Selected Findings
- Sheetflow velocities ranged between 0.08 and 0.55 cm/s at site WCA-3A-5, which is lower than velocities measured in previous years (1999 - 2003) in Shark Slough (0.46 to 2.29 cm/s).
- Mean flow velocity was typically 34% faster in the slough compared with the ridge, water depth was typically 20 cm greater, and average time period of surface-water inundation was approximately 20% longer in the slough compared with the ridge.
- There were relatively few differences between the periodic measurements of suspended sediment concentrations in the slough and ridge. This result may not reflect conditions during storms.
- Average suspended particulate concentrations were relatively low (0.5 - 3 mg/L), and average particle size was approximately 10 µm.
- Particulate phosphorus tended to be associated with relatively small particles (1 µm), while particulate nitrogen tended to be associated with particles of intermediate size (6 µm).
- The mass transport of water and suspended particulates was, on an average annual basis, approximately twice as high in the slough as it was on the ridge.
- Particle capture by vegetation was more effective in the ridge than in the slough (greater than 80% of tracer particles were removed over a 30-m flow path on the ridge).
- Maximum flow velocities were an order of magnitude greater during Hurricane Wilma, and velocities quickly returned to typical sheet flow conditions after hurricane passage.