patrick J. Dickhudt, Ellyn T. Montgomery, Patrick Brennand, R. Kyle Derby, Thomas W. Brooks, Glenn R. Guntenspergen, Marinna A. Martini, Jonathan Borden, Sandra M. Baldwin
Publication Type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Series Title Open-File Report
Series Number 2012-1099
Index ID ofr20121099
Record Source USGS Publications Warehouse
USGS Organization Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center

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Neil Kamal Ganju, PhD

Research Oceanographer
Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center
Phone
508-457-2252

Thomas W Brooks

Physical Scientist
Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center
Phone
508-457-2359

Glenn Guntenspergen, Ph.D.

Research Ecologist
Eastern Ecological Science Center
Phone
218-788-2707

Marinna Martini (Former Employee)

Electronics Engineer
Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center

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