Document Type
Report
Department/Program
Virginia Institute of Marine Science
Publication Date
1981
Series
Special scientific report No. 108
Abstract
Certain invertebrates are more efficient than others in filtering solids from suspension. An equal degree of variability exists among benthic invertebrates in their ability to mix biodeposits into subsurface sediments. As a result of these differences, the degree to which suspended particulate matter and associated contaminants may be deposited or mixed into sediments may in part depend on the species present, which in turn may be dependent on sediment type. A number of investigators have examined the relation between benthic animal communities and their limiting physical factors (Smith, 1932; Mare, 1942; Dexter, 1947; Holm, 1949; Stic~1ey and Stringer, 1957; Sanders, 1956, 1958, 1960; and Jones, 1961). Except for studies on the effects of thermal effluents (Warinner and Brehmer, 1966) and the relation of the distribution of several species to sediment water (Harrison and Wass, 1965), little is known of such assemblages in the Chesapeake Bay.
In this report we will examine the faunal composition at four depths in the York River, Virginia, in terms of the number of species, number of individuals and biomass, and the influence of sediment parameters on these benthic communities.
Description
From "Concentration of suspended radioactive wastes into bottom deposits period," final report to the United States Atomic Energy Commission for the period 1 January 1961 to 31 December 1967, AT-(40-1)-2789.
DOI
http://dx.doi.org/doi:10.21220/m2-mrkr-mq76
Keywords
Benthos -- Virginia -- York River; Estuarine sediments -- Virginia -- York River; Coastal sediments; Estuarine oceanography
Recommended Citation
Haven, D. S., Kraeuter, J. N., Krauter, R. C., & Morales-Alamo, R. (1981) An Animal-sediment study in the lower York River : February 1965 to February 1966. Special scientific report No. 108. Virginia Institute of Marine Science, William & Mary. http://dx.doi.org/doi:10.21220/m2-mrkr-mq76
