| SS9.01 Ecosystem Science Practiced in an Urbanized Estuary: South San Francisco Bay |
| Foxgrover, A, C, U.S. Geological Survey, Santa Cruz, USA, afoxgrover@usgs.gov |
| Higgins, S, A, U.S. Geological Survey, Santa Cruz, USA, shiggins@usgs.gov |
| Ingraca, M, K, U.S. Geological Survey, Santa Cruz, USA, mingraca@usgs.gov |
| Jaffe, B, E, U.S. Geological Survey, Santa Cruz, USA, bjaffe@usgs.gov |
| Smith, R, E, U.S. Geological Survey, Menlo Park, USA, resmith@usgs.gov |
| |
| SEDIMENTATION AND HABITAT CHANGE IN SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO BAY: 1858 - 1983 |
 |
| Since the Gold Rush, sedimentation patterns and bathymetry of South San Francisco Bay have been altered by both natural processes and human activities. Between 1858 and 1983 more than 80% of tidal marshes were converted to salt ponds, agricultural fields, and urban areas. Loss of marshes has reduced tidal exchange with the bay and, because of this and other factors, tidal flat area has decreased by 40%. South San Francisco Bay has experienced a net loss of sediment from 1858 to 1983; however within this timeframe there have been periods of both deposition and erosion. From 1858 to 1898, net sedimentation was near zero. From 1898 to 1931 and from 1956 to 1983, sediment loss approached 3 million cubic meters/yr. During the intermediate period, from 1931 to 1956, it gained approximately 3 million cubic meters/yr of sediment. This anomalous deposition corresponds to a period of rapid urbanization and may in part be the result of associated land use practices. Sediment dynamics are an essential factor controlling the extent and distribution of habitats and are vital to understanding this complex ecosystem. |
|
|