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System-wide Monitoring Program
Water Depth Water levels in the estuary vary primarily with the tide, but also with weather conditions and with the amount of upland streamflow and runoff entering the rivers. Physical, chemical and biological conditions within the estuary vary with water level. Changes in water volume in the channels and bays of the estuary change the concentration of dissolved and suspended materials in the water. During periods of high runoff due to storms, the amount of suspended sediment in the water tends to increase because of erosion in the watershed. Depending on the pollutant source, bacterial levels may also increase as runoff increases. Conversely, turbidity levels may increase during periods of low water volume because of the action of wind and waves on muddy bottom sediments at low tide. |
Revised March 12, 2004 by NERRS Webmaster
Ocean and Coastal Resource Management | Ocean Service | NOAA | Department of Commerce
Privacy Policy | Disclaimer http://nerrs.noaa.gov/Monitoring/WaterDepth.html
Ocean and Coastal Resource Management | Ocean Service | NOAA | Department of Commerce
Privacy Policy | Disclaimer http://nerrs.noaa.gov/Monitoring/WaterDepth.html