Site 1

Site 1 shows a general decrease of temperature and an increase in salinity with depth, as the more saline water tend to be colder and denser therefore sink, causing stratification. The pycnocline occurs around 3m, as there will be a steep density gradient where the thermocline and halocline meet. Fluorescence and backscatter remain relatively constant throughout the water column.

Site 2

Site 2 shows a general decrease in temperature with depth, and an increase in salinity at depth, we can identify the pycnocline at 3m where there are steep changes in both the thermocline and halocline.  Similar to site one, suggesting the stratified layer is of a depth. Back scatter fluctuates through the water column, with its highest value being 0.66. Between 2-4 m both fluorescence and turbidity increase together, suggesting that at shallower depths sediment is causing the turbidity whereas at depth phytoplankton is causing the turbidity.

Site 3

This graph was taken straight from the SeaBird software as an issue arose with the conversion of the file. Salinity changes very little, only within 1 PSU, temperature also changes very slightly with depth. Fluorescence fluctuates a lot throughout the water column but has an overall decrease with depth. Turbidity is consistently high at all depths.

Site 4

Salinity increases steadily with depth with no obvious halocline. Temperature increases slightly with depth again with no obvious halocline. Fluorescence decreases at the same time as turbidity increases, suggesting a relationship between the two.  

Site 5

Salinity increases with depth as temperature decreases with depth, the pycnocline is identified as at 10m depth, but there is a sharp increase in temperature at 13m depth. Turbidity remains relatively low and constant throughout the water column, however fluorescence gradually decreases with depth.

Site 6

Salinity remains relatively constant through the water column with a significant increase at 17m. Temperature decreases significantly with depth with a large decrease at 17m. Turbidity and phosphorescence also remain constant with few small fluctuations.

Site 7

Salinity: increases with depth over the course of 20 metres.

Temperature: Temperature decreases with depth, no significant thermocline visible in profile

Turbidity: turbidity remains high then spikes at certain points in the depth profile.

Fluorescence: Start high in the higher layers of the column then decrease as depth increases. Spike at 15m corresponds to a spike in turbidy. Possible connection?

Site 8

Due to an issue with file conversion the graph for site 8 has been taken straight from the SeaBird software. This data suggests that the estuary is well mixed at this point however it is believed that there may have been due to an equipment malfunction as site 9 displays a completely different profile despite it’s close spatial proximity.

Site 9

Salinity: Drops slightly upon the ctd entering the water then increases consistently as depth increases

Temperature: Decreases as depth increases over time. Inteference prevents the identification of a thermocline

Turbidity: Turbidity starts high and then decreases as depth increases, beginning to decrease at 6m.

Fluorescence: Starts low and increases up to a 8m then decreases following approximately with turbidity. Possibly linked.