Summary Information for Field Activity 2006-020-FA

Area of Operations: West Falmouth Harbor, Snug Harbor, Falmouth, Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts, United States, North America, North Atlantic

Dates: June 21, 2006 to June 28, 2006

Chief scientist: John Crusius

   Dirk Koopmans

Objectives: To estimate groundwater flux to West Falmouth Harbor using primarily radon and radium as radioisotopic tracers of ground water.

Type of Activity: Sampling;

Information to be derived: radioisotopic tracers

Summary: Seepage meters were used in various parts of West Falmouth Harbor to produce direct estimates of discharge across the sediment-water interface. On June 21st, a set of 6 were positioned in the intertidal zone, perpendicular to the shoreline, opposite the Chappaquoit Beach parking lot (41.59882N, -70.64622W). Every hour for six hours (one tidal cycle), seepage bags were removed, and the salinity and volume of seepage was measured. On June 27 and 28, the seepage meters were repositioned as follows: one set of 5 in the intertidal zone of Snug Harbor, a northeastern cove (41.60703N, -70.63656W), and another set of 5 in the intertidal zone on the south side of the public landing (41.60368N, -70.64008W). On the 27th, the meters were lined up parallel to the shoreline, and on the 28th they were laid out perpendicular to it. On both days, 6 sets of measurements were made over a six-hour period at both locations.

Contact: Dirk Koopmans (dkoopmans@usgs.gov)

InfoBank: uses the identifier B-1-06-BZ. Visit this site for more information.

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