MATERIAL EXCHANGE BETWEEN A MAJOR MANGROVE TIDAL CREEK AND NORTHEASTERN FLORIDA BAY
Sutula Martha A.1, Perez Brian C.1, Reyes Enrique 1, Coronada-Molina Carlos 1,
Day John W., Jr.1, and Childers Dan L.2
1 Department of Oceanography and Coastal Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana
2Southeast Environmental Research Program, Florida International University, Miami, Florida
ABSTRACT
The exchange of nutrients, organic matter, and suspended sediment between Taylor River and northeastern Florida Bay was measured to determine the potential impacts of increased freshwater flow to Florida Bay. Measurements were taken 8 times per day for a 10-day period during the months of January, May, August and November 1996. Water exchange was influenced to a greater extent by freshwater flow and climatological events such as cold fronts and tropical systems than by tidal forcing. Exports of TOC to the Bay occurred during August, January and November while TSS and POM import peaked in May. Organic forms of nitrogen and phosphorus dominated nutrient flux during the four sampling periods. Mean values of TN and TOC and N&N peaked in August, and were correlated with freshwater flow. TP, TSS, and NH4 mean concentrations peaked during May and were associated with wind-driven resuspension of sediments in Florida Bay.
