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The influence of biological, sedimentological and physical factors on sediment stability in intertidal waters

The influence of biological, sedimentological and physical factors on sediment stability in intertidal waters
The influence of biological, sedimentological and physical factors on sediment stability in intertidal waters

In situ studies on sediment stability and macrobenthic organisms are described; these were undertaken over a 28 month period at Solent Breezes Southampton Water. The study consisted of the monthly collection of field data, including the shear strength of the surficial sediment and the tube density of Lanice conchilega. Sediment cores were collected also for the analysis of macrobenthic organisms and other parameters. The data obtained are analysed statistically, to establish correlation between the parameters under investigation.

Solent Breezes is a relatively stable environment, with no distinct accretional or erosional patterns. The majority of the velocity profiles measured in the overlying waters, during a spring tidal cycle, are logarithmic in character. Critical friction velocities range from 0.25 cm s-1 to 5.71 cm s-1; these correspond to critical bed shear stresses of 0.01 N m-2 and 3.36 N m-2. Roughness lengths range from 0.02 cm to 14.30 cm.

Biological investigations have revealed the presence of 29 species of benthic macrofauna. The total number of species and individuals varies seasonally. Lanice tube densities range from 3.13 per 100 cm2 (July 1993) to 8.80 per 100 cm2 (November 1991). Tube density is affected by failure of larval recruitment, mortality, species interactions and predation. Principal components analysis reveals that the factors responsible for the existing pattern are: (i) bioavailability of organic matter (protein, bacterial protein, organic matter and grain size characteristics); (ii) sediment strength; and (iii) physical controls (temperature, salinity and moisture content).

University of Southampton
Muskananfola, Max Rudolf
07b1782e-f669-474f-98de-ac0ac613f296
Muskananfola, Max Rudolf
07b1782e-f669-474f-98de-ac0ac613f296

Muskananfola, Max Rudolf (1994) The influence of biological, sedimentological and physical factors on sediment stability in intertidal waters. University of Southampton, Doctoral Thesis.

Record type: Thesis (Doctoral)

Abstract

In situ studies on sediment stability and macrobenthic organisms are described; these were undertaken over a 28 month period at Solent Breezes Southampton Water. The study consisted of the monthly collection of field data, including the shear strength of the surficial sediment and the tube density of Lanice conchilega. Sediment cores were collected also for the analysis of macrobenthic organisms and other parameters. The data obtained are analysed statistically, to establish correlation between the parameters under investigation.

Solent Breezes is a relatively stable environment, with no distinct accretional or erosional patterns. The majority of the velocity profiles measured in the overlying waters, during a spring tidal cycle, are logarithmic in character. Critical friction velocities range from 0.25 cm s-1 to 5.71 cm s-1; these correspond to critical bed shear stresses of 0.01 N m-2 and 3.36 N m-2. Roughness lengths range from 0.02 cm to 14.30 cm.

Biological investigations have revealed the presence of 29 species of benthic macrofauna. The total number of species and individuals varies seasonally. Lanice tube densities range from 3.13 per 100 cm2 (July 1993) to 8.80 per 100 cm2 (November 1991). Tube density is affected by failure of larval recruitment, mortality, species interactions and predation. Principal components analysis reveals that the factors responsible for the existing pattern are: (i) bioavailability of organic matter (protein, bacterial protein, organic matter and grain size characteristics); (ii) sediment strength; and (iii) physical controls (temperature, salinity and moisture content).

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Published date: 1994

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Local EPrints ID: 458534
URI: http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/id/eprint/458534
PURE UUID: becc59e2-3836-4f98-93aa-8e0817b5c0ce

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Date deposited: 04 Jul 2022 16:51
Last modified: 16 Mar 2024 18:23

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Author: Max Rudolf Muskananfola

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