LE3 .A278 2004

2004

Spooner, Ian

Acadia University

Bachelor of Science

Honours

Environmental Science

Earth & Environmental Sciences

The effects of climate variability, in particular the impacts of increasing numbers of extreme weather events (proposed future climate scenarios) are not well known for shallow marine environments. This study evaluates the sensitivity of the Morton Centre to scenarios of climate change. Sensitivity profiles of these environments can then be used in the future for integrated management and development of the Morton Centre site. Physical characteristics of the shallow marine environment were surveyed to determine relative temperature, current activity, bathymetry, and bottom substrate flora and sedimentology. The intertidal zone was characterised using longitudinal surveys to determine slope, percolation rates, and sediment type. Results of these characterizations indicate that, in the shallow marine environment, current activity is very strong, and influences substrate composition and water mixing. Substrate sedimentology varies greatly, with harder substrate occurring in regions of high current activity, and fine grained soft substrate occurring in regions with little current activity. Water mixing varied greatly and in general coincided with areas of high current velocity. In the intertidal environment, slope is very shallow and percolation is highly variable with areas of erosion and deposition located in close proximity. These results indicate that both the shallow marine and intertidal environments are dynamic and sensitive environments which will be affected given scenarios of future climate change. This sensitivity must be considered in management of these environments.

The author retains copyright in this thesis. Any substantial copying or any other actions that exceed fair dealing or other exceptions in the Copyright Act require the permission of the author.

https://scholar.acadiau.ca/islandora/object/theses:430