WAMSI 2 KSN 2.2.6 Terrestrial-Ocean linkages

This project represents the first attempt to characterize the interaction between largely undeveloped catchments and the coastal environment of the Kimberley and the role large coastal inlets play in transforming material transported from those catchments during large flows before it reaches the coast. This project has also attempted to provide the first assessment of how future changes in climate might impact these processes. Future climate scenarios suggest there is not a great difference in mean rainfall or flows between the three possible future climates and the Historical sequence. To investigate the physical-biogeochemical interactions in this region, a second model was established with a focus on the coastal margin and estuarine portion, and then additionally configured to simulate turbidity (including particle resuspension), and inorganic and organic carbon and nutrients. The model was validated and then used to assess how far terrestrial nutrients might extend from the river into Walcott Inlet and possibly Collier Bay. Flows greater than 300m3/s were shown to dominate nutrient loads within Walcott Inlet itself (>50% of total load) and significantly contribute to the inner reaches of Collier Bay (>15% of total load).\nLineage: Oceanographic and biogeochemical data was collected over two field campaigns to support development of the biogeochemical model. Chemical data to apportion sources of organic matter was also collected\nNo primary data collected in the hydrology component, but major data sets collated and new, simulation, data created:\n1. Daily climate data from a range of stations, and catchment average series computed\n2. Daily stream flow data, sporadic water quality data, future climate projections, stream flow and water quality.