Journal article
Comparison of water velocity profiles through morphologically dissimilar seagrasses measured with a simple and inexpensive current meter
Bulletin of Marine Science, Vol.71(3), pp.1257-1267
2002
Abstract
The influence of seagrass morphology on water flow was studied by measuring water velocity profiles through natural seagrass meadows. An array of eight solid-state electronic current meters was used to obtain profiles through meadows of Amphibolis griffithii (Cymodoceaceae), a seagrass which possesses a profusely-branched erect stem with terminal leaf clusters, and two strap-like seagrasses, Posidonia australis and P. sinuosa (Posidoniaceae). Significant differences were observed in the shapes of velocity profiles of the different seagrass species; in particular, a region of high water velocity was observed beneath the leafy canopy of Amphibolis, but not in the Posidonia canopy. There is a strong correlation between the water velocity profile of Amphibolis plants and the distribution of leaf biomass, highlighting the influence of the 'stem-and-leaf cluster' morphology on the velocity profile. The unusual velocity profile of Amphibolis has implications for the ecology of these ecosystems, and sediment stability in particular. The solid-state electronic current meters used in this study were found to be an effective and inexpensive means of measuring water velocity profiles in seagrass canopies.
Details
- Title
- Comparison of water velocity profiles through morphologically dissimilar seagrasses measured with a simple and inexpensive current meter
- Authors/Creators
- M. van Keulen (Author/Creator)M.A. Borowitzka (Author/Creator)
- Publication Details
- Bulletin of Marine Science, Vol.71(3), pp.1257-1267
- Publisher
- Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science
- Identifiers
- 991005543272607891
- Murdoch Affiliation
- School of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article
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