Estuarine Sediments: Successional Model

Estuarine sediments are discussed with emphasis given to the sulfur cycle. Human activities alter estuarine sediments and adverse impacts can result. Toxic levels of free sulfide can build up within estuarine sediments and hydrogen sulfide can be released to the atmosphere. A conceptual model is presented that can serve as a practical basis for monitoring estuarine sediments and interpreting results. Methods for classifying estuarine sediments with a minimal amount of field effort are discussed. The model and methods presented allows description of changes in sediment characteristics in response to different natural and human imposed conditions. Experimental results are presented and discussed.