| Abstract: | In the tidal Potomac River, high river discharges during the spring are associated with high chlorophyll a concentrations in the following in the following summer, assuming that summertime light and temperature conditions are favorable. Spring floods deliver large loads of particulate N and P to the tidal river. This particulate N and P could be mineralized by bacteria to inorganic N and P and released to the water column where it is available for phytoplankton use during summertime. However, during the study period relatively low concentrations of chlorophyll a (less than 50 ??g l-1 occurred in the tidal river if average monthly discharge during July or August exceeded 200 m3s-1. Discharge and other conditions combined to produce conditions favorable for nuisance levels of chlorophyll a (greater than 100 ??g l-1 approximately one year out of four. Chlorophyll a maxima occurred in the Potomac River transition zone and estuary during late winter (dinoflagellates) and spring (diatoms). Typical seasonal peak concentrations were achieved at discharges as high as 970 m3 s-1, but sustained discharges greater than 1,100 m3 s-1 retarded development. Optimum growth conditions occurred following runoff events of 10 to 15 d duration which produced transit times to the transition zone of 7 to 10 d. Wet years with numerous moderate-sized runoff events, such as 1980, tend to produce greater biomass in the transition zone and estuary than do dry years such as 1981. ?? 1986 Estuarine Research Federation. |
| Genre: | Article |
| ProdID: | 70014586 |
| Citation Author: | Bennett, J. P.; Woodward, J. W.; Shultz, D. J. |
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| Citation End Page: | 260 |
| Citation Issue: | 4 |
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| Citation Language: | English |
| Citation Larger Work Title: | Estuaries |
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| Citation Number Of Pages: | 11 |
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| Citation Search Results Text: | Effect of discharge on the chlorophyll a distribution in the tidally-influenced Potomac River; 1986; Article; Journal; Estuaries; Bennett, J. P.; Woodward, J. W.; Shultz, D. J. |
| Citation Start Page: | 250 |
| Citation Volume: | 9 |
| Citation Year: | 1986 |
| Type: | citation/reference |
| Text: | Effect of discharge on the chlorophyll a distribution in the tidally-influenced Potomac River; 1986; Article; Journal; Estuaries; Bennett, J. P.; Woodward, J. W.; Shultz, D. J. |
| URL (THUMBNAIL): | http://pubs.er.usgs.gov/thumbnails/outside_thumb.jpg |
| URL (DIGITAL OBJECT IDENTIFIER): | http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF02689258 |
| Date Other: | Wed, 1 Jan 1986 00:00 -0600 |
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