Document Type
Thesis
Abstract
Unlike the classical model for partially mixed, microtidal estuaries, the York River subestuary of the Chesapeake Bay exhibits high energy due to strong tidal currents, which cause disturbance of the fine, grained sediment bed and thus allows movement of active mud deposits. A series of six cruises were taken on the York River to collect cores for research on the spatial and temporal distribution of the active mud layer. Methods including Eh, percent moisture, grain size and percent organics were used to analyze cores. While no specific spatial scale for the movement of the active mud layer could be determined, areas of possible erosion and deposition were found. In addition, data indicated that a seasonal scale of movement within the active mud layer is likely. More systematic cruises, data collection, as well as coupling with collected hydrodynamic data are needed to fully understand the movement of the York River’s active mud layer.
Date Awarded
2001
Department
Geology
Recommended Citation
Snyder, Carrie L., "Adventures in Mud: Spatial and Temporal Distribution of the Active Mud Layer of the York River Estuary" (2001). Geology Senior Theses. William & Mary. Paper 87.
https://scholarworks.wm.edu/geologyseniors/87
