I Introduction to the Chesapeake Bay Ecosystem a The Chesapeake bay is shallow average six meters b A very high watershed volume ratio more pollution i 200x30 mile radius c Major geologic factors that led to the formation of the bay i Bolide meteor impact 35 million years ago ii Ice Age glaciers melted 2 million years ago which created the rivers iii Drowned River Valley type of estuary the bay is due to the melted glaciers The water is shallow important because if sediment builds up the bays water quality is screwed d Dentate Coastline lots of dents and small coves wavy not straight maximizes land water interaction i Watershed airshed is extensive ii Exchange with ocean is restricted iii Activity on land is reflected in bay II Estuaries partially enclosed body of water and its surrounding coastal habitats tied to a larger body of water where saltwater from the ocean mixes with freshwater from rivers or streams Partially enclosed body of water and its surrounding coastal habitats where saltwater from the ocean mixes with fresh water from rivers or streams i Unimpaired connection with the ocean reasonably diluted ii Clean water act identifies the Great Lakes coastal water and wetlands because they are similar in form and function b Sub watershed of College Park Paint Branch Anacostia Potomac Types of Estuaries III i Geologic Classification 1 Coastal Plain a Drowned River Valley b Delta 2 Tectonic 3 Bar Built 4 Fjord ii Water circulation stratification 1 Salt wedge 2 Partially mixed a Salt water from the Pacific ocean mixes with fresh water from the bay 3 Vertically homogenous well mixed IV Factors impacting circulation and mixing a Precipitation b Tides c Winds d Coriolis e Living Resources produce phosphorus and nitrogen i Land runoff ii Waste Discharge iii Atmospheric Deposition iv Nutrient limitation Limiting Nutrients needed nutrients a Organisms need nutrients in different ratios fo growth development b Freshwater systems V i Phosphorus tends