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Intertidal and shoal benthic community metabolism in a temperate estuary: Studies of spatial and temporal scales of variability

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Abstract

Variability in benthic community metabolism, sediment chlorophyll and sediment organic carbon attributable to substrate type and season were examined. Substrate types included intertidalSpartina alterniflora marsh, mudflat, and sandflat and subtidal eelgrass (Zostera marina) and bare sand bottoms. Significant differences in parameter estimates were found among the different substrate types for each specific sampling data. When estimates were pooled over the entire study period, significant differences were found only for respiration rate and sediment pigment concentrations. The data indicate no obvious ranking in magnitude for any parameter that can be attributed to substrate type or season. Small-scale spatial variability and rapid temporal changes (turnover) are postulated as the principal reasons governing the overall results.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Wetlands Department College of William and Mary Virginia Institute of Marine Science, School of Marine Science, 23062, Gloucester Point, Virginia

    Wulliam M. Rizzo & Richard L. Wetzel

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  1. Wulliam M. Rizzo
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  2. Richard L. Wetzel
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Contribution number 1248 from the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, Gloucester Point, Virginia 23062.

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Rizzo, W.M., Wetzel, R.L. Intertidal and shoal benthic community metabolism in a temperate estuary: Studies of spatial and temporal scales of variability. Estuaries 8, 342–351 (1985). https://doi.org/10.2307/1351871

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.2307/1351871

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