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

Open-File Report 2012-1099
By: , and 

Links

Abstract

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.

Study Area

Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Summary of oceanographic and water-quality measurements near the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, Maryland, 2011
Series title Open-File Report
Series number 2012-1099
DOI 10.3133/ofr20121099
Year Published 2012
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center
Description HTML Document
Country United States
State Maryl
Other Geospatial Blackwater River;Transquaking River
Online Only (Y/N) Y
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details