Seasonal and Tidal Dynamics of Water Temperature, Salinity, Chlorophyll-a, Suspended Particulate Matter, Particulate Organic Matter, and Zooplankton Abundance in a Shallow, Mixed Estuary (Bahía Blanca, Argentina)

Abstract

ABSTRACT Menendez, M.C.; Delgado, A.L.; Berasategui, A.A.; Piccolo, M.C., and Hoffmeyer, M.S., 2016. Seasonal and tidal dynamics of water temperature, salinity, chlorophyll-a, suspended particulate matter, particulate organic matter, and zooplankton abundance in a shallow, mixed estuary (Bahia Blanca, Argentina). Estuaries are characterized by a variety of interrelated, abiotic and biotic, structural components and intensive physical, chemical, and biological processes. The aim of this study was to investigate the seasonal- and tidal-mediated variability in water temperature, salinity, suspended particulate matter (SPM), particulate organic matter (POM), chlorophyll-a (Chl-a), and zooplankton abundance in the Bahia Blanca estuary, Argentina. The underlying mechanisms responsible for the observed variability are also discussed. Sampling was carried out every two months (December 2004–April 2006) during 14-h tidal cycles in a fixed station located in the inner zone of the estuary. Vertical profiles of tempe...