Examining a Sediment Resuspension Event in South Bay, a Virginia Coastal Lagoon with Large Seagrass Meadows

Description/Abstract/Artist Statement

Seagrasses rely on photosynthesis to produce energy and have relatively high light requirements for survival. Algal and non-algal particles, along with colored dissolved organic material, control the absorption and scattering, and therefore availability, of light within the water column. Increases in these materials can impact the growth and survival of seagrass. Sediment (non-algal particles) is a strong absorber of light and resuspension of sediment from the seabed into the water column can drastically reduce the intensity of light reaching the seagrass. Wind speed and direction can play an important role in the resuspension of sediment into the water column. In this study, I examined the absorption and scattering of light in the water column before and during a wind driven resuspension event. Light intensity, absorption, and scattering as well as chlorophyll and dissolved organic material concentrations were measured using several instruments deployed in a seagrass meadow in South Bay, Virginia for 5 days in August 2023. The observations showed a notable increase in suspended particles during the last couple days of deployment, coincident with increases in wind speed and a wind direction predominantly from the northeast. This study can provide information on how wind events can impact light penetration to the seabed and effect seagrass growth.

Presenting Author Name/s

Josephine Morales

Faculty Advisor/Mentor

Victoria Hill

Faculty Advisor/Mentor Department

Ocean and Earth Sciences

College Affiliation

College of Sciences

Presentation Type

Poster

Disciplines

Earth Sciences | Environmental Sciences | Oceanography

Session Title

Poster Session

Location

Learning Commons Lobby @ Perry Library

Start Date

3-30-2024 8:30 AM

End Date

3-30-2024 10:00 AM

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Mar 30th, 8:30 AM Mar 30th, 10:00 AM

Examining a Sediment Resuspension Event in South Bay, a Virginia Coastal Lagoon with Large Seagrass Meadows

Learning Commons Lobby @ Perry Library

Seagrasses rely on photosynthesis to produce energy and have relatively high light requirements for survival. Algal and non-algal particles, along with colored dissolved organic material, control the absorption and scattering, and therefore availability, of light within the water column. Increases in these materials can impact the growth and survival of seagrass. Sediment (non-algal particles) is a strong absorber of light and resuspension of sediment from the seabed into the water column can drastically reduce the intensity of light reaching the seagrass. Wind speed and direction can play an important role in the resuspension of sediment into the water column. In this study, I examined the absorption and scattering of light in the water column before and during a wind driven resuspension event. Light intensity, absorption, and scattering as well as chlorophyll and dissolved organic material concentrations were measured using several instruments deployed in a seagrass meadow in South Bay, Virginia for 5 days in August 2023. The observations showed a notable increase in suspended particles during the last couple days of deployment, coincident with increases in wind speed and a wind direction predominantly from the northeast. This study can provide information on how wind events can impact light penetration to the seabed and effect seagrass growth.