Characterizing freshwater and nutrient fluxes to West Falmouth Harbor, Massachusetts

These data present oceanographic and water-quality observations made at 4
locations in West Falmouth Harbor and 3 in Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts. While both
Buzzards Bay and West Falmouth Harbor are estuarine embayments, the input of
freshwater on the eastern margin of Buzzards Bay is largely due to groundwater. In
West Falmouth Harbor, the groundwater that seeps into the harbor is characterized by
relatively high levels of nitrate, originating from the Falmouth Wastewater
Treatment Plant. This high nitrate load has modified the ecology of the harbor, and
may be a significant source of nitrate to Buzzards Bay during seasons with low
biological nitrate uptake. The USGS undertook these measurements to improve
understanding of circulation, residence time, and water quality in the harbor and
bay. For more information on the field operations associated with data collection:
http://woodshole.er.usgs.gov/operations/ia/public_ds_info.php?fa=2009-060-FA
http://woodshole.er.usgs.gov/operations/ia/public_ds_info.php?fa=2009-063-FA
http://woodshole.er.usgs.gov/operations/ia/public_ds_info.php?fa=2009-065-FA
http://woodshole.er.usgs.gov/operations/ia/public_ds_info.php?fa=2009-076-FA
http://woodshole.er.usgs.gov/operations/ia/public_ds_info.php?fa=2009-077-FA
http://woodshole.er.usgs.gov/operations/ia/public_ds_info.php?fa=2009-080-FA
http://woodshole.er.usgs.gov/operations/ia/public_ds_info.php?fa=2010-030-FA
http://woodshole.er.usgs.gov/operations/ia/public_ds_info.php?fa=2010-031-FA
http://woodshole.er.usgs.gov/operations/ia/public_ds_info.php?fa=2010-032-FA
http://woodshole.er.usgs.gov/operations/ia/public_ds_info.php?fa=2010-037-FA
http://woodshole.er.usgs.gov/operations/ia/public_ds_info.php?fa=2010-058-FA
http://woodshole.er.usgs.gov/operations/ia/public_ds_info.php?fa=2010-085-FA