利用坐底观测估算济州岛西南海域再悬浮临界应力

底边界层中沉积物的再悬浮和沉降是控制陆架海悬浮沉积物的输运的关键过程。沉积物输运过程的数值^*模拟也依赖于沉积物侵蚀和沉降的关键参数的研究。本文根据济州岛西南泥质区的坐底观测估算了此处临界应力。通过底边界层声学仪器ADV和PC-ADP的流速和悬浮物浓度同步观测,基于湍生成与耗散平衡假设,使用惯性耗散法计算沉降速度。这种方法得到的沉降速度ws平均值为0.91 mm s^-1,标准差为0.20 mm s^-1,此结果远大于Soulbsy（1997）和LISST-ST现场观测粒径分析仪等经验方法的结果。这主要是由于两种方法的本质不同,惯性耗散法形象的刻画了底边界层的水动力,并且更加合理的现场估计沉降速度w_s,然而Soulsby的方法通常适用于静水环境。我们提出了一种估计临界应力的新方法,根据悬浮颗粒物浓度时空变化的统计分析（深度平均的悬浮颗粒物浓度对时间求导数）和对应的底应力估算侵蚀临界应力τ_ce和沉降临界应力τ_cd。侵蚀临界应力τ_ce和沉降临界应力τ_ce的变化范围为0.11-0.25 Pa,对应的中值分别为0.20 Pa和0.16 Pa,这也证实了侵蚀临界应力略大于沉降临界应力。除此之外,我们还使用了另一种方法估算临界应力,通过沉降速度间接估算的临界应力范围为0.06-0.17 Pa。     

Short-term variability of suspended sediment and phytoplankton in Tampa Bay,Florida: Observations from a coastal oceanographic tower and ocean color satellites

We examined short-term phytoplankton and sediment dynamics in Tampa Bay with data collected between 8 December 2004 and 17 January 2005 from optical, oceanographic, and meteorological sensors mounted on a coastal oceanographic tower and from satellite remote sensing. Baseline phytoplankton (chlorophyll-a, Chl) and sediment concentrations (particle backscattering coefficient at 532 nm, bbp(532)) were of the order of 3.7 mg m⁻³ and 0.07 m⁻¹, respectively, during the study period. Both showed large fluctuations dominated by semidiurnal and diurnal frequencies associated with tidal forcing. Three strong wind events (hourly averaged wind speed >8.0 m s⁻¹) generated critical bottom shear stress of >0.2 Pa and suspended bottom sediments that were clearly observed in concurrent MODIS satellite imagery. In addition, strong tidal current or swells could also suspend sediments in the lower Bay. Sediments remained suspended in the water column for 2–3 days after the wind events. Moderate Chl increases were observed after sediment resuspension with a lag time of ˜1–2 days, probably due to release of bottom nutrients and optimal light conditions associated with sediment resuspension and settling. Two large increases in Chl with one Chl > 12.0 mg m⁻³ over ˜2 days, were observed at neap tides. For the study site and period, because of the high temporal variability in phytoplankton and sediment concentrations, a monthly snapshot can be different by −50% to 200% from the monthly “mean” chlorophyll and sediment conditions. The combination of high-frequency observations from automated sensors and synoptic satellite imagery, when available, is an excellent complement to limited field surveys to study and monitor water quality parameters in estuarine environments.     

Internal recycling of particle reactive organic chemicals in the Chesapeake Bay water column

Hydrophobic organic contaminants (HOCs) may be used as tracers of particle dynamics in aquatic systems. Internal cycling of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were studied in the mesohaline Chesapeake Bay to assess the role of resuspension in maintaining particle and contaminant inventories in the water column, and to compare settling and suspended particle characteristics. Direct measurements of sediment resuspension and settling conducted in conjunction with one of the sediment trap deployments indicate reasonable agreement between measurements of particle flux using the two different methods. Organic carbon and PCB concentrations in settling solids collected in near-surface sediment traps were remarkably lower than concentrations in suspended particles collected by filtration during the trap deployments, but higher PAH concentrations were found in the settling particles. The different behaviors of PAHs and PCBs in the settling particles are due to their different source types and association to different types of particles. Sediment trap collections in near bottom waters were dominated by resuspension. Resuspension fluxes of HOCs measured 2 m above the bay bottom were as high as 2.5 μg/m² day for total PCBs and 15 μg/m² day for fluoranthene, and were 25 and 10 times higher than their settling fluxes from surface waters, respectively. HOC concentrations in the near bottom traps varied much less between trap deployments than HOC concentrations in the surface traps, indicating that the chemical composition of the resuspended particles collected in the near bottom traps was more time-averaged by repeated resuspension than the surface particles.     

长江口北支悬沙浓度在潮周期内和大小潮周期尺度的变化特征及输运研究

Profiles of tidal current and suspended sediment concentration(SSC) were measured in the North Branch of the Changjiang Estuary from neap tide to spring tide in April 2010. The measurement data were analyzed to determine the characteristics of intratidal and neap-spring variations of SSC and suspended sediment transport. Modulated by tidal range and current speed, the tidal mean SSC increased from 0.5 kg/m3 in neap tide to 3.5 kg/m3 in spring tide. The intratidal variation of the depth-mean SSC can be summarized into three types: V-shape variation in neap tide, M-shape and mixed M-V shape variation in medium and spring tides. The occurrence of these variation types is controlled by the relative intensity and interaction of resuspension, settling and impact of water exchange from the rise and fall of tide. In neap tide the V-shape variation is mainly due to the dominant effect of the water exchange from the rise and fall of tide. During medium and spring tides, resuspension and settling processes become dominant. The interactions of these processes, together with the sustained high ebb current and shorter duration of low-tide slack, are responsible for the M-shape and M-V shape SSC variation. Weakly consolidated mud and high current speed cause significant resuspension and remarkable flood and ebb SSC peaks. Settling occurs at the slack water periods to cause SSC troughs and formation of a thin fluff layer on the bed. Fluxes of water and suspended sediment averaged over the neap-spring cycle are all seawards, but the magnitude and direction of tidal net sediment flux is highly variable.     

桑沟湾夏、秋季悬浮颗粒物的沉降通量及再悬浮的影响

应用锚式悬挂沉积物捕捉器法,研究了我国北方重要海水养殖区域桑沟湾悬浮颗粒物沉降通量的分布特征,并通过金属Al标记法,同步测定了沉降颗粒物再悬浮比率。结果表明,桑沟湾的底层悬浮颗粒物(SPM)、颗粒有机碳(POC)、颗粒态总氮(PTN)和颗粒态总磷(PTP)平均表观沉降通量分别为1 511.4g/(m2·d)、20.01g/(m2·d)、1.497g/(m2·d)和0.474g/(m2·d),显著高于我国其他近岸海域,但底层沉降颗粒物再悬浮比率平均值高达92.8%,认为在养殖内湾,受再悬浮程度的影响,测得的底层表观沉降通量是中层的2.7倍,秋季明显大于夏季,海带和扇贝养殖区大于牡蛎养殖区。经再悬浮比率校正后的净沉降通量,仍存在着显著的空间和季节变化,但受控因素发生了根本转变;这主要表现为净沉降颗粒物质主要源于生物代谢活动强烈中上层水体,贝类的排泄作用使牡蛎和扇贝养殖区的净沉降通量显著大于海带养殖区,养殖贝类个体增大、排泄量增加使秋季净沉降通量高于夏季。在我国近岸海域,再悬浮作用的影响,会对该区域悬浮颗粒物沉降通量的估算带来巨大误差,因此该作用不容忽视。     

基于原位观测的胶州湾沉积物侵蚀再悬浮过程研究

海洋动力作用下,河口海岸地区海床通常处于动态变化之中。作为地质环境的控制因素,海床沉积物侵蚀再悬浮过程的研究具有重要意义。为阐明胶州湾海域水动力条件对海床侵蚀再悬浮的作用,本文利用海底原位观测三脚架进行了现场观测。观测结果显示：通常条件下,潮流导致的最大海床剪应力可达0.35 N/m²,高于波浪引起的剪应力。涨潮期间,海床发生侵蚀;退潮期间,海床发生淤积。风速达到5 m/s时,波浪引起的剪应力近似等于流致剪应力。风速达到7 m/s时,有效波高为26 cm,波浪对海床侵蚀再悬浮过程起主要作用;此时也会导致海水浊度显著上升,高于通常条件下的2-8倍。分析表明：通常条件下,周期性海流影响海床侵蚀再悬浮过程;而大幅度沉积物再悬浮过程由偶发的波浪事件控制。针对胶州湾沉积物动力学机制的深入研究仍待进一步开展。     

莱州湾口弱层结水体中沉积物再悬浮特征及其水平、沉降通量研究

近海悬浮物在海水中的运移受诸多因素影响,其中由于径流输入导致的水体层化是不可忽视的因素之一,研究层结水体中沉积物受潮流、波浪影响的再悬浮特征有重要意义.2005年5月15日在黄河口西侧18海里处的莱州湾口设立了一个周日连续观测站,试图揭示弱层结水体中悬浮物的再悬浮特征及其水平、沉降通量.利用ADCP回声强度反演得到了高...     

Fine sediment resuspension dynamics in a large semi-enclosed bay

A field study was conducted to investigate fine sediment resuspension dynamics in Moreton Bay, a large semi-enclosed bay situated in South East Queensland, Australia. One S4ADW current meter and three OBS sensors were used to collect the field data on tides, mean currents, waves and suspended sediment concentrations in a mean water depth of 6.1 m for about 3 weeks. Two small cleaning units were specially designed to automatically clean the OBS sensors several times every hour to avoid biological growth on the OBS sensors. Based on the collected field data, the main driving force for fine sediment resuspension is found to be the storm wind-waves generated locally in the Bay, not the tidal current or penetrated ocean swell. The critical wind-wave orbital velocity for sediment resuspension was determined to be U_rms=7 cm/s and the critical bed shear stress τ_cr=0.083–0.095 Pa at this study site.     

沉积物捕获器在海岸与陆架沉积动力研究中的应用:以罗源湾和台湾海峡为例

运用时间序列的沉积物捕获器对海岸与陆架海域沉降颗粒物进行采集,估算沉降通量,并运用多学科综合研究手段分析沉降颗粒物的来源、组成、时空变化及控制因素,可以为海岸与陆架沉积动力过程的研究提供新的研究手段。福建罗源湾的实验表明,夏季罗源湾潮下带小潮至中潮期间的沉降通量为133.20~256.18g/(m2·t);由中潮向大潮变化期间单个潮周期的沉降通量明显增大,台风过后的大潮期间的沉降通量为373.99~590.51g/(m2·t);台风显著影响期间的沉降通量为746.34g/(m2·t);粒度分析及水动力观测结果显示,观测期间罗源湾潮下带沉降颗粒物主要来源于海底沉积物的再悬浮。台湾海峡西北部内陆架海域的实验研究表明,该海域近底部悬浮颗粒物沉降通量最大值为13.34g/(m2·d),由小潮向中潮沉降通量逐渐增大,这主要是由于近底部温盐跃层层位上移,近底部垂向混合作用增强,致使底部再悬浮沉积物向上扩散,并最终被沉积物捕获器捕获。沉积物捕获器可以接收到再悬浮沉积物,结合底部边界层过程的观测研究,可以深入认识海底沉积物的侵蚀、沉降及埋藏过程,在研究海岸与陆架区沉积动力学、泥质区沉积记录的形成过程与保存潜力中扮演着十分重要的角色。     

Resuspension of benthic fluff by tidal currents in deep stratified waters, northern North Sea

Suspended particulate matter (SPM) concentration and properties (particle size and settling velocity), water column and boundary layer dynamics were measured during a 60-d period at a site in 110 m water depth in the northern North Sea. The site was in stratified waters and measurements were made during September–November as the seasonal thermocline was progressively weakening. SPM concentration was low, c. 1 mg dm⁻³ in the surface mixed layer and maximum values of 2 mg dm⁻³ in the bottom mixed layer. The bottom layer was characterised by larger mean particle size. SPM signals in the two layers were decoupled at the start of the period, when the thermocline was strong, but were increasingly coupled as the thermocline progressively weakened. A spring-neap cycle of resuspension and deposition of SPM was observed in the bottom mixed layer. Bed shear stresses were too small to entrain the bottom sediment (a fine sand) but were competent to resuspend benthic fluff: threshold bed shear stress and threshold current velocity at 10 mab were 0.02–0.03 Pa. and 0.18 m s⁻¹, respectively. Maximum SPM concentration in the bottom layer preceded peak spring tide currents by 3 d. Simulation of fluff resupension by the PROWQM model confirms that this was due to a finite supply of benthic fluff: the fluff layer was stripped from the seabed so that fluff supply was zero by the time of peak spring flow. SPM was redeposited over neap tides. Fluff resuspension must have been enhanced by intermittent inertial currents in the bottom layer but unequivocal evidence for this was not seen. There was some resuspension due to wave activity. Settling velocity spectra were unimodal or bimodal with modal values of 2×10⁻⁴–2×10⁻³ mm s⁻¹ (long-term suspension component) and 0.2–5.7 mm s⁻¹ (resuspension component). The slowest settling particles remained in suspension at peak spring tides after the fluff layer had been exhausted. There was evidence of particle disaggregation during springs and aggregation during neaps.     

Study of the sedimentation and self-weight consolidation behavior of seafloor sediments using a radioisotope densitometer

ABSTRACT

In this study, settling tests were conducted to investigate the sedimentation and self-weight consolidation behavior of seafloor sediments from Isahaya Bay, Ariake Sea, Japan. During the tests, the density variations with depth and time were measured by a gamma-ray transmission radioisotope densitometer. The test results show that the settling process of the seafloor sediments can be classified into the flocculation stage, settling stage, and consolidation stage. The settling rate of the seafloor sediments in the settling stage is dependent on the temperature and initial water content, while the settling rate in the consolidation stage is independent of the temperature and initial water content. The density profile changes from a constant density profile to a linear density profile when the sedimentation process transitions to the self-weight consolidation process. The relations between the void ratio (e) and effective vertical stress (p’) at very low pressures can be calculated from the measured density values, and this can be used for the analysis of the self-weight consolidation of seafloor sediments. For the seafloor sediments tested in this study, the undrained shear strength (s_u) values are almost the same when the density values are less than 1.14?g/cm³, and the s_u values increase linearly with an increase in density when the density values are in the range of 1.14–1.2?g/cm^3.     

Fine Sediment Resuspension Dynamics in Moreton Bay

A comprehensive field study has been undertaken to investigate sediment resuspension dynamics in the Moreton Bay, a large semi-enclosed bay situated in South East Queensland, Australia. An instrumented tripod, which housed three current meters, three OBS sensors and one underwater video camera, was used to collect the field data on tides, currents, waves and suspended sediment concentrations at four sites (Sites 1, 2, 4, and 5) in the bay. Site 1 was located at the main entrance, Site 2 at the central bay in deep water, and Sites 4 and 5 at two small bays in shallow water. The bed sediment was fine sand (d50=0.2 mm) at Site 1, and cohesive sediment at the other three sites. Based on the collected field data, it is found that the dominant driving forces for sediment resuspension are a combination of ocean swell and tidal currents at Site 1, tidal currents at Site 2, and wind-waves at Sites 4 and 5. The critical bed shear stress for cohesive sediment resuspension is determined as 0.079 Pa in unidirectional flow at Site 2, and 0.076 Pa in wave-induced oscillatory flow at Site 5.     

Fluid mud accumulation processes in an estuary

Fluid mud accumulates as pools and blanket deposits greater than 20 cm thick in channels of the James Estuary. It forms mainly in the turbidity maximum zone, a site of high near-bed concentrations (0.5 to 2 g/liter), intensive resuspension, and fast sedimentation (1 to 8 g/cm²/yr). Accumulation is promoted by stratification of interfacial fluid and pore water, by the pseudoplastic behavior of the mud with relatively high viscosity at low shear rates, by the high suspended sediment concentrations, and by resultant rapid-settling flux relative to the consolidation rate in the hindered state.This is Contribution 1211 from the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, Gloucester Point, VA 23062.     

Processes affecting long-term changes in <Superscript>137</Superscript>Cs concentration in surface sediments off Fukushima

Temporal changes in cesium-137 (¹³⁷Cs) concentrations in the surface (0–10 cm) layer of seabed sediment were quantified from continuous observation data at 71 stations within a 150-km radius of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, and the primary processes affecting temporal changes were identified. From March 2011 to the end of 2015, about 80% of the initially deposited ¹³⁷Cs in the surface sediment in the coastal region (bottom depth ≤100 m) region has dissipated (radioactive decay is not included). Such a remarkable change in the ¹³⁷Cs concentration was not observed in the offshore (>100 m) region. This paper focuses on the following three processes that affected the decrease in the ¹³⁷Cs concentrations, and assesses their relative importance; (1) resuspension and transport of ¹³⁷Cs-bound sediment, (2) desorption of ¹³⁷Cs from the sediment, and (3) dilution of ¹³⁷Cs by vertical mixing of sediment. Consequently, it was estimated that the first two processes together have potentially contributed to reduce the ¹³⁷Cs inventory in the top 10 cm of the coastal region by at most 35%. Furthermore, by applying a pulse input sediment mixing model to the observed vertical distribution of sedimentary ¹³⁷Cs, it was also estimated that more than 43% of the ¹³⁷Cs in the surface sediment was transported to deeper sediment layers by vertical mixing of the sediment. This indicates that the decrease of ¹³⁷Cs concentrations in coastal sediments was mainly affected by mixing of ¹³⁷Cs-bound surface sediment with less contaminated sediment in the deeper layers.     

The pattern of cross-slope depositional fluxes

A simple model with horizontal and vertical diffusivities and settling velocity is used to calculate expected distributions of suspended particulate matter in a section across the continental shelf and slope. Dependencies on the shelf and slope profile, diffusivities, settling velocity, cross-slope advection and boundary sources/sinks are explored. It is found that the strongest factors are relative values of diffusivities and settling velocity, and the distribution of sources and sinks – including bottom deposition or resuspension. The latter is the principal means whereby an increased concentration near the bottom is likely, and is suggested as the usual reason for increased deposition recorded by sediment traps nearer the bottom. Observed thin, near-horizontal intermediate nepheloid layers put bounds on the vertical diffusivity and settling velocity, e.g. O(10^-4 m² s^-1, 10^-5 m s^-1) over Goban Spur in OMEX.     

风暴过程中潮滩悬沙浓度和悬沙输运的变化及其动力机制——以长江三角洲南汇潮滩为例

悬沙浓度是淤泥质海岸重要的环境指标。为探讨潮滩悬沙浓度和悬沙输运对风暴事件的响应过程及其动力机制,于2014年9月"凤凰"台风过境前、中、后在长江三角洲南汇潮滩进行了现场观测,获得同步高分辨率的水深、波高、近底流速和浊度剖面时间序列(9个潮周期)。结果表明,风暴中平均和最大波高、波-流联合底床剪切应力、悬沙浓度和悬沙输运率可比平静天气高数倍;风暴期间高潮位低流速阶段悬沙沉降导致近底发育数十厘米厚的浮泥层(悬沙浓度大于10 g/L)。研究认为风暴事件中淤泥质海岸悬沙浓度和悬沙输运的剧烈变化其根本动力机制是风暴把巨大能量传递给近岸水体,进而显著增大波-流联合底床剪切应力,导致细颗粒泥沙再悬浮。     

An integrated geochemical and hydrodynamic model for tidal coastal environments

In this paper, the design, calibration and application of an integrated geochemical–hydrodynamic model are described. The model comprises three parts: A hydrodynamic submodel that was adopted from a depth-averaged, semi-implicit hydrodynamic model, a geochemical submodel based on equilibrium partitioning of chemicals between aqueous and particulate phases, and a particle dynamic submodel that simulates resuspension, transport and settling of suspended particulate matter (SPM). The integrated model was implemented in San Diego Bay (SDB), a heavily urbanized, semi-closed mesotidal embayment. A series of model calibrations were carried out based on observations on salinity, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and SPM. Salinity calibrations indicated that only 15% of precipitation in the drainage area of SDB could reach the bay, presumably due to the dams on the tributary rivers. Steady-state calibrations of PCBs based on fixed concentrations at known ‘hot spots’ have reproduced observed PCB concentrations in both the dissolved and particulate phases. SPM calibrations showed that shipping-induced resuspension produce more SPM than natural processes. Based on the calibrated model, the annual transport of PCBs out of SDB was estimated to be 3.85 kg (3.5 kg and 0.35 kg in the dissolved and particulate phases, respectively), much higher than the previous estimates based on steady-state assumptions. It was also found out that only a small portion of the fine sediment exported from SDB was derived from riverine input. This model can be applied to the studies of the transport and fate of other chemical species. It can be transplanted to other coastal areas as well. The integrated model represents a novel framework in which geochemical processes in coastal environments can be investigated on a truly dynamic basis.     

A study of particle exchange at the sediment–water interface in the Benguela upwelling area based on 234Th/238U disequilibrium

The natural isotope ²³⁴Th is used in a small-scale survey of particle transport and exchange processes at the sediment–water interface in the Benguela upwelling area. Results from water and suspended particulate matter (SPM) samples from the uppermost and lowermost water column as well as the underlying sediment of three stations are compared. The stations are situated in different sedimentological environments at 1200–1350 m water depth at the continental slope off Namibia. Highly differing extent and particle content of the bottom nepheloid layer (BNL) are determined from transmissometer data. Three models are presented, all explaining the ²³⁴Th depletion of the BNL and ²³⁴Th excess of the surface sediment that were observed. While the first model is based solely on local resuspension of surface sediment particles, the second evaluates the influence of vertical particle settling from the surface waters on the ²³⁴Th budget in the BNL. The third model explains ²³⁴Th depletion in the BNL by sedimentation of particles that were suspended in the BNL during long-range transport. Particle inventory of the BNL is highest at a depocenter of organic matter at 25.5°S, where strong deposition is presently taking place and lateral particle transport is suggested to predominate sediment accumulation. This is supported by the high settling flux of particles out of the BNL into the sediments of the depocenter, exceeding the vertical particle flux into sediment traps at intermediate depth in the same area by up to an order of magnitude. High particle residence/removal times in the BNL above the depocenter in the range of 5–9 weeks support this interpretation. Comparison with carbon mineralization rates that are known from the area reveals that, notwithstanding the large fraction of advected particles, organic carbon flux into the surface sediment is remineralized to a large extent. The deployment of a bottom water sampler served as an in situ resuspension experiment and provided the first data of ²³⁴Th activity on in situ resuspended particles. We found a mean specific activity of 86 disintegrations per minute (dpm) g⁻¹ (39–339 dpm g⁻¹), intermediate between the high values for suspended particles (in situ pump: 580–760 dpm g⁻¹; CTD rosette: 870–1560 dpm g⁻¹) and the low values measured at the sediment surface (26–37 dpm g⁻¹). This represents essential information for the modeling of ²³⁴Th exchange processes at the sediment–water interface.     

Resuspension potential of surficial sediments in Saguenay Fjord (Québec,Canada)

A flash flood that occurred in July 1996 in the Saguenay area (Québec, Canada), deposited a bed of cohesive sediments, average of 10–60 cm thick, over an area of 65 km² of the deep fjord basin of the upper Saguenay Fjord. Because this turbidite covered contaminated sediments, the resuspension potential of surficial sediments is an important parameter in determining the efficiency of the 1996 layer as a natural capping layer. This is because contaminants that may have diffused through the 1996 layer may be resuspended. The resuspension potential of surficial sediments in Saguenay Fjord was investigated in situ over a 3-yr period at fifteen sites in the Baie des Ha! Ha! and the North Arm using a benthic flume, the Miniflume. In addition, geotechnical measurements, photographs of benthic sediments and recordings of benthic current velocities were also carried out. The measured critical velocities of sediment resuspension (u_c) vary between 7 and 15 cm s^− 1. The maximum bottom current speed recorded in the North Arm and in Baie des Ha! Ha! from May to August 2000 was 27 cm s^− 1. Erosion depths were determined from Miniflume data combined with laboratory measurements carried out with an axial tomography scanner, which provided variation of sediment density at an interval of 0.13 mm. A general relationship between depth of erosion (ze, mm) and shear stress applied on the bed (τ_b, Pa) was determined. As Saguenay Fjord sediment characteristics vary greatly from one station to another, the potential for resuspension of surficial sediments shows the same trend.     

Sedimentation,suspension, and resuspension in Tasman Bay and Beatrix Bay,New Zealand,two contrasting coastal environments which thermally stratify in summer

Abstract

The influence of density stratification on sedimentation, suspension, and resuspension in Tasman Bay and Beatrix Bay, New Zealand, two contrasting coastal environments, was studied with specific reference to the implications for modelling aquaculture sustainability. Tasman Bay, an enhanced scallop (Pecten novaezelandiae Reeve) fishery, is a very large coastal indentation gently shelving to c. 20 m deep c. 10 km from shore and open to the Tasman Sea, whereas Beatrix Bay, an area of intense Greenshell? mussel (Perna canaliculus Gmelin) aquaculture, is a small (22 km² × 30–40 m deep) enclosed embayment off the side of the nearby Pelorus Sound. Sediment trap arrays were used to determine the vertical fluxes of suspended solids and the associated chlorophyll component. Benthic chambers were used to investigate sediment nutrient regeneration. In summer, salinity gradients in both bays are minimal or non‐existent because of low inputs of fresh water and density stratification is mainly controlled by water temperature. The data from mid summer exhibited different spatial distribution patterns for detritus and phytoplankton biomass (as indicated by chlorophyll) in these two very different bays, although they had similar turbulent environments. The density discontinuity at the thermocline had a strong influence on settling of phytoplankton. There was evidence of upwards entrainment of suspended paniculate matter into the upper water column from the thermocline in Beatrix Bay. Benthic resuspension was estimated to contribute up to 90% of the suspended solids caught in sediment traps near the sea floor in both bays. The trapping rate of phytoplankton was thought to be dependent on species dominance. Possible mechanisms of resuspension included turbulence in the benthic boundary layer, and high velocities below the thermocline associated with internal seiches. The presence of a mid water column chlorophyll maximum in Beatrix Bay is discussed in terms of nutrient and light regimes at the thermocline, and species composition. In Tasman Bay, the chlorophyll maximum was thought to be caused by resuspension of benthic microphytes and their subsequent confinement in a thin layer (2–4 m thick) of high turbulence between the thermocline and the seabed.