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Ecosystem Processes |
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 The ecosystem processes component measures nutrient release from sediments at
four stations throughout the Bay. This program also maps dissolved
oxygen, water temperature, salinity, pH, turbidity and chlorophyll from
April to October in
the Patuxent Estuary. Habitat for bay grasses is evaluated.
Bay grasses provide food and homes for many bay animals. Information
from the mapping and bay grass habitat evaluation will be used to assess
Chesapeake Bay water quality criteria for dissolved oxygen, water clarity
and chlorophyll and to identify potential bay grass restoration sites. Estuarine water quality and habitat conditions are directly affected
by inputs of nutrients from the sediments, especially in summer. The magnitude of these
inputs appear to be directly influenced by nutrient and organic matter loading to the Bay
and they represent a "memory" of the Bay that must be changed before the full
benefits of nutrient load reductions can be realized. |
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Reports and Quality Assurance Plans
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Search Maryland DNR
Restoration and
Protection | Bay Grasses |
Harmful
Algae | Bay Monitoring Return to the
Maryland
DNR Home Page. |
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