Summary of Oceanographic and Water-Quality Measurements near the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, 2011

Suspended-sediment transport is a critical element governing
the geomorphology of tidal marshes. Marshes rely both on
organic material and inorganic sediment deposition to
maintain their elevation relative to sea-level. In wetlands
near the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, MD, portions
of the salt marsh have been subsiding relative to sea level
since the early 20th century. Other portions of the marsh
have been successful at maintaining elevation. The USGS
undertook measurements of suspended-sediment concentration
in the tidal channels in order to understand the magnitude
of suspended-sediment concentrations, the sediment-transport
mechanisms, and relative differences between the two areas
of the marsh. We deployed optical turbidity sensors and
acoustic velocity meters at multiple sites over two periods
in 2011. The time-series of oceanographic data collected
during those field studies, including velocity, depth,
turbidity, salinity, water temperature, and pH are presented
here. For more information on the field operations associated
with data collection:
<http://woodshole.er.usgs.gov/operations/ia/public_ds_info.php?fa=2011-017-FA>
<http://woodshole.er.usgs.gov/operations/ia/public_ds_info.php?fa=2011-029-FA>
<http://woodshole.er.usgs.gov/operations/ia/public_ds_info.php?fa=2011-044-FA>
<http://woodshole.er.usgs.gov/operations/ia/public_ds_info.php?fa=2011-050-FA>