Biogeochemical Controls on Phosphorus in Urban-Influenced Coastal Ecosystems

This project examines how biogeochemical processes

biogeochemical processes

The complex interactions and transformations of chemical elements and compounds that occur throughout Earth's ecosystems, such as nutrient and element cycling between living organisms, the atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, and pedosphere (soil).

Source: Source

that support ecosystem

ecosystem

A natural community of plants, animals, and other living organisms and the physical environment in which they live and interact.

Source: A student's guide to Global Climate Change Source

function vary across inundation

inundation

Inundation is the flooding of land that is normally dry. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including heavy rain, snowmelt, or a storm surge. Inundations can be a major hazard, causing damage to property and infrastructure, and even loss of life.

Source: Weather.gov Source

and salinity

salinity

Salinity is the dissolved salt content of a body of water. It is a strong contributor to conductivity and helps determine many aspects of the chemistry of natural waters and the biological processes within them.

Source: EPA Source

gradients that represent current and future coastal ecosystems.

coastal ecosystem

Coastal habitats include estuaries, wetlands and marshes, coral reefs, kelp forests, tidepools, and barrier islands.

Source: USGS Source

The specific objective is to evaluate geochemical controls on the solubility of the nutrient phosphorus in growing and shrinking deltas

delta

Where rivers discharge a large quantity of sediment directly into the ocean. These deposits commonly assume a triangular shapes and are termed deltas because they resemble the Greek capital letter delta (Δ).

Source: NPS Source

along the Louisiana Gulf Coast.