Observations of the Particle Size Distribution and Concentration in a Coastal System using an In Situ Laser Analyzer

Abstract

An in situ laser particle size analyzer (LISST-100, Sequoia Scientific, Inc.) has been used to study the particle size distribution and concentration of biological and non biological particles in the water column of a Mediterranean coastal system. Two field campaigns have been carried out during low and high energy conditions of the flow, caused by the passage of a storm front. For the low energy period, the water column remained stratified, whereas for the high energetic period the water column was warmer and well mixed. The first study dealt with the distribution of particles near the bottom of the coastal area. Here, two regions were taken into account. The first region was a sea-grass meadow of Posidonia oceanica and the second region was a barren sand area. The second study dealt with the determination of the vertical distribution of suspended particles in the whole water column of the system. The results showed a decrease in the vertical concentration of suspended particles in the water column with the passage of the storm front, which was associated with advection of warm water mass rather than by vertical mixing. In contrast, vertical resuspension determined the fate of suspended particles at the bottom of the water column and an increase of their concentration was found.