Exploring NERRS real-time data at South Slough and field work at Empire docks

What is an estuary?An estuary is formed where rivers meet the seaAn estuary is a semi-enclosed river mouth or bay

where salty seawater is diluted by freshwater from rivers and creeks

An estuary is made up of tidal marshes, tidal flats, and open water channels

An estuary is flooded by the tides

What does an estuary look like from the air?

South Slough NERR• a 4,771+ acre protected

natural area• A place to investigate

and conduct studies (research)

• A place for people to learn about estuaries and their watersheds (education)

• A place to restore and protect estuaries and their watersheds (stewardship)

South South Slough Slough NERRNERR

PacificPacific OceanOcean

Coos

Bay

NERRS

Temperatures (˚C) in Coos bay & South slough…

Where is the shallowest water in the bay?

Where would we find the coldest water?

The warmest water?

Explain the pattern over a year

Explain the pattern over a day

Data in the classroom

Understanding Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)

Different factors influence levels of DOFast flowing water mixes and absorbs more DOOrganisms living in the water may deplete oxygen

levels because they need it (biological demand)Primary producers generate (add) oxygen through

photosynthesis.Should oxygen levels in water rise or fall on a sunny

day?How much DO can fit into water depends on the

temperature of the water. This is called the solubility of oxygen.

Explain the pattern found on June 1st, 2009

Data in the classroom

Introducing salinity (ppt)Varies in the ocean very littleWhy then do estuaries vary so much?

Sixes Estuary

Examining salinity in South Slough

Data in the Classroom