The net flux of inorganic matter by an intertidal oyster reef

Inorganic particulate material uptake and release over an oyster reef during a tidal cycle was measured every 11.8 days for one year. There was a net uptake on the flooding tides and a net release on ebbing tides. Particulate uptake was highest in late summer reaching a maximum of 230 g m⁻² h⁻¹. Particulate release was also highest in late summer reaching a maximum of 94 g m⁻² h⁻¹. On an annual basis, 86.7 kg m⁻² y⁻¹ of inorganic particulate material was taken up on flooding tides and 56.5 kg m⁻² y⁻¹ was released on ebbing tides. The pattern of uptake on flooding tides and release on ebbing tides was hypothesized to be the result of higher water velocities on ebbing tides.