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Development of an ecosystem model of a turbid estuary
Joint, I.R. (1983). Development of an ecosystem model of a turbid estuary. Can. J. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 40(1): 341-348
In: Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences = Journal canadien des sciences halieutiques et aquatiques. National Research Council Canada: Ottawa. ISSN 0706-652X; e-ISSN 1205-7533, more
Peer reviewed article  

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Keywords
    Aquatic communities > Plankton > Phytoplankton
    Aquatic organisms > Heterotrophic organisms > Filter feeders
    Ecosystems
    Light penetration
    Properties > Physical properties > Turbidity
    Water bodies > Coastal waters > Coastal landforms > Coastal inlets > Estuaries
    Brackish water

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  • Joint, I.R.

Abstract
    This paper describes the development of those aspects of the whole ecosystem model, GEMBASE, which are most influenced by water turbidity. Mean values of surface turbidity, determined for a coarse grid of the Bristol Channel, were found to be highly correlated with tidal range and log10 14-d mean river flow. Parameters derived from multiple regressions of these variables were used to obtain realistic simulations of surface turbidity for an 8-yr period from 1972 to 1980; simulated extinction depths derived from turbidity simulations were also realistic. Results of GEMBASE are discussed for phytoplankton and suspension feeding benthos, the two components of the ecosystem most affected by suspended solids concentrations. Simulations of phytoplankton biomass were obtained which compared well with field data. However, results for suspension feeding benthos were less good and showed slight increases in biomass from year to year which have not been found in the Bristol Channel; possible reasons for this are discussed.

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