Importance of Storm Events in Controlling Ecosystem Structure and Function in a Florida Gulf Coast Estuary

• DOI: 10.2112/03-0072r.1
• Publication Date: 2006-07-21T22:23:49Z
• Authors: Stephen E. Davis; Jaye E. Cable; Daniel L. Childers; Carlos Coronado-M...; John W. Day; Clinton D. Hittle; Christopher J. Ma...; Enrique Reyes; David Rudnick; Fred Sklar
• Keywords: Storm Surge

From 8/95 to 2/01, we investigated the ecological effects of intra- and inter-annual variability in freshwater flow through Taylor Creek southeastern Everglades National Park. Continuous monitoring intensive sampling studies overlapped with an array pulsed weather events that impacted physical, chemical, biological attributes this region. We quantified three representing a range characteristics (duration, amount precipitation, storm intensity, wind direction) on hydraulic connectivity, nutrient sediment dynamics, vegetation structure SE estuarine ecotone. These included strong winter November 1996, Tropical Storm Harvey September 1999, Hurricane Irene October 1999. hydrologic daily water sample data were used examine these physical forcing quality Creek. A high resolution, flow-through mapping approach was characterize adjacent bay. To understand communities, measured mangrove litter production estimated seagrass cover bay at monthly intervals. also deposition associated Irene's flood surge along Buttonwood Ridge. resulted dramatic changes surface movement chemistry regions Florida Bay as well increased litterfall scouring beds. Up 5 cm bay-derived mud deposited ridge creek single event. short-term can account for substantial proportion annual flux materials between zone Bay. Our findings shed light capacity events, especially when succession, have far reaching long lasting coastal ecosystems such ecotone Everglades.