Salinity of Interstitial Water in a Sandy Beach
Johnson RG. 1967. Salinity of Interstitial Water in a Sandy Beach. Limnology and Oceanography. 12(1):1-7
The salinity in the upper 20 cm of intertidal sands was observed at two stations in Tomales Bay, California. In summer, there were no striking variations associated with elevation, except for the effect of evaporation. In winter, the influx of freshwater provides sufficient contrast between interstitial and open water to reveal features of circulation. High on the beach, the interstitial salinity at the 10- and 20-cm depth remains low through the tidal cycle. The salinity at the 10 cm remains higher than at 20 cm. At an elevation of 1.0 m, the salinities at 10 and 20 cm converge. Below this elevation, interstitial salinity varies less than in the adjacent open waters of the bay. The environment of the infauna of the low intertidal zone is more stable than that of epifaunal or pelagic organisms in shallow water. The variations high in the intertidal zone must constitute a major obstacle to the spread of marine organisms into this area.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Johnson, R
- Units
- PORE