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Particles in the Coastal Ocean: Theory and Applications

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Particles are ubiquitous in the coastal ocean, ranging in size from nanometers to centimeters. They play a crucial role in coastal biogeochemical cycles and ecosystem dynamics. Particles can be classified into two main types:

Inorganic particles, such as sand, silt, and clay, are derived from the erosion of landmasses and coastal cliffs.
Organic particles, such as plankton, bacteria, and detritus, are derived from the production and decomposition of living organisms.

The concentration and composition of particles in the coastal ocean vary widely depending on a number of factors, including:

Hydrodynamic conditions, such as waves, currents, and tides, influence the resuspension and transport of particles.
Biological activity, such as the production and grazing of plankton, can alter the size and composition of particles.
Geochemical processes, such as the precipitation and dissolution of minerals, can affect the fate of particles.

The major sources of particles in the coastal ocean are:

Particles in the Coastal Ocean: Theory and Applications

by Daniel R. Lynch

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Land-based sources, such as rivers, glaciers, and coastal erosion, contribute inorganic particles to the coastal ocean.
Marine sources, such as the production of plankton and the resuspension of sediments, contribute organic and inorganic particles to the coastal ocean.
Atmospheric sources, such as dust and aerosols, can contribute both organic and inorganic particles to the coastal ocean.

The transport and fate of particles in the coastal ocean are influenced by a number of factors, including:

Particle size and density, which determine the settling velocity of particles.
Hydrodynamic conditions, which can resuspend and transport particles.
Biological activity, which can alter the size and composition of particles.
Geochemical processes, which can affect the fate of particles.

The fate of particles in the coastal ocean can be summarized as follows:

Settling, which is the downward movement of particles under the force of gravity.
Resuspension, which is the upward movement of particles by hydrodynamic forces.
Aggregation, which is the formation of larger particles from smaller particles.
Disaggregation, which is the breakup of larger particles into smaller particles.
Deposition, which is the accumulation of particles on the seabed.

Particles play a crucial role in coastal biogeochemical cycles by:

Providing a substrate for microbial growth, which can lead to the cycling of nutrients and the production of organic matter.
Sorbing and transporting pollutants, which can have a negative impact on coastal ecosystems.
Sequestering carbon, which can help to mitigate climate change.

Particles play a crucial role in coastal ecosystem dynamics by:

Providing a food source for filter feeders, such as clams and mussels.
Creating habitat for benthic organisms, such as worms and crabs.
Influencing the distribution and abundance of predators, such as fish and seabirds.

Particle research in the coastal ocean has a wide range of applications, including:

Coastal management, such as the development of strategies to reduce erosion and sedimentation.
Environmental monitoring, such as the detection of pollution and the assessment of ecosystem health.
Climate change research, such as the study of carbon sequestration and the prediction of sea level rise.

Particles are ubiquitous in the coastal ocean and play a crucial role in coastal biogeochemical cycles and ecosystem dynamics. Particle research in the coastal ocean has a wide range of applications, including coastal management, environmental monitoring, and climate change research.

Particles in the Coastal Ocean: Theory and Applications

by Daniel R. Lynch

4.5 out of 5