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https://hdl.handle.net/11681/24399| Title: | Ecological effects of rubble weir jetty construction at Murrells Inlet, South Carolina. Volume II, Changes in macrobenthic communities of sandy beach and nearshore environments |
| Authors: | Knott, David M. Van Dolah, Robert F. Calder, Dale R. |
| Keywords: | Hydraulic structures--Environmental aspects Jetties Weirs Coastal ecology Murrells Inlet (S.C.) |
| Publisher: | Environmental Laboratory (U.S.) Coastal Engineering Research Center (U.S.) U.S. Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station. |
| Series/Report no.: | Technical Report;EL-84-4, Volume II |
| Abstract: | Beach and nearshore areas were sampled at Murrells Inlet, South Carolina, to evaluate the effects of jetty construction on the benthic macroinvertebrate communities in those habitats. Quantitative samples were collected seasonally during jetty construction (1977-78) and again 5 years later along transects located adjacent to and distant from the jetties. Polychaetes, amphipods, and pelecypods were the dominant organisms in both the intertidal and sub tidal zones during jetty construction. Although differences were noted in the community structure between these zones, several of the dominant species were abundant in both habitats. Five years later, some of these species were not commonly observed, and oligochaetes and nematodes were abundant in the area. Many of these differences were attributed to normal seasonal and yearly variations. Changes resulting from jetty construction included increased species diversity in a wave-sheltered area, as well as changes in abundance and species composition near the jetties. Many of the observed changes were short term or limited to the area between the jetties where sediment characteristics were altered. Beach and nearshore areas south of the jetties were also changed by extensive shoaling, which presumably altered community structure in that vicinity. Similar modifications in the beach profile were not observed north of the jetties. |
| URI: | http://hdl.handle.net/11681/24399 |
| Appears in Collections: | Technical Report |
Files in This Item:
| File | Description | Size | Format | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TR EL-84-4 Volume II.pdf | 8.06 MB | Adobe PDF |  View/Open |