Final report, data synthesis and analysis, nitrogen processes study (NIPS) : nutrient distributions and dynamics in Lavaca, San Antonio and Nueces/Corpus Christi Bays in relation to freshwater inflow
Date
1989
Authors
Whitledge, Terry E., 1943-
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
Department
Description
For Bays and Estuaries Program, Environmental Systems Section, Texas Water Development Board
December 1989
Part I: The Nitrogen Processes Study (NIPS) was undertaken under contract from the Texas Water Development Board in order to better understand the relationship of freshwater inflow into South Texas estuaries and the biological productivity that occurs in them. It is important to study the characteristics of the inflow especially the nitrogen components because nitrogen is generally regarded as the "essential" nutrient whose abundance controls the amount of biological production of an ecosystem (Ryther and Dunston, 1972; Thayer, 1974; Boynton et al., 1982).
Part II: This volume contains all hydrographic, nutrient and chlorophyll data collected at discrete sampling depths during 1986-1987 in San Antonio Bay and 1987-1988 in Nueces/Corpus Christi Bay. Water samples were normally collected just under the surface by hand and approximately 4 inches above the bottom by a horizontal water sampling bottle. Since the Seabird CTD instrument records a continuous profile, not all of the data are reported here. The surface and bottom values were extracted from the data and merged with the water sample data. The complete profiles of CTD data are contained in the reports of A. Amos. Additional details of sampling and analysis methods are given in Volume I of this report.
Part III: This volume contains time series data plots obtained on experimental stations during intensive process oriented samplings. Suitable shipboard space was not available during the initial phase of NIPS-I in San Antonio Bay so the temporal resolution was relatively poor. Later samplings at station locations A and C improved to hourly samples for as long as 24 hours, however sites B and D were still sampled by small boat so darkness an d inclement weather prevented some collections. Better ship availability reduced these problems during NIPS-II in Nueces/Corpus Christi Bays. Additional details of sampling and analysis methods are given in Volume 1 of this report and tabular listings are contained in Part III.
December 1989
Part I: The Nitrogen Processes Study (NIPS) was undertaken under contract from the Texas Water Development Board in order to better understand the relationship of freshwater inflow into South Texas estuaries and the biological productivity that occurs in them. It is important to study the characteristics of the inflow especially the nitrogen components because nitrogen is generally regarded as the "essential" nutrient whose abundance controls the amount of biological production of an ecosystem (Ryther and Dunston, 1972; Thayer, 1974; Boynton et al., 1982).
Part II: This volume contains all hydrographic, nutrient and chlorophyll data collected at discrete sampling depths during 1986-1987 in San Antonio Bay and 1987-1988 in Nueces/Corpus Christi Bay. Water samples were normally collected just under the surface by hand and approximately 4 inches above the bottom by a horizontal water sampling bottle. Since the Seabird CTD instrument records a continuous profile, not all of the data are reported here. The surface and bottom values were extracted from the data and merged with the water sample data. The complete profiles of CTD data are contained in the reports of A. Amos. Additional details of sampling and analysis methods are given in Volume I of this report.
Part III: This volume contains time series data plots obtained on experimental stations during intensive process oriented samplings. Suitable shipboard space was not available during the initial phase of NIPS-I in San Antonio Bay so the temporal resolution was relatively poor. Later samplings at station locations A and C improved to hourly samples for as long as 24 hours, however sites B and D were still sampled by small boat so darkness an d inclement weather prevented some collections. Better ship availability reduced these problems during NIPS-II in Nueces/Corpus Christi Bays. Additional details of sampling and analysis methods are given in Volume 1 of this report and tabular listings are contained in Part III.