unique characteristics:
Temperature - Heat is not stored over time due to the shallowness of the bay. The temperatures can range from 32 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter to 84 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer. The temperature of the bay's ecosystem determines the organisms' niche. Since the bay's surface is warmer during the spring and summer, the two temperature layers are physically seperated.
The Salty Part - The upper part of the Chesapeake Bay is fresh while the lower Bay is salty. The salinity increases as you go south and decreases the further you go north. The highest salinity level of the Bay is at its mouth averaging 25-30 parts per thousand (ppt). This is because of the Atlantic Ocean's waters.
Circulation - The circulation of the Bay's fresh water is from the north, while the movement of salt water is from the south. The Zone of Maximum Turbidity is the area where the fresh and salt water meet and has many nutrients. This zone consists of an abundance of wildlife since it is used as a nursery area by many different organisms in the Cheasapeake ecosystem.
The Bay ecosystem consists of the Bay itself, its local rivers and streams, and all the plants and animals it supports.
Human activities affect the Cheaspeake Bay ecosystem by adding pollution, using resources and changing the character of the land.
The Salty Part - The upper part of the Chesapeake Bay is fresh while the lower Bay is salty. The salinity increases as you go south and decreases the further you go north. The highest salinity level of the Bay is at its mouth averaging 25-30 parts per thousand (ppt). This is because of the Atlantic Ocean's waters.
Circulation - The circulation of the Bay's fresh water is from the north, while the movement of salt water is from the south. The Zone of Maximum Turbidity is the area where the fresh and salt water meet and has many nutrients. This zone consists of an abundance of wildlife since it is used as a nursery area by many different organisms in the Cheasapeake ecosystem.
The Bay ecosystem consists of the Bay itself, its local rivers and streams, and all the plants and animals it supports.
Human activities affect the Cheaspeake Bay ecosystem by adding pollution, using resources and changing the character of the land.
IF YOU WANT MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE CHESAPEAKE BAY AND MANY MORE INTERESTING FACTS, VISIT THESE OTHER WEBSITES:
- http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00000/3080/
- http://www.chesapeakebay.net
- http://www.mdsg.umd.edu/issues/chesapeake/food_web/
- http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00000/3080/
- http://www.chesapeakebay.net
- http://www.mdsg.umd.edu/issues/chesapeake/food_web/