The response of kelp forest organisms to spatial and temporal variation in wave energy in the California Channel Islands

BOEM
By: , and 

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Abstract

This report describes the spatial and temporal variation in wave height for the study system in the broader context of the Southern California Bight. A new, low-cost pressure sensor was engineered for measuring wave height and period. These sensors were placed for several months at 32 sites around the Channel Islands where long-term kelp forest monitoring occurs. Matching sensor data with CDIP wave hindcasts made it possible to correct the CDIP model hindcast to make it applicable to nearshore sites in this region. With these corrections, annual wave energy was estimated for 88 sites where long term biotic monitoring had been conducted in the study region. These data were analyzed to assess the extent that wave energy affects species abundances and, in particular, how a reduction in wave height would affect various species.

Study Area

Publication type Report
Publication Subtype Other Government Series
Title The response of kelp forest organisms to spatial and temporal variation in wave energy in the California Channel Islands
Year Published 2019
Language English
Publisher BOEM
Contributing office(s) Western Ecological Research Center
Description iii, 38 p.
Country United States
State California
Other Geospatial Channel Islands
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