I. Data Set Descriptors A. Title: Samantha B. Joye. 2009. Long-term water quality monitoring in the Altamaha, Doboy and Sapelo sounds and the Duplin River near Sapelo Island, Georgia from May 2001 to August 2009. Georgia Coastal Ecosystems LTER Data Catalog (data set NUT-GCEM-0909a; http://gce-lter.marsci.uga.edu/public/app/dataset_details.asp?accession=NUT-GCEM-0909a) B. Accession Number: NUT-GCEM-0909a C. Description 1. Originator(s): Name: Samantha B. Joye Address: Dept. of Marine Sciences University of Georgia Athens, Georgia 30602-3636 Country: USA Email: mjoye@uga.edu 2. Abstract: Water samples were collected on Georgia Coastal Ecosystems LTER oceanographic monitoring cuirses approximately every three months from May 2001 through December 2006 and monthly from November 2006 to August 2009. Concentrations of dissolved nutrients (ammonium, nitrate+nitrite, phosphate), dissolved organics (DOC, DON, DOP), particulate organic carbon and nitrogen, total suspended sediment, and total particulate iron and phosphorus were measured using standard analytical methods. The concentrations of six elements (calcium, potassium, magnesium, sodium, silicon, and strontium) were also determined occasionally using elemental analysis by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). 3. Study Type: Monitoring 4. Study Themes: General Nutrient Chemistry, Chemistry, Organic Matter/Decomposition, Phytoplankton Productivity 5. LTER Core Areas: Inorganic Nutrients 6. Georeferences: none 7. Submission Date: Sep 01, 2009 D. Keywords: Altamaha Sound, ammonium, biogeochemistry, calcium, carbon, Cruise Nutrient Sampling, Doboy Sound, estuaries, Inorganic Nutrients, magnesium, nitrate, nitrogen, nutrient cycles, nutrients, organic, phosphate, phosphorus, potassium, Sapelo Sound, silicon, sodium, strontium, water column, water quality II. Research Origin Descriptors A. Overall Project Description 1. Project Title: Georgia Coastal Ecosystems LTER Project 2. Principal Investigators: Name: Merryl Alber Address: Dept. of Marine Sciences University of Georgia Athens, Georgia 30602-3636 Country: USA Email: malber@uga.edu 3. Funding Period: May 01, 2006 to Jan 01, 2013 4. Objectives: To understand the mechanisms by which variation in the quality, source and amount of both fresh and salt water create temporal and spatial variability in estuarine habitats and processes, in order to predict directional changes that will occur in response to long-term shifts in estuarine salinity patterns 5. Abstract: The Georgia Coastal Ecosystems (GCE) LTER program, located on the central Georgia coast, was established in 2000. The study domain encompasses three adjacent sounds (Altamaha, Doboy, Sapelo) and includes upland (mainland, barrier islands, marsh hammocks), intertidal (fresh, brackish and salt marsh) and submerged (river, estuary, continental shelf) habitats. Patterns and processes in this complex landscape vary spatially within and between sites, and temporally on multiple scales (tidal, diurnal, seasonal, and interannual). Overlain on this spatial and temporal variation are long-term trends caused by climate change, sea level rise, and human alterations of the landscape. These long-term trends are likely to manifest in many ways, including changes in water quality, river discharge, runoff and tidal inundation patterns throughout the estuarine landscape. The overarching goal of the GCE program is to understand the mechanisms by which variation in the quality, source and amount of both fresh and salt water create temporal and spatial variability in estuarine habitats and processes, in order to predict directional changes that will occur in response to long-term shifts in estuarine salinity patterns. The objectives of the current funding cycle are 1) to continue to document long-term patterns of environmental forcing to the coastal zone, 2) to link environmental forcing to observed spatial and temporal patterns of biogeochemical processes, primary production, community dynamics, decomposition and disturbance, 3) to investigate the underlying mechanisms by which environmental gradients along the longitudinal (freshwater-saltwater) and 4) lateral (upland-subtidal) axes of estuaries drive ecosystem change, and 5) to explore the relative importance of larval transport and the conditions of the adult environment in determining community and genetic structure across both the longitudinal and vertical gradients of the estuary. To meet these objectives, we utilize a suite of approaches including long-term monitoring of abiotic drivers and ecosystem responses; manipulative and natural experiments designed to enable us to examine the importance of key ecosystem drivers; and modeling. 6. Funding Source: NSF OCE 0620959 B. Sub-project Description 1. Site Description a. Geographic Location: GCE-AL -- Altamaha River, Georgia, USA GCE-DB -- Doboy Sound, Georgia, USA GCE-DP -- Duplin River, Georgia, USA GCE-SP -- Sapelo River, Georgia, USA GCE1 -- Eulonia, Georgia, USA GCE10 -- Hunt Camp, Sapelo Island, Georgia, USA GCE2 -- Four Mile Island, Georgia, USA GCE3 -- North Sapelo, Sapelo Island, Georgia, USA GCE4 -- Meridian, Georgia, USA GCE5 -- Folly River, Georgia, USA GCE6 -- Dean Creek, Sapelo Island, Georgia, USA GCE7 -- Carrs Island, Georgia, USA GCE8 -- Alligator Creek, Georgia, USA GCE9 -- Rockdedundy Island, Georgia, USA AL+00 -- AL+00 AL+02 -- AL+02 AL+04 -- AL+04 AL+06 -- AL+06 AL+08 -- AL+08 AL+10 -- AL+10 AL+12 -- AL+12 AL+13 -- AL+13 AL+14 -- AL+14 AL+16 -- AL+16 AL+18 -- AL+18 AL+20 -- AL+20 AL+22 -- AL+22 AL+24 -- AL+24 AL+26 -- AL+26 AL+28 -- AL+28 AL-02 -- AL-02 AL-03 -- AL-03 AL-04 -- AL-04 DB+00 -- DB+00 DB+02 -- DB+02 DB+03 -- DB+03 DB+04 -- DB+04 DB+06 -- DB+06 DB+08 -- DB+08 DB+09 -- DB+09 DB+10 -- DB+10 DB+12 -- DB+12 DB+12.6 -- DB+12.6 DB-02 -- DB-02 DUP5 -- Duplin River station 5 (Hunt Camp) DUP6 -- Duplin River station 6 (Flume Dock) FD_MET -- Flume Dock climate station SP+00 -- SP+00 SP+03 -- SP+03 SP+06 -- SP+06 SP+09 -- SP+09 SP+12 -- SP+12 SP+14 -- SP+14 SP+15 -- SP+15 SP+18 -- SP+18 SP+25 -- SP+25 SP+27 -- SP+27 SP+28 -- SP+28 SP+32 -- SP+32 SP+36 -- SP+36 Coordinates: GCE-AL -- NW: 81 34 56.3 W, 31 24 05.1 N NE: 81 14 16.6 W, 31 24 05.1 N SE: 81 14 16.6 W, 31 17 45.7 N SW: 81 34 56.3 W, 31 17 45.7 N GCE-DB -- NW: 81 22 05.7 W, 31 27 20.4 N NE: 81 14 34.6 W, 31 27 20.4 N SE: 81 14 34.6 W, 31 20 27.4 N SW: 81 22 05.7 W, 31 20 27.4 N GCE-DP -- NW: 81 18 07.2 W, 31 29 11.4 N NE: 81 15 47.2 W, 31 29 11.4 N SE: 81 15 47.2 W, 31 24 39.1 N SW: 81 18 07.2 W, 31 24 39.1 N GCE-SP -- NW: 81 25 55.1 W, 31 33 34.7 N NE: 81 09 14.8 W, 31 33 34.7 N SE: 81 09 14.8 W, 31 30 59.9 N SW: 81 25 55.1 W, 31 30 59.9 N GCE1 -- NW: 81 25 42.5 W, 31 32 48.3 N NE: 81 24 38.6 W, 31 32 48.3 N SE: 81 24 38.6 W, 31 32 02.3 N SW: 81 25 42.5 W, 31 32 02.3 N GCE10 -- NW: 81 17 43.8 W, 31 29 49.3 N NE: 81 15 32.1 W, 31 29 49.3 N SE: 81 15 32.1 W, 31 27 44.4 N SW: 81 17 43.8 W, 31 27 44.4 N GCE2 -- NW: 81 19 08.3 W, 31 33 09.2 N NE: 81 17 34.2 W, 31 33 09.2 N SE: 81 17 34.2 W, 31 32 01.0 N SW: 81 19 08.3 W, 31 32 01.0 N GCE3 -- NW: 81 13 59.7 W, 31 32 48.7 N NE: 81 11 44.4 W, 31 32 48.7 N SE: 81 11 44.4 W, 31 30 54.7 N SW: 81 13 59.7 W, 31 30 54.7 N GCE4 -- NW: 81 22 14.7 W, 31 27 48.7 N NE: 81 21 26.1 W, 31 27 48.7 N SE: 81 21 26.1 W, 31 26 54.3 N SW: 81 22 14.7 W, 31 26 54.3 N GCE5 -- NW: 81 21 15.9 W, 31 26 33.1 N NE: 81 19 37.9 W, 31 26 33.1 N SE: 81 19 37.9 W, 31 25 03.5 N SW: 81 21 15.9 W, 31 25 03.5 N GCE6 -- NW: 81 17 58.3 W, 31 23 38.7 N NE: 81 15 51.8 W, 31 23 38.7 N SE: 81 15 51.8 W, 31 22 15.6 N SW: 81 17 58.3 W, 31 22 15.6 N GCE7 -- NW: 81 29 36.6 W, 31 20 55.6 N NE: 81 28 33.2 W, 31 20 55.6 N SE: 81 28 33.2 W, 31 20 03.7 N SW: 81 29 36.6 W, 31 20 03.7 N GCE8 -- NW: 81 25 34.6 W, 31 19 04.1 N NE: 81 24 38.3 W, 31 19 04.1 N SE: 81 24 38.3 W, 31 18 14.6 N SW: 81 25 34.6 W, 31 18 14.6 N GCE9 -- NW: 81 20 48.2 W, 31 21 29.3 N NE: 81 19 35.4 W, 31 21 29.3 N SE: 81 19 35.4 W, 31 20 21.0 N SW: 81 20 48.2 W, 31 20 21.0 N AL+00 -- 81 17 09.0 W, 31 19 06.0 N AL+02 -- 81 18 24.0 W, 31 19 15.0 N AL+04 -- 81 19 39.0 W, 31 19 12.0 N AL+06 -- 81 20 48.0 W, 31 18 48.0 N AL+08 -- 81 22 03.0 W, 31 19 12.0 N AL+10 -- 81 23 15.0 W, 31 18 57.0 N AL+12 -- 81 24 03.0 W, 31 18 21.0 N AL+13 -- 81 24 26.4 W, 31 18 40.2 N AL+14 -- 81 24 54.0 W, 31 18 24.0 N AL+16 -- 81 25 54.0 W, 31 18 42.0 N AL+18 -- 81 26 06.0 W, 31 19 42.6 N AL+20 -- 81 27 09.0 W, 31 19 36.0 N AL+22 -- 81 27 54.0 W, 31 20 06.0 N AL+24 -- 81 28 30.0 W, 31 20 12.0 N AL+26 -- 81 28 54.0 W, 31 20 57.0 N AL+28 -- 81 29 03.0 W, 31 22 03.0 N AL-02 -- 81 15 55.2 W, 31 18 50.4 N AL-03 -- 81 15 15.6 W, 31 18 45.6 N AL-04 -- 81 14 36.0 W, 31 18 42.0 N DB+00 -- 81 16 54.2 W, 31 22 34.9 N DB+02 -- 81 17 56.0 W, 31 23 10.2 N DB+03 -- 81 18 07.8 W, 31 23 42.6 N DB+04 -- 81 18 19.6 W, 31 24 11.8 N DB+06 -- 81 18 56.3 W, 31 25 08.3 N DB+08 -- 81 19 46.4 W, 31 25 56.6 N DB+09 -- 81 20 11.0 W, 31 26 20.0 N DB+10 -- 81 20 26.8 W, 31 26 49.9 N DB+12 -- 81 21 23.9 W, 31 27 04.0 N DB+12.6 -- 81 21 42.5 W, 31 27 12.4 N DB-02 -- 81 15 43.0 W, 31 22 12.1 N DUP5 -- 81 16 25.0 W, 31 28 46.0 N DUP6 -- 81 16 06.0 W, 31 28 56.0 N FD_MET -- 81 17 03.0 W, 31 28 58.0 N SP+00 -- 81 10 36.7 W, 31 32 16.0 N SP+03 -- 81 12 28.3 W, 31 32 33.5 N SP+06 -- 81 14 22.2 W, 31 32 33.5 N SP+09 -- 81 16 09.3 W, 31 32 08.0 N SP+12 -- 81 17 57.6 W, 31 32 03.8 N SP+14 -- 81 19 01.7 W, 31 32 30.7 N SP+15 -- 81 19 35.0 W, 31 32 50.9 N SP+18 -- 81 20 50.5 W, 31 32 03.0 N SP+25 -- 81 22 34.7 W, 31 31 47.6 N SP+27 -- 81 23 26.0 W, 31 31 52.3 N SP+28 -- 81 23 10.9 W, 31 31 28.7 N SP+32 -- 81 24 18.5 W, 31 32 22.1 N SP+36 -- 81 25 24.6 W, 31 32 12.9 N b. Physiographic Region: GCE-AL -- Estuary and tidal marsh GCE-DB -- Estuary and tidal marsh GCE-DP -- Myxohaline tidal creek and marsh GCE-SP -- Estuary and tidal marsh GCE1 -- Lower coastal plain GCE10 -- Barrier island GCE2 -- Barrier island GCE3 -- Barrier island GCE4 -- Lower coastal plain GCE5 -- Barrier island GCE6 -- Barrier island GCE7 -- Lower coastal plain GCE8 -- Lower coastal plain GCE9 -- Barrier island AL+00 -- Estuary and tidal marsh AL+02 -- Estuary and tidal marsh AL+04 -- Estuary and tidal marsh AL+06 -- Estuary and tidal marsh AL+08 -- Estuary and tidal marsh AL+10 -- Estuary and tidal marsh AL+12 -- Estuary and tidal marsh AL+13 -- Estuary and tidal marsh AL+14 -- Estuary and tidal marsh AL+16 -- Estuary and tidal marsh AL+18 -- Estuary and tidal marsh AL+20 -- Estuary and tidal marsh AL+22 -- Estuary and tidal marsh AL+24 -- Estuary and tidal marsh AL+26 -- Estuary and tidal marsh AL+28 -- Estuary and tidal marsh AL-02 -- Estuary and tidal marsh AL-03 -- Estuary and tidal marsh AL-04 -- Estuary and tidal marsh DB+00 -- Estuary and tidal marsh DB+02 -- Estuary and tidal marsh DB+03 -- Estuary and tidal marsh DB+04 -- Estuary and tidal marsh DB+06 -- Estuary and tidal marsh DB+08 -- Estuary and tidal marsh DB+09 -- Estuary and tidal marsh DB+10 -- Estuary and tidal marsh DB+12 -- Estuary and tidal marsh DB+12.6 -- Estuary and tidal marsh DB-02 -- Estuary and tidal marsh DUP5 -- Myxohaline tidal creek and marsh DUP6 -- Myxohaline tidal creek and marsh FD_MET -- Barrier island SP+00 -- Estuary and tidal marsh SP+03 -- Estuary and tidal marsh SP+06 -- Estuary and tidal marsh SP+09 -- Estuary and tidal marsh SP+12 -- Estuary and tidal marsh SP+14 -- Estuary and tidal marsh SP+15 -- Estuary and tidal marsh SP+18 -- Estuary and tidal marsh SP+25 -- Estuary and tidal marsh SP+27 -- Estuary and tidal marsh SP+28 -- Estuary and tidal marsh SP+32 -- Estuary and tidal marsh SP+36 -- Estuary and tidal marsh c. Landform Components: GCE-AL -- Intertidal marsh bordering sounds, tidal channels and creeks GCE-DB -- Intertidal marsh bordering sounds, tidal channels and creeks GCE-DP -- Intertidal marsh bordering tidal channels and creeks GCE-SP -- Intertidal marsh bordering sounds, tidal channels and creeks GCE1 -- Intertidal salt marsh bordering maritime forest GCE10 -- Intertidal salt marsh bordering maritime forest GCE2 -- Intertidal salt marsh GCE3 -- Intertidal salt marsh, mud flat, and maritime forest GCE4 -- Intertidal salt marsh bordering maritime forest GCE5 -- Intertidal salt marsh GCE6 -- Intertidal salt marsh, sand beach, maritime forest GCE7 -- Freshwater tidal marsh, devegetated fields GCE8 -- Brackish tidal marsh GCE9 -- Intertidal salt marsh AL+00 -- Intertidal marsh bordering sounds, tidal channels and creeks AL+02 -- Intertidal marsh bordering sounds, tidal channels and creeks AL+04 -- Intertidal marsh bordering sounds, tidal channels and creeks AL+06 -- Intertidal marsh bordering sounds, tidal channels and creeks AL+08 -- Intertidal marsh bordering sounds, tidal channels and creeks AL+10 -- Intertidal marsh bordering sounds, tidal channels and creeks AL+12 -- Intertidal marsh bordering sounds, tidal channels and creeks AL+13 -- Intertidal marsh bordering sounds, tidal channels and creeks AL+14 -- Intertidal marsh bordering sounds, tidal channels and creeks AL+16 -- Intertidal marsh bordering sounds, tidal channels and creeks AL+18 -- Intertidal marsh bordering sounds, tidal channels and creeks AL+20 -- Intertidal marsh bordering sounds, tidal channels and creeks AL+22 -- Intertidal marsh bordering sounds, tidal channels and creeks AL+24 -- Intertidal marsh bordering sounds, tidal channels and creeks AL+26 -- Intertidal marsh bordering sounds, tidal channels and creeks AL+28 -- Intertidal marsh bordering sounds, tidal channels and creeks AL-02 -- Intertidal marsh bordering sounds, tidal channels and creeks AL-03 -- Intertidal marsh bordering sounds, tidal channels and creeks AL-04 -- Intertidal marsh bordering sounds, tidal channels and creeks DB+00 -- Intertidal marsh bordering sounds, tidal channels and creeks DB+02 -- Intertidal marsh bordering sounds, tidal channels and creeks DB+03 -- Intertidal marsh bordering sounds, tidal channels and creeks DB+04 -- Intertidal marsh bordering sounds, tidal channels and creeks DB+06 -- Intertidal marsh bordering sounds, tidal channels and creeks DB+08 -- Intertidal marsh bordering sounds, tidal channels and creeks DB+09 -- Intertidal marsh bordering sounds, tidal channels and creeks DB+10 -- Intertidal marsh bordering sounds, tidal channels and creeks DB+12 -- Intertidal marsh bordering sounds, tidal channels and creeks DB+12.6 -- Intertidal marsh bordering sounds, tidal channels and creeks DB-02 -- Intertidal marsh bordering sounds, tidal channels and creeks DUP5 -- Intertidal marsh bordering tidal channels and creeks DUP6 -- Intertidal marsh bordering tidal channels and creeks FD_MET -- Intertidal salt marsh bordering maritime forest SP+00 -- Intertidal marsh bordering sounds, tidal channels and creeks SP+03 -- Intertidal marsh bordering sounds, tidal channels and creeks SP+06 -- Intertidal marsh bordering sounds, tidal channels and creeks SP+09 -- Intertidal marsh bordering sounds, tidal channels and creeks SP+12 -- Intertidal marsh bordering sounds, tidal channels and creeks SP+14 -- Intertidal marsh bordering sounds, tidal channels and creeks SP+15 -- Intertidal marsh bordering sounds, tidal channels and creeks SP+18 -- Intertidal marsh bordering sounds, tidal channels and creeks SP+25 -- Intertidal marsh bordering sounds, tidal channels and creeks SP+27 -- Intertidal marsh bordering sounds, tidal channels and creeks SP+28 -- Intertidal marsh bordering sounds, tidal channels and creeks SP+32 -- Intertidal marsh bordering sounds, tidal channels and creeks SP+36 -- Intertidal marsh bordering sounds, tidal channels and creeks d. Hydrographic Characteristics: GCE-AL -- Site encompasses the Altamaha River estuary and nearby tidal creeks, and is subject to 2-3.4m semi-diurnal tides. High freshwater input from the Altamaha River, one of the largest rivers in the Southeastern United States. GCE-DB -- Site encompasses Doboy Sound and nearby tidal channels and creeks, and is subject to 2-3.4m semi-diurnal tides. GCE-DP -- Site includes the Duplin River and various smaller tidal creeks and channels GCE-SP -- Site includes the Sapelo River and Sapelo Sound, and is subject to 2-3.4m semi-diurnal tides. Sapelo Sound is a lagunal estuary system, with minimal freshwater stream or river input. GCE1 -- Site contains the upper reaches of the Sapelo River, and is subject to 2-3m semi-diurnal tides GCE10 -- Site borders the Mud River and contains tidal creeks and the upper reach of the Duplin River, and is subject to 2-3m semi-diurnal tides GCE2 -- Site contains the Sapelo River and associated tidal creeks, and is subject to 2-3m semi-diurnal tides GCE3 -- Site includes Sapelo Sound and portions of Blackbeard Creek, and is subject to 2-3m semi-diurnal tides GCE4 -- Site includes Hudson Creek and is subject to 2-3m semi-diurnal tides GCE5 -- Site contains the Folly River and borders Doboy Sound, and is subject to 2-3m semi-diurnal tides GCE6 -- Site contains Dean Creek and borders Doboy Sound, and is subject to 2-3m semi-diurnal tides GCE7 -- Site contains Hammersmith Creek and borders the South Champney River, and is subject to 2-3m semi-diurnal tides GCE8 -- Site contains the Altamaha River, and is subject to 2-3m semi-diurnal tides GCE9 -- Site contains Crooked Creek and borders the Little Mud River, and is subject to 2-3m semi-diurnal tides AL+00 -- Site encompasses the Altamaha River estuary and nearby tidal creeks, and is subject to 2-3.4m semi-diurnal tides. High freshwater input from the Altamaha River, one of the largest rivers in the Southeastern United States. AL+02 -- Site encompasses the Altamaha River estuary and nearby tidal creeks, and is subject to 2-3.4m semi-diurnal tides. High freshwater input from the Altamaha River, one of the largest rivers in the Southeastern United States. AL+04 -- Site encompasses the Altamaha River estuary and nearby tidal creeks, and is subject to 2-3.4m semi-diurnal tides. High freshwater input from the Altamaha River, one of the largest rivers in the Southeastern United States. AL+06 -- Site encompasses the Altamaha River estuary and nearby tidal creeks, and is subject to 2-3.4m semi-diurnal tides. High freshwater input from the Altamaha River, one of the largest rivers in the Southeastern United States. AL+08 -- Site encompasses the Altamaha River estuary and nearby tidal creeks, and is subject to 2-3.4m semi-diurnal tides. High freshwater input from the Altamaha River, one of the largest rivers in the Southeastern United States. AL+10 -- Site encompasses the Altamaha River estuary and nearby tidal creeks, and is subject to 2-3.4m semi-diurnal tides. High freshwater input from the Altamaha River, one of the largest rivers in the Southeastern United States. AL+12 -- Site encompasses the Altamaha River estuary and nearby tidal creeks, and is subject to 2-3.4m semi-diurnal tides. High freshwater input from the Altamaha River, one of the largest rivers in the Southeastern United States. AL+13 -- Site encompasses the Altamaha River estuary and nearby tidal creeks, and is subject to 2-3.4m semi-diurnal tides. High freshwater input from the Altamaha River, one of the largest rivers in the Southeastern United States. AL+14 -- Site encompasses the Altamaha River estuary and nearby tidal creeks, and is subject to 2-3.4m semi-diurnal tides. High freshwater input from the Altamaha River, one of the largest rivers in the Southeastern United States. AL+16 -- Site encompasses the Altamaha River estuary and nearby tidal creeks, and is subject to 2-3.4m semi-diurnal tides. High freshwater input from the Altamaha River, one of the largest rivers in the Southeastern United States. AL+18 -- Site encompasses the Altamaha River estuary and nearby tidal creeks, and is subject to 2-3.4m semi-diurnal tides. High freshwater input from the Altamaha River, one of the largest rivers in the Southeastern United States. AL+20 -- Site encompasses the Altamaha River estuary and nearby tidal creeks, and is subject to 2-3.4m semi-diurnal tides. High freshwater input from the Altamaha River, one of the largest rivers in the Southeastern United States. AL+22 -- Site encompasses the Altamaha River estuary and nearby tidal creeks, and is subject to 2-3.4m semi-diurnal tides. High freshwater input from the Altamaha River, one of the largest rivers in the Southeastern United States. AL+24 -- Site encompasses the Altamaha River estuary and nearby tidal creeks, and is subject to 2-3.4m semi-diurnal tides. High freshwater input from the Altamaha River, one of the largest rivers in the Southeastern United States. AL+26 -- Site encompasses the Altamaha River estuary and nearby tidal creeks, and is subject to 2-3.4m semi-diurnal tides. High freshwater input from the Altamaha River, one of the largest rivers in the Southeastern United States. AL+28 -- Site encompasses the Altamaha River estuary and nearby tidal creeks, and is subject to 2-3.4m semi-diurnal tides. High freshwater input from the Altamaha River, one of the largest rivers in the Southeastern United States. AL-02 -- Site encompasses the Altamaha River estuary and nearby tidal creeks, and is subject to 2-3.4m semi-diurnal tides. High freshwater input from the Altamaha River, one of the largest rivers in the Southeastern United States. AL-03 -- Site encompasses the Altamaha River estuary and nearby tidal creeks, and is subject to 2-3.4m semi-diurnal tides. High freshwater input from the Altamaha River, one of the largest rivers in the Southeastern United States. AL-04 -- Site encompasses the Altamaha River estuary and nearby tidal creeks, and is subject to 2-3.4m semi-diurnal tides. High freshwater input from the Altamaha River, one of the largest rivers in the Southeastern United States. DB+00 -- Site encompasses Doboy Sound and nearby tidal channels and creeks, and is subject to 2-3.4m semi-diurnal tides. DB+02 -- Site encompasses Doboy Sound and nearby tidal channels and creeks, and is subject to 2-3.4m semi-diurnal tides. DB+03 -- Site encompasses Doboy Sound and nearby tidal channels and creeks, and is subject to 2-3.4m semi-diurnal tides. DB+04 -- Site encompasses Doboy Sound and nearby tidal channels and creeks, and is subject to 2-3.4m semi-diurnal tides. DB+06 -- Site encompasses Doboy Sound and nearby tidal channels and creeks, and is subject to 2-3.4m semi-diurnal tides. DB+08 -- Site encompasses Doboy Sound and nearby tidal channels and creeks, and is subject to 2-3.4m semi-diurnal tides. DB+09 -- Site encompasses Doboy Sound and nearby tidal channels and creeks, and is subject to 2-3.4m semi-diurnal tides. DB+10 -- Site encompasses Doboy Sound and nearby tidal channels and creeks, and is subject to 2-3.4m semi-diurnal tides. DB+12 -- Site encompasses Doboy Sound and nearby tidal channels and creeks, and is subject to 2-3.4m semi-diurnal tides. DB+12.6 -- Site encompasses Doboy Sound and nearby tidal channels and creeks, and is subject to 2-3.4m semi-diurnal tides. DB-02 -- Site encompasses Doboy Sound and nearby tidal channels and creeks, and is subject to 2-3.4m semi-diurnal tides. DUP5 -- Site includes the Duplin River and various smaller tidal creeks and channels DUP6 -- Site includes the Duplin River and various smaller tidal creeks and channels FD_MET -- Site borders the Mud River and contains tidal creeks and the upper reach of the Duplin River, and is subject to 2-3m semi-diurnal tides SP+00 -- Site includes the Sapelo River and Sapelo Sound, and is subject to 2-3.4m semi-diurnal tides. Sapelo Sound is a lagunal estuary system, with minimal freshwater stream or river input. SP+03 -- Site includes the Sapelo River and Sapelo Sound, and is subject to 2-3.4m semi-diurnal tides. Sapelo Sound is a lagunal estuary system, with minimal freshwater stream or river input. SP+06 -- Site includes the Sapelo River and Sapelo Sound, and is subject to 2-3.4m semi-diurnal tides. Sapelo Sound is a lagunal estuary system, with minimal freshwater stream or river input. SP+09 -- Site includes the Sapelo River and Sapelo Sound, and is subject to 2-3.4m semi-diurnal tides. Sapelo Sound is a lagunal estuary system, with minimal freshwater stream or river input. SP+12 -- Site includes the Sapelo River and Sapelo Sound, and is subject to 2-3.4m semi-diurnal tides. Sapelo Sound is a lagunal estuary system, with minimal freshwater stream or river input. SP+14 -- Site includes the Sapelo River and Sapelo Sound, and is subject to 2-3.4m semi-diurnal tides. Sapelo Sound is a lagunal estuary system, with minimal freshwater stream or river input. SP+15 -- Site includes the Sapelo River and Sapelo Sound, and is subject to 2-3.4m semi-diurnal tides. Sapelo Sound is a lagunal estuary system, with minimal freshwater stream or river input. SP+18 -- Site includes the Sapelo River and Sapelo Sound, and is subject to 2-3.4m semi-diurnal tides. Sapelo Sound is a lagunal estuary system, with minimal freshwater stream or river input. SP+25 -- Site includes the Sapelo River and Sapelo Sound, and is subject to 2-3.4m semi-diurnal tides. Sapelo Sound is a lagunal estuary system, with minimal freshwater stream or river input. SP+27 -- Site includes the Sapelo River and Sapelo Sound, and is subject to 2-3.4m semi-diurnal tides. Sapelo Sound is a lagunal estuary system, with minimal freshwater stream or river input. SP+28 -- Site includes the Sapelo River and Sapelo Sound, and is subject to 2-3.4m semi-diurnal tides. Sapelo Sound is a lagunal estuary system, with minimal freshwater stream or river input. SP+32 -- Site includes the Sapelo River and Sapelo Sound, and is subject to 2-3.4m semi-diurnal tides. Sapelo Sound is a lagunal estuary system, with minimal freshwater stream or river input. SP+36 -- Site includes the Sapelo River and Sapelo Sound, and is subject to 2-3.4m semi-diurnal tides. Sapelo Sound is a lagunal estuary system, with minimal freshwater stream or river input. e. Topographic Attributes: GCE-AL -- Flat, with elevations ranging from 0-3.4m above mean low tide GCE-DB -- Flat, with elevations ranging from 0-3.4m above mean low tide GCE-DP -- Flat, with elevations ranging from 0-3.4m above mean low tide GCE-SP -- Flat, with elevations ranging from 0-3.4m above mean low tide GCE1 -- Flat, with elevations ranging from 0-3m above mean low tide GCE10 -- Flat, with elevations ranging from 0-3m above mean low tide GCE2 -- Flat, with elevations ranging from 0-3m above mean low tide GCE3 -- Flat, with elevations ranging from 0-3m above mean low tide GCE4 -- Flat, with elevations ranging from 0-3m above mean low tide GCE5 -- Flat, with elevations ranging from 0-3m above mean low tide GCE6 -- Flat, with elevations ranging from 0-3m above mean low tide GCE7 -- Flat, with elevations ranging from 0-3m above mean low tide GCE8 -- Flat, with elevations ranging from 0-3m above mean low tide GCE9 -- Flat, with elevations ranging from 0-3m above mean low tide AL+00 -- Flat, with elevations ranging from 0-3.4m above mean low tide AL+02 -- Flat, with elevations ranging from 0-3.4m above mean low tide AL+04 -- Flat, with elevations ranging from 0-3.4m above mean low tide AL+06 -- Flat, with elevations ranging from 0-3.4m above mean low tide AL+08 -- Flat, with elevations ranging from 0-3.4m above mean low tide AL+10 -- Flat, with elevations ranging from 0-3.4m above mean low tide AL+12 -- Flat, with elevations ranging from 0-3.4m above mean low tide AL+13 -- Flat, with elevations ranging from 0-3.4m above mean low tide AL+14 -- Flat, with elevations ranging from 0-3.4m above mean low tide AL+16 -- Flat, with elevations ranging from 0-3.4m above mean low tide AL+18 -- Flat, with elevations ranging from 0-3.4m above mean low tide AL+20 -- Flat, with elevations ranging from 0-3.4m above mean low tide AL+22 -- Flat, with elevations ranging from 0-3.4m above mean low tide AL+24 -- Flat, with elevations ranging from 0-3.4m above mean low tide AL+26 -- Flat, with elevations ranging from 0-3.4m above mean low tide AL+28 -- Flat, with elevations ranging from 0-3.4m above mean low tide AL-02 -- Flat, with elevations ranging from 0-3.4m above mean low tide AL-03 -- Flat, with elevations ranging from 0-3.4m above mean low tide AL-04 -- Flat, with elevations ranging from 0-3.4m above mean low tide DB+00 -- Flat, with elevations ranging from 0-3.4m above mean low tide DB+02 -- Flat, with elevations ranging from 0-3.4m above mean low tide DB+03 -- Flat, with elevations ranging from 0-3.4m above mean low tide DB+04 -- Flat, with elevations ranging from 0-3.4m above mean low tide DB+06 -- Flat, with elevations ranging from 0-3.4m above mean low tide DB+08 -- Flat, with elevations ranging from 0-3.4m above mean low tide DB+09 -- Flat, with elevations ranging from 0-3.4m above mean low tide DB+10 -- Flat, with elevations ranging from 0-3.4m above mean low tide DB+12 -- Flat, with elevations ranging from 0-3.4m above mean low tide DB+12.6 -- Flat, with elevations ranging from 0-3.4m above mean low tide DB-02 -- Flat, with elevations ranging from 0-3.4m above mean low tide DUP5 -- Flat, with elevations ranging from 0-3.4m above mean low tide DUP6 -- Flat, with elevations ranging from 0-3.4m above mean low tide FD_MET -- Flat, with elevations ranging from 0-3m above mean low tide SP+00 -- Flat, with elevations ranging from 0-3.4m above mean low tide SP+03 -- Flat, with elevations ranging from 0-3.4m above mean low tide SP+06 -- Flat, with elevations ranging from 0-3.4m above mean low tide SP+09 -- Flat, with elevations ranging from 0-3.4m above mean low tide SP+12 -- Flat, with elevations ranging from 0-3.4m above mean low tide SP+14 -- Flat, with elevations ranging from 0-3.4m above mean low tide SP+15 -- Flat, with elevations ranging from 0-3.4m above mean low tide SP+18 -- Flat, with elevations ranging from 0-3.4m above mean low tide SP+25 -- Flat, with elevations ranging from 0-3.4m above mean low tide SP+27 -- Flat, with elevations ranging from 0-3.4m above mean low tide SP+28 -- Flat, with elevations ranging from 0-3.4m above mean low tide SP+32 -- Flat, with elevations ranging from 0-3.4m above mean low tide SP+36 -- Flat, with elevations ranging from 0-3.4m above mean low tide f. Geology, Lithology and Soils: GCE-AL -- unspecified GCE-DB -- unspecified GCE-DP -- unspecified GCE-SP -- unspecified GCE1 -- unspecified GCE10 -- unspecified GCE2 -- unspecified GCE3 -- unspecified GCE4 -- unspecified GCE5 -- unspecified GCE6 -- unspecified GCE7 -- unspecified GCE8 -- unspecified GCE9 -- unspecified AL+00 -- unspecified AL+02 -- unspecified AL+04 -- unspecified AL+06 -- unspecified AL+08 -- unspecified AL+10 -- unspecified AL+12 -- unspecified AL+13 -- unspecified AL+14 -- unspecified AL+16 -- unspecified AL+18 -- unspecified AL+20 -- unspecified AL+22 -- unspecified AL+24 -- unspecified AL+26 -- unspecified AL+28 -- unspecified AL-02 -- unspecified AL-03 -- unspecified AL-04 -- unspecified DB+00 -- unspecified DB+02 -- unspecified DB+03 -- unspecified DB+04 -- unspecified DB+06 -- unspecified DB+08 -- unspecified DB+09 -- unspecified DB+10 -- unspecified DB+12 -- unspecified DB+12.6 -- unspecified DB-02 -- unspecified DUP5 -- unspecified DUP6 -- unspecified FD_MET -- unspecified SP+00 -- unspecified SP+03 -- unspecified SP+06 -- unspecified SP+09 -- unspecified SP+12 -- unspecified SP+14 -- unspecified SP+15 -- unspecified SP+18 -- unspecified SP+25 -- unspecified SP+27 -- unspecified SP+28 -- unspecified SP+32 -- unspecified SP+36 -- unspecified g. Vegetation Communities: GCE-AL -- unspecified GCE-DB -- unspecified GCE-DP -- unspecified GCE-SP -- unspecified GCE1 -- Vegetation is 3/4 Juncus and 1/4 Spartina alterniflora, and upland area is heavily forested. GCE10 -- Vegetation mostly tall and medium Spartina alterniflora, with some Juncus present. Upland heavily forested. GCE2 -- Spartina alterniflora all tall or medium. GCE3 -- Short and tall Spartina alterniflora, very small amounts of Juncus. GCE4 -- Vegetation is 1/4 Juncus, 3/4 medium and tall Spartina alterniflora. GCE5 -- Dominated by short and medium Spartina alterniflora, with areas of taller S. alterniflora near several small creeks. GCE6 -- Vegetation is mostly short and tall Spartina alterniflora, with small amounts of Juncus and Borrichia. GCE7 -- dominated by Zizaniopsis GCE8 -- Fringe of tall Spartina alterniflora and S. cynosuroides at creek banks. High marsh has narrow band of medium height S. alterniflora backed by vast expanses of Juncus. GCE9 -- Low marsh is tall Spartina alterniflora, high marsh has a small amount of medium Spartina alterniflora and lots of Juncus. Some hammocks with upland vegetation. AL+00 -- unspecified AL+02 -- unspecified AL+04 -- unspecified AL+06 -- unspecified AL+08 -- unspecified AL+10 -- unspecified AL+12 -- unspecified AL+13 -- unspecified AL+14 -- unspecified AL+16 -- unspecified AL+18 -- unspecified AL+20 -- unspecified AL+22 -- unspecified AL+24 -- unspecified AL+26 -- unspecified AL+28 -- unspecified AL-02 -- unspecified AL-03 -- unspecified AL-04 -- unspecified DB+00 -- unspecified DB+02 -- unspecified DB+03 -- unspecified DB+04 -- unspecified DB+06 -- unspecified DB+08 -- unspecified DB+09 -- unspecified DB+10 -- unspecified DB+12 -- unspecified DB+12.6 -- unspecified DB-02 -- unspecified DUP5 -- unspecified DUP6 -- unspecified FD_MET -- Vegetation mostly tall and medium Spartina alterniflora, with some Juncus present. Upland heavily forested. SP+00 -- unspecified SP+03 -- unspecified SP+06 -- unspecified SP+09 -- unspecified SP+12 -- unspecified SP+14 -- unspecified SP+15 -- unspecified SP+18 -- unspecified SP+25 -- unspecified SP+27 -- unspecified SP+28 -- unspecified SP+32 -- unspecified SP+36 -- unspecified h. History of Land Use and Disturbance: none recorded i. Climate: Climate summary for Sapelo Island, Georgia, based on NWS data from 1980-2010: Daily-aggregated Values: Mean (sample standard deviation) mean air temperature: 20.09°C (7.28°C) minimum air temperature: 15.02°C (7.96°C) maximum air temperature: 24.82°C (6.98°C) total precipitation: 3.26mm (10.3mm) Yearly-aggregated Daily Values: Mean (sample standard deviation) total precipitation (1980-2010): 1124mm (266mm) 2. Experimental or Sampling Design a. Design Characteristics: Water samples were collected at the core GCE sampling areas study temporal changes in the concentration of nutrients, dissolved organics, particulate nutrients, suspended sediments, and particulate Fe and P. b. Permanent Plots: none c. Data Collection Duration and Frequency: Samples were collected every three months between June 2001 and December 2006. After November 2006, samples were collected approximately monthly. Beginning of Observations: May 28, 2001 End of Observations: Aug 13, 2009 3. Research Methods a. Field and Laboratory Methods: Method 1: Sample Preparation -- Water samples were filtered through ashed GF/F filters, then the filtrate was collected and stored in HDPE plastic bottles at 4°C until analysis. Analysis of nutrients and dissolved organics was completed within two weeks, and ICP-MS analysis was completed within six months. Water was filtered through GF/F filters and solid phase material was collected for particulate C-N (3 replicates from each site) and TSS (and subsequently particulate Fe and P) (3 replicates from each site). Method 2: Ammonium Measurement -- Ammonium (NH4+) concentration was measured using the standard colorimetric phenolhypochlorite method (reference: Solorzano, L. 1969. Determination of ammonia in natural waters by the phenolhypochlorite method. Limnol. Oceanogr. 14: 799-801). Ammonium standards (0, 0.5, 1.0, 2.5, 5, 10, 20, 40 and 80 uM) were made in 18 megaohm deionized water from ammonium chloride. 5 ml sample and standard volumes were reacted with the analysis reagents, allowed to incubate for 2 hours, and read at 640 nm on a Shimadzu spectrophotometer in a 1 cm cell blanked with deionized water. Method 3: Phosphate Measurement -- Phosphate (PO43-) concentration was measured using a standard autoanalyzer protocol (reference: Lachat Instruments FIA 8000 Autoanalyzer Method 31-115-01-1-H). Phosphate standards were prepared in 18 megaohm deionized water from potassium phosphate at 0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.5, 1.0, 2.5, 5, 10 and 20 uM concentrations. Method 4: Nitrate+Nitrite Measurement -- Nitrate plus Nitrite (NO3- + NO2-) concentration was determined by cadmium reduction (NO3-) or colorimetry (NO2-) using a standard autoanalyzer protocol (reference: Lachat Instruments FIA 8000 Autoanalyzer Method 31-107-04-1-A). Nitrate (potassium nitrate) and nitrite (sodium nitrite) standards were prepared in 18 megaohm deionized water at 0, 0.5, 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 40 and 80 uM concentrations. Cadmium column reduction efficiency was checked every 15 samples during every sample run. Method 5: Dissolved Organic Carbon Measurement -- Dissolved organic carbon concentration was measured by high-temperature catalytic oxidation using a Shimadzu Instruments TOC 5000. DOC standards were prepared in 18 megaohm deionized water with potassium hydrogen phthalate at concentrations of 0, 100, 250, 500, 1000 and 2000 uM C. Samples and standards (5 ml) were acidified with 25 ul of 6 N HCl and purged with CO2 free air for 15 minutes prior to injection. The concentration of 3 replicates per sample were averaged to determine the DOC concentration. Method 6: Total Dissolved Nitrogen Measurement -- TDN concentration was measured by high temperature catalytic oxidation using a Shimadzu Instruments TOC 5000 coupled to an Antek Instruments model 7020 NO analyzer (reference: Alvarez-Salgado, X. A., and A. E. J. Miller. 1998. Simultaneous determination of dissolved organic carbon and total dissolved nitrogen in seawater by high temperature catalytic oxidation: conditions for precise shipboard measurements. Mar. Chem. 62: 325-333). TDN standards were prepared in 18 megaohm deionized water from amino acetic acid at concentrations of 0, 25, 50, 100, 250 and 500 uM. Unacidified samples and standards were injected in triplicate. DON was calculated as the difference between the TDN and dissolved inorganic nitrogen (NH4 + NOx) on the same sample. Method recovery of several inorganic and organic nitrogen compounds (NH4+, NO3-, NO2-, Urea, Nicotonic acid) was checked periodically. Method 7: Total Dissolved Phosphorus Measurement -- TDP was measured by high temperature combustion and hydrolysis (reference: Monaghan, E. J., and K. C. Ruttenberg. 1999. Dissolved organic phosphorus in the coastal ocean: Reassessment of available methods and seasonal phosphorus profiles from the Eel River Shelf. Limnol. Oceanogr. 44: 1702-1714). Standards were prepared in 18 megaohm deionized water from potassium phosphate at 0, 0.1, 0.5, 1.0, 2.5, 5, 10 and 20 uM concentrations. Method recovery of organic phosphorus compounds was checked periodically using uracil tri-phosphate standards at the same concentrations. After evaporation, combustion and hydrolysis of samples and standards, TDP was determined as phosphate by standard colorimetric autoanalyzer assay (see phosphate analysis protocol). DOP was calculated as the difference between TDP and dissolved inorganic phosphorus (PO43-) on the same sample. Method 8: Particulate carbon and nitrogen -- Water samples are mmediately filtered through pre-ashed 25 mm GF/F filters using polycarbonate in-line filter holders and a vacuum of less than 100 mm Hg. PC and PN was determined using ThermoFinnigan FLASH-EA elemental analyzer which utilizes a high-temperature flash combustion to generate CO2 and N2 from organic matter. These gases are separated temporally using a gas chromatographic column and concentration is quantified using a thermal conductivity detector. The instrument is calibrated with acetanilide. Each filter is transferred to a silver boat and weighed on a Mettler microbalance. The silver boats are then fumed with concentrated HCl for 36 hours to volatilize inorganic carbon. The fumed boats are desiccated overnight and then analyzed for total nitrogen and organic carbon. The results from the C/N analysis yield %C and %N. (reference: Verardo, D. J., Froelich, P. N. and MacIntyre, A. (1990). Determination of organic carbon and nitrogen in marine sediments using the Carlo Erba NA-1500 Analyser. Deep Sea Res. 37: 157-165.) Method 9: Chlorophyll -- Water samples are immediately filtered through pre-ashed 25 mm GF/F filters using polycarbonate in-line filter holders and a vacuum of less than 100 mm Hg. Filters are folded in half twice and wrapped in aluminum foil, amended with one to two drops of saturated magnesum carbonate, labeled, and stored frozen (to avoid degradation) until analysis. Filters are exracted in 5 mL of 100% acetone. The samples are covered with Parafilm to reduce evaporation, sonicated (0°C, subdued light) and allowed to extract for 24 hours in the dark at -4°C. Afterwards, samples are vortexed and centrifuged (5 minutes at 4 C) to remove cellular debris. The volume filtered varied with sampling location; basically, water was filtered until the flow through filter slowed substantially. The fluorometer is warmed up and stabilized for 30 minutes prior to use. It is then zeroed with 90% acetone. 1.0 ml of pigment extract is mixed with 4.0 ml 90% acetone in a cuvette and read on the appropriate door to give a reading between 30 and 100. The sample is then acidified with 2 drops of 1.2 M HCl. Further dilutions will be necessary for higher chlorophyll a concentrations. The fluorometer is calibrated every 4 to 6 months with a commercially available chlorophyll a standard. (Reference: Holm-Hansen, O., and B. Riemann. (1978). Chlorophyll a determination: improvements in methodology. Oikos, 30: 438-447.) Method 10: Total Suspended Solids (TSS) -- A well-mixed water sample is filtered through a pre-ashed GF/F glass fiber filter, and the residue retained on the filter is dried to constant weight at >100 ºC. Triplicate samples are collected for each study site. The volume filtered is recorded and the TSS value is reported as mg dry sediment per L of water (EPA Method 340.2: http://www.epa.gov/glnpo/lmmb/methods/methd340.pdf or Methods for the Chemical Analysis of Water and Waster, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, EPA 600/4-79-020, p. 160.2, (1979)) Method 11: Total Particulate Iron and Phosphorus -- After determination of TSS, each filter is transferred to a 10 mL clean (acid soaked, milliQ rinsed) scintillation vial. Particulate matter collected on a glass fiber filter is ashed at low temperature to destroy organic matter. The ashed filter is heated with dilute HCl to extract the phosphorus and and iron. The resulting dissolved phosphorus and iron are then analyzed using standard colorimetric methods. Procedure--Add 5 ml 0.1M MgCl2 to each sample, and then evaporate at 80 C (not capped). After evaporating, ash for 2-3 h at 500 C (not capped). Then, add 5 ml 1N HCl to hydrolize (capped) at 80 C for 1 hour. After cooling, split this volume into two-2 mL subsamples--use one for PO4 analysis and one for Fe2+ analysis. Phosphorus and reduced iron are analyzed using standard colorimetric methods (Solorzano and Stookey, respectively). (References: Solorzano, L., and Sharp, J. H. 1980. Determination of total dissolved phosphorus and particulate phosphorus in natural waters. Limnol. Oceanogr. 25: 754-758; Zhou, Y., Zhang, F., Yang, H., Zhang, S., Ma, X. 2003. Comparison of effectiveness of different ashing auxiliaries for determination of phosphorus in natural waters, aquatic organisms and sediments by ignition method. Water Res. 37: 3875-3882; Stookey, L. L. 1970. Ferrozine – A new spectrophotometric reagent for iron. Anal. Chem. 42:779-781) Method 12: Elemental Analysis -- The concentrations of 20 elements (Ca, K, Mg, Na, Si, and Sr) were measured using inductively-coupled argon plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) by the University of Georgia Chemical Analysis Laboratory, Athens, Georgia. b. Instrumentation: Method 1: none Method 2: Spectrophotometer Manufacturer: Shimadzu Instruments (Model: UV-1601) Parameter: Ammonium concentration (Accuracy: 0.1 µM, Range: 0.2 to 80 µM) Protocol: Solorzano, L. 1969. Determination of ammonia in natural waters by the phenolhypochlorite method. Limnol. Oceanogr. 14: 799-801 Method 3: Flow Injection Autoanalyzer Manufacturer: Lachat Instruments (Model: FIA 8000) Parameter: Phosphate concentration (Accuracy: 0.05 µM, Readability: 0.03 µM, Range: 0.1 to 80 µM) Protocol: Lachat Instruments FIA 8000 Autoanalyzer Method 31-115-01-1-H Spectrophotometer Manufacturer: Shimadzu Instruments (Model: UV-1601) Parameter: Phosphate (Readability: 0.3 µM, Range: 0.5-10 µg P/mg sediment) Protocol: Solorzano, L., and Sharp, J. H. 1980. Determination of total dissolved phosphorus and particulate phosphorus in natural waters. Limnol. Oceanogr. 25: 754-758. Zhou, Y., Zhang, F., Yang, H., Zhang, S., Ma, X. 2003. Comparison of effectiveness of different ashing auxiliaries for determination of phosphorus in natural waters, aquatic organisms and sediments by ignition method. Water Res. 37: 3875-3882. Method 4: Flow Injection Autoanalyzer Manufacturer: Lachat Instruments (Model: FIA 8000) Parameter: Nitrate+Nitrite concentration (Accuracy: 0.2 µM, Readability: 0.009 0.2 µM, Range: 0.5 to 100 µM) Protocol: Lachat Instruments FIA 8000 Autoanalyzer Method 31-107-04-1-A Method 5: TOC analyzer Manufacturer: Shimadzu Instruments (Model: TOC 5000) Parameter: Non-purgable organic carbon concentration (Accuracy: 2 µM, Range: 10 to 2000 µM) Protocol: Instrument calibrated prior to each analysis Method 6: NO analyzer Manufacturer: Antek Instruments (Model: 7020) Parameter: Total dissolved nitrogen concentration (Accuracy: 2 µM, Range: 10 to 1000 µM) Protocol: Alvarez-Salgado, X. A., and A. E. J. Miller. 1998. Simultaneous determination of dissolved organic carbon and total dissolved nitrogen in seawater by high temperature catalytic oxidation: conditions for precise shipboard measurements. Mar. Chem. 62: 325-333. TOC analyzer Manufacturer: Shimadzu Instruments (Model: TOC 5000) Parameter: Non-purgable organic carbon concentration (Accuracy: 2 µM, Range: 10 to 2000 µM) Protocol: Instrument calibrated prior to each analysis Method 7: Flow Injection Autoanalyzer Manufacturer: Lachat Instruments (Model: FIA 8000) Parameter: Phosphate concentration (Accuracy: 0.05 µM, Readability: 0.03 µM, Range: 0.1 to 80 µM) Protocol: Lachat Instruments FIA 8000 Autoanalyzer Method 31-115-01-1-H Spectrophotometer Manufacturer: Shimadzu Instruments (Model: UV-1601) Parameter: Phosphate (Readability: 0.3 µM, Range: 0.5-10 µg P/mg sediment) Protocol: Solorzano, L., and Sharp, J. H. 1980. Determination of total dissolved phosphorus and particulate phosphorus in natural waters. Limnol. Oceanogr. 25: 754-758. Zhou, Y., Zhang, F., Yang, H., Zhang, S., Ma, X. 2003. Comparison of effectiveness of different ashing auxiliaries for determination of phosphorus in natural waters, aquatic organisms and sediments by ignition method. Water Res. 37: 3875-3882. Method 8: Soil Analyzer Manufacturer: Thermo Finnigan (Model: Flash EA 1112) Parameter: Carbon (%) (Readability: 0.01%, Range: 0.01-100%) Protocol: Gordon, Jr. D.C. 1969. Examination of methods of particulate organic carbon analysis. Deep-Sea Research 16:661-665. Sharp, J.H. 1974. Improved analysis for "particulate" organic carbon and nitrogen from seawater. L&O 19:984-989. Parameter: Nitrogen (%) (Readability: 0.01%, Range: 0.01-100%) Protocol: Gordon, Jr. D.C. 1969. Examination of methods of particulate organic carbon analysis. Deep-Sea Research 16:661-665. Sharp, J.H. 1974. Improved analysis for "particulate" organic carbon and nitrogen from seawater. L&O 19:984-989. Method 9: Spectrophotometer Manufacturer: Shimadzu Instruments (Model: UV-1601) Parameter: Chlorophyll a concentration (Accuracy: 1 mg/m^2, Range: 1 to 500 mg/m^2) Protocol: Strickland, J. D. H., and Parsons, T. R. 1972. A practical handbook of seawater analysis. Fisheries Research Board of Canada. pp. 49-52. Method 10: Drying oven Manufacturer: Fisher Scientific (Model: Isotemp 516G) Electronic balance Manufacturer: Denver Instruments (Model: TR-203) Parameter: Mass (Accuracy: 0.001 g, Range: 0.001 to 210 g) Method 11: Muffle furnace Manufacturer: Fisher Scientific (Model: Isotemp Series 650 Model 126) Spectrophotometer Manufacturer: Shimadzu Instruments (Model: UV-1601) Parameter: Phosphate (Readability: 0.3 µM, Range: 0.5-10 µg P/mg sediment) Protocol: Solorzano, L., and Sharp, J. H. 1980. Determination of total dissolved phosphorus and particulate phosphorus in natural waters. Limnol. Oceanogr. 25: 754-758. Zhou, Y., Zhang, F., Yang, H., Zhang, S., Ma, X. 2003. Comparison of effectiveness of different ashing auxiliaries for determination of phosphorus in natural waters, aquatic organisms and sediments by ignition method. Water Res. 37: 3875-3882. Spectrophotometer Manufacturer: Shimadzu Instruments (Model: UV-1601) Parameter: Reduced Iron (Fe2+) (Readability: 0.3 mM, Range: 0.5 to 100 µM Fe/mg sediment) Protocol: Stookey, L.L. 1970. Ferrozine – A new spectrophotometric reagent for iron. Analytical Chemistry. 42: 779-781. Method 12: ICP-Mass Spectrometer Manufacturer: Thermo Jarrell-Ash (Model: 965 Inductively Coupled Argon Plasma) Parameter: Calcium concentration (Accuracy: 0.46 % Standard Error, Range: 2.25 to 4990 µM) Parameter: Magnesium concentration (Accuracy: 0.3 % Standard Error, Range: 0.41 to 4114 µM) Parameter: Potassium concentration (Accuracy: 2.61 % Standard Error, Range: 2.30 to 10230 µM) Parameter: Silicon concentration (Accuracy: 2.05 % Standard Error, Range: 35.61 to 21363 µM) Parameter: Sodium concentration (Accuracy: 0.79 % Standard Error, Range: 4.35 to 26098 µM) Parameter: Strotium concentration (Accuracy: 0.48 % Standard Error, Range: 0.57 to 21363 µM) c. Taxonomy and Systematics: Method 1: not applicable Method 2: not applicable Method 3: not applicable Method 4: not applicable Method 5: not applicable Method 6: not applicable Method 7: not applicable Method 8: not applicable Method 9: not applicable Method 10: not applicable Method 11: not applicable Method 12: not applicable d. Permit History: Method 1: not applicable Method 2: not applicable Method 3: not applicable Method 4: not applicable Method 5: not applicable Method 6: not applicable Method 7: not applicable Method 8: not applicable Method 9: not applicable Method 10: not applicable Method 11: not applicable Method 12: not applicable 4. Project Personnel a. Personnel: 1: Samantha B. Joye 2: Kimberley S. Hunter 3: Nathaniel B. Weston 4: William P. Porubsky 5: Matthew Erickson 6: Steven Bell b. Affiliations: 1: University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 2: University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 3: University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 4: University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 5: University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 6: University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia III. Data Set Status and Accessibility A. Status 1. Latest Update: 19-Feb-2012 2. Latest Archive Date: 23-Nov-2011 3. Latest Metadata Update: 19-Feb-2012 4. Data Verification Status: New Submission B. Accessibility 1. Storage Location and Medium: Stored at GCE-LTER Data Management Office Dept. of Marine Sciences Univ. of Georgia Athens, GA 30602-3636 USA on media: electronic data download (WWW) or compact disk 2. Contact Person: Name: Wade M. Sheldon, Jr. Address: Dept. of Marine Sciences University of Georgia Athens, Georgia 30602-3636 Country: USA Email: sheldon@uga.edu 3. Copyright Restrictions: not copyrighted 4. Restrictions: All publications based on this data set must cite the contributor and Georgia Coastal Ecosystems LTER project, and two copies of the manuscript must be submitted to the GCE-LTER Information Management Office. a. Release Date: GCE LTER Affiliates: Sep 01, 2009, Public: Oct 09, 2009 b. Citation: Data provided by the Georgia Coastal Ecosystems Long Term Ecological Research Project, supported by funds from NSF OCE 0620959 (data set NUT-GCEM-0909a) c. Disclaimer: The user assumes all responsibility for errors in judgement based on interpretation of data and analyses presented in this data set. 5. Costs: free electronic data download via WWW, distribution on CD may be subject to nominal processing and handling fee IV. Data Structural Descriptors A. Data Set File 1. File Name: NUT-GCEM-0909a_1_4.CSV 2. Size: 2399 records 3. File Format: ASCII text (comma-separated value format) 3a. Delimiters: single comma 4. Header Information: 5 lines of ASCII text 5. Alphanumeric Attributes: Mixed case 6. Quality Control Flag Codes: I = invalid (out of range), Q = questionable value 7. Authentication Procedures: 8. Calculations: DON_Conc: DON_Conc(µM) = TDN_Conc(µM) - (NH4_Conc(µM) + NOx_Conc(µM)), where TDN_Conc is total dissolved nitrogen measured by high temperature combustion DOP_Conc: DOP_Conc(µM) = TDP_Conct(µM) - PO4_Conc(µM) 9. Processing History: Software version: GCE Data Toolbox Version 3.30 (09-Feb-2012) Data structure version: GCE Data Structure 1.1 (29-Mar-2001) Original data file processed: NUT-GCEM-0909a.TXT (2399 records) Data processing history: 10-Oct-2009: new GCE Data Structure 1.1 created ('newstruct') 10-Oct-2009: 2399 rows imported from ASCII data file 'NUT-GCEM-0909a.TXT' ('imp_ascii') 10-Oct-2009: 13 metadata fields in file header parsed ('parse_header') 10-Oct-2009: data structure validated ('gce_valid') 10-Oct-2009: Q/C flagging criteria applied, 'flags' field updated ('dataflag') 10-Oct-2009: automatically assigned study date metadata descriptors based on the range of date values in date/time columns (add_studydates) 10-Oct-2009: imported Dataset, Project, Site, Study, Status, Supplement metadata descriptors from the GCE Metabase ('imp_gcemetadata') 10-Oct-2009: updated 66 metadata fields in the Data, Dataset, Project, Site, Status, Study, Supplement sections ('imp_gcemetadata') 10-Oct-2009: documented flagged and missing values in columns Time, Station, Site, Depth, Latitude, Longitude, NH4_Conc, NOx_Conc, PO4_Conc, DOC_Conc, DON_Conc, DOP_Conc, TDP_Conc, Si_Conc, Chl_a_Conc, TSS_Conc, PN_Conc, PC_Conc, PFe_Conc and PPO4_Conc as data set anomalies in the metadata ('add_anomalies') 15-Nov-2011: imported Dataset, Project, Site, Study, Status, Supplement metadata descriptors from the GCE Metabase ('imp_gcemetadata') 15-Nov-2011: updated 57 metadata fields in the Dataset, Project, Site, Status, Study, Supplement sections ('imp_gcemetadata') 18-Nov-2011: imported Dataset, Project, Site, Study, Status, Supplement metadata descriptors from the GCE Metabase ('imp_gcemetadata') 18-Nov-2011: updated 57 metadata fields in the Dataset, Project, Site, Status, Study, Supplement sections ('imp_gcemetadata') 23-Nov-2011: imported Dataset, Project, Site, Study, Status, Supplement metadata descriptors from the GCE Metabase ('imp_gcemetadata') 23-Nov-2011: updated 57 metadata fields in the Dataset, Project, Site, Status, Study, Supplement sections ('imp_gcemetadata') 23-Nov-2011: added geographic metadata based on matching values in columns Site and Station to site and transect names registered in 'geo_polygons.mat' and location and station names registered in 'geo_locations.mat' ('add_sitemetadata') 23-Nov-2011: updated 9 metadata fields in the Site, Status sections ('add_sitemetadata') 19-Feb-2012: flags for columns Latitude, Longitude, NH4_Conc, NOx_Conc, PO4_Conc, DOC_Conc, DON_Conc, DOP_Conc, TDP_Conc, Si_Conc, Chl_a_Conc, TSS_Conc, PN_Conc, PC_Conc, PFe_Conc and PPO4_Conc converted to data columns, flag codes updated in metadata ('flags2cols') 19-Feb-2012: updated 7 metadata fields in the Data, Status sections ('exp_ascii') 19-Feb-2012: updated 15 metadata fields in the Status, Data sections to reflect attribute metadata ('updatecols') 19-Feb-2012: parsed and formatted metadata ('listmeta') B. Variable Information 1. Variable Name: column 1. Cruise column 2. Year column 3. Month column 4. Day column 5. Time column 6. Station column 7. Site column 8. Depth column 9. Tide column 10. Latitude column 11. Flag_Latitude column 12. Longitude column 13. Flag_Longitude column 14. NH4_Conc column 15. Flag_NH4_Conc column 16. NOx_Conc column 17. Flag_NOx_Conc column 18. PO4_Conc column 19. Flag_PO4_Conc column 20. DOC_Conc column 21. Flag_DOC_Conc column 22. DON_Conc column 23. Flag_DON_Conc column 24. DOP_Conc column 25. Flag_DOP_Conc column 26. TDP_Conc column 27. Flag_TDP_Conc column 28. Si_Conc column 29. Flag_Si_Conc column 30. Chl_a_Conc column 31. Flag_Chl_a_Conc column 32. TSS_Conc column 33. Flag_TSS_Conc column 34. PN_Conc column 35. Flag_PN_Conc column 36. PC_Conc column 37. Flag_PC_Conc column 38. PFe_Conc column 39. Flag_PFe_Conc column 40. PPO4_Conc column 41. Flag_PPO4_Conc 2. Variable Definition: column 1. GCE LTER cruise identifier (LTER[MM][YY]) column 2. Year of sample collection column 3. Month of sample collection column 4. Day of sample collection column 5. Time of sample collection (GMT) column 6. Sampling location (GCE location code) column 7. Nearest GCE marsh sampling site column 8. Depth of sample collection (code indicating surface or bottom sample) column 9. Nominal tide stage column 10. Geographic latitude of sampling location column 11. QA/QC flags for Geographic latitude of sampling location (flagging criteria, where "x" is Latitude: x<31="Q", x>32="Q", x<-90="I", x>90="I") column 12. Geographic longitude of sampling location column 13. QA/QC flags for Geographic longitude of sampling location (flagging criteria, where "x" is Longitude: x<-83="Q", x>-81="Q", x<-180="I", x>180="I") column 14. Ammonium concentration column 15. QA/QC flags for Ammonium concentration (flagging criteria, where "x" is NH4_Conc: x<0.1="Q", x>25="Q", x<0="I") column 16. Nitrate + Nitrite concentration column 17. QA/QC flags for Nitrate + Nitrite concentration (flagging criteria, where "x" is NOx_Conc: x<0.1="Q", x>30="Q", x<0="I") column 18. Phosphate concentration column 19. QA/QC flags for Phosphate concentration (flagging criteria, where "x" is PO4_Conc: x<0.1="Q", x>10="Q", x<0="I") column 20. Dissolved organic carbon concentration column 21. QA/QC flags for Dissolved organic carbon concentration (flagging criteria, where "x" is DOC_Conc: x<2="Q", x>4000="Q", x<0="I") column 22. Dissolved organic nitrogen concentration column 23. QA/QC flags for Dissolved organic nitrogen concentration (flagging criteria, where "x" is DON_Conc: x<10="Q", x>101="Q", x<0="I") column 24. Dissolved organic phosphorus concentration column 25. QA/QC flags for Dissolved organic phosphorus concentration (flagging criteria, where "x" is DOP_Conc: x<0.1="Q", x>25="Q", x<0="I") column 26. Total Dissolved Phosphorus concentration column 27. QA/QC flags for Total Dissolved Phosphorus concentration (flagging criteria, where "x" is TDP_Conc: x<0.5="Q", x>10="Q", x<0="I") column 28. Silica concentration column 29. QA/QC flags for Silica concentration (flagging criteria, where "x" is Si_Conc: x<1="Q", x>550="Q", x<0="I") column 30. Chlorophyll a concentration column 31. QA/QC flags for Chlorophyll a concentration (flagging criteria, where "x" is Chl_a_Conc: x<1="Q", x>175="Q", x<0="I") column 32. Total Suspended Solids concentration column 33. QA/QC flags for Total Suspended Solids concentration (flagging criteria, where "x" is TSS_Conc: x<1="Q", x>500="Q", x<0="I") column 34. Particulate Nitrogen concentration column 35. QA/QC flags for Particulate Nitrogen concentration (flagging criteria, where "x" is PN_Conc: x<0.1="Q", x>5="Q", x<0="I") column 36. Particulate Carbon concentration column 37. QA/QC flags for Particulate Carbon concentration (flagging criteria, where "x" is PC_Conc: x<0.5="Q", x>20="Q", x<0="I") column 38. Particulate Iron concentration column 39. QA/QC flags for Particulate Iron concentration (flagging criteria, where "x" is PFe_Conc: x<0.1="Q", x>500="Q", x<0="I") column 40. Particulate Phosphate concentration column 41. QA/QC flags for Particulate Phosphate concentration (flagging criteria, where "x" is PPO4_Conc: x<0.1="Q", x>50="Q", x<0="I") 3. Units of Measurement: column 1. none column 2. YYYY column 3. MM column 4. DD column 5. hh:mm GMT column 6. none column 7. none column 8. none column 9. none column 10. degrees column 11. none column 12. degrees column 13. none column 14. µM column 15. none column 16. µM column 17. none column 18. µM column 19. none column 20. µM column 21. none column 22. µM column 23. none column 24. µM column 25. none column 26. µM column 27. none column 28. µM column 29. none column 30. µg/L column 31. none column 32. mg/L column 33. none column 34. mg N/L column 35. none column 36. mg C/L column 37. none column 38. µg Fe/mg sediment column 39. none column 40. µg P/mg sediment column 41. none 4. Data Type a. Storage Type: column 1. alphanumeric column 2. integer column 3. integer column 4. integer column 5. alphanumeric column 6. alphanumeric column 7. alphanumeric column 8. alphanumeric column 9. alphanumeric column 10. floating-point column 11. alphanumeric column 12. floating-point column 13. alphanumeric column 14. floating-point column 15. alphanumeric column 16. floating-point column 17. alphanumeric column 18. floating-point column 19. alphanumeric column 20. floating-point column 21. alphanumeric column 22. floating-point column 23. alphanumeric column 24. floating-point column 25. alphanumeric column 26. floating-point column 27. alphanumeric column 28. floating-point column 29. alphanumeric column 30. floating-point column 31. alphanumeric column 32. floating-point column 33. alphanumeric column 34. floating-point column 35. alphanumeric column 36. floating-point column 37. alphanumeric column 38. floating-point column 39. alphanumeric column 40. floating-point column 41. alphanumeric b. Variable Codes: Depth: S = Surface, B = Bottom Tide: LW = Low Tide, HW = High Tide, FLOOD = flooding tide, EBB = ebbing tide Flag_Latitude: Q = questionable value Flag_Longitude: Q = questionable value Flag_NH4_Conc: Q = questionable value Flag_NOx_Conc: Q = questionable value Flag_PO4_Conc: Q = questionable value Flag_DOC_Conc: Q = questionable value Flag_DON_Conc: Q = questionable value Flag_DOP_Conc: Q = questionable value Flag_TDP_Conc: Q = questionable value Flag_Chl_a_Conc: Q = questionable value Flag_TSS_Conc: Q = questionable value Flag_PN_Conc: Q = questionable value Flag_PC_Conc: Q = questionable value Flag_PFe_Conc: Q = questionable value Flag_PPO4_Conc: Q = questionable value c. Numeric Range: column 1. (none) column 2. 2001 to 2009 column 3. 1 to 12 column 4. 1 to 30 column 5. (none) column 6. (none) column 7. (none) column 8. (none) column 9. (none) column 10. 30.5483 to 32.5482 column 11. (none) column 12. -82.3625 to -80.211 column 13. (none) column 14. 0 to 20.57 column 15. (none) column 16. 0 to 49.7 column 17. (none) column 18. 0 to 8.71 column 19. (none) column 20. 121 to 4575 column 21. (none) column 22. 0 to 103.86 column 23. (none) column 24. 0 to 8.21 column 25. (none) column 26. 0.18 to 9.4 column 27. (none) column 28. 3 to 502.97 column 29. (none) column 30. 0 to 199.78 column 31. (none) column 32. 1.91 to 2753 column 33. (none) column 34. 0 to 8.53 column 35. (none) column 36. 0.39 to 83.5 column 37. (none) column 38. 0 to 70.6 column 39. (none) column 40. 0 to 7.03 column 41. (none) d. Missing Value Code: 5. Data Format a. Column Type: column 1. text column 2. numerical column 3. numerical column 4. numerical column 5. text column 6. text column 7. text column 8. text column 9. text column 10. numerical column 11. text column 12. numerical column 13. text column 14. numerical column 15. text column 16. numerical column 17. text column 18. numerical column 19. text column 20. numerical column 21. text column 22. numerical column 23. text column 24. numerical column 25. text column 26. numerical column 27. text column 28. numerical column 29. text column 30. numerical column 31. text column 32. numerical column 33. text column 34. numerical column 35. text column 36. numerical column 37. text column 38. numerical column 39. text column 40. numerical column 41. text b. Number of Columns: 41 c. Decimal Places: column 1. 0 column 2. 0 column 3. 0 column 4. 0 column 5. 0 column 6. 0 column 7. 0 column 8. 0 column 9. 0 column 10. 6 column 11. 0 column 12. 6 column 13. 0 column 14. 2 column 15. 0 column 16. 2 column 17. 0 column 18. 2 column 19. 0 column 20. 0 column 21. 0 column 22. 2 column 23. 0 column 24. 2 column 25. 0 column 26. 2 column 27. 0 column 28. 2 column 29. 0 column 30. 2 column 31. 0 column 32. 2 column 33. 0 column 34. 2 column 35. 0 column 36. 2 column 37. 0 column 38. 2 column 39. 0 column 40. 2 column 41. 0 6. Logical Variable Type: column 1. nominal (none) column 2. datetime (discrete) column 3. datetime (discrete) column 4. datetime (discrete) column 5. datetime (none) column 6. nominal (none) column 7. nominal (none) column 8. coded value (none) column 9. coded value (none) column 10. geographic coordinate (continuous) column 11. coded value (none) column 12. geographic coordinate (continuous) column 13. coded value (none) column 14. data (continuous) column 15. coded value (none) column 16. data (continuous) column 17. coded value (none) column 18. data (continuous) column 19. coded value (none) column 20. data (continuous) column 21. coded value (none) column 22. calculation (continuous) column 23. coded value (none) column 24. calculation (continuous) column 25. coded value (none) column 26. data (continuous) column 27. coded value (none) column 28. data (continuous) column 29. coded value (none) column 30. data (continuous) column 31. coded value (none) column 32. data (continuous) column 33. coded value (none) column 34. data (continuous) column 35. coded value (none) column 36. data (continuous) column 37. coded value (none) column 38. data (continuous) column 39. coded value (none) column 40. data (continuous) column 41. coded value (none) 7. Flagging Criteria: column 1. none column 2. x<2000="Q", x>2009="Q" column 3. x<1="I", x>12="I" column 4. x<1="I", x>31="I" column 5. none column 6. none column 7. flag_notinlist(x,"GCE1,GCE2,GCE3,GCE4,GCE5,GCE6,GCE7,GCE8,GCE9,GCE10")="Q" column 8. flag_notinlist(x,"S,B")="Q" column 9. flag_notinlist(x,"LW,HW,FLOOD,EBB")="Q" column 10. x<31="Q", x>32="Q", x<-90="I", x>90="I" column 11. none column 12. x<-83="Q", x>-81="Q", x<-180="I", x>180="I" column 13. none column 14. x<0.1="Q", x>25="Q", x<0="I" column 15. none column 16. x<0.1="Q", x>30="Q", x<0="I" column 17. none column 18. x<0.1="Q", x>10="Q", x<0="I" column 19. none column 20. x<2="Q", x>4000="Q", x<0="I" column 21. none column 22. x<10="Q", x>101="Q", x<0="I" column 23. none column 24. x<0.1="Q", x>25="Q", x<0="I" column 25. none column 26. x<0.5="Q", x>10="Q", x<0="I" column 27. none column 28. x<1="Q", x>550="Q", x<0="I" column 29. none column 30. x<1="Q", x>175="Q", x<0="I" column 31. none column 32. x<1="Q", x>500="Q", x<0="I" column 33. none column 34. x<0.1="Q", x>5="Q", x<0="I" column 35. none column 36. x<0.5="Q", x>20="Q", x<0="I" column 37. none column 38. x<0.1="Q", x>500="Q", x<0="I" column 39. none column 40. x<0.1="Q", x>50="Q", x<0="I" column 41. none C. Data Anomalies: Values of 22 records in Time are missing. Values of 37 records in Station are missing. Values of 677 records in Site are missing. The value of one record in Depth is missing. Values of 7 records in Latitude were flagged as Q (questionable value). Values of 2 records in Latitude are missing. Values of 2 records in Longitude were flagged as Q (questionable value). Values of 2 records in Longitude are missing. Values of 95 records in NH4_Conc were flagged as Q (questionable value). Values of 12 records in NH4_Conc are missing. Values of 235 records in NOx_Conc were flagged as Q (questionable value). Values of 724 records in NOx_Conc are missing. Values of 50 records in PO4_Conc were flagged as Q (questionable value). Values of 724 records in PO4_Conc are missing. The value of one record in DOC_Conc was flagged as Q (questionable value). Values of 745 records in DOC_Conc are missing. Values of 75 records in DON_Conc were flagged as Q (questionable value). Values of 794 records in DON_Conc are missing. Values of 39 records in DOP_Conc were flagged as Q (questionable value). Values of 924 records in DOP_Conc are missing. Values of 23 records in TDP_Conc were flagged as Q (questionable value). Values of 924 records in TDP_Conc are missing. Values of 188 records in Si_Conc are missing. Values of 17 records in Chl_a_Conc were flagged as Q (questionable value). Values of 417 records in Chl_a_Conc are missing. Values of 7 records in TSS_Conc were flagged as Q (questionable value). Values of 328 records in TSS_Conc are missing. Values of 87 records in PN_Conc were flagged as Q (questionable value). Values of 358 records in PN_Conc are missing. Values of 7 records in PC_Conc were flagged as Q (questionable value). Values of 358 records in PC_Conc are missing. Values of 10 records in PFe_Conc were flagged as Q (questionable value). Values of 1972 records in PFe_Conc are missing. The value of one record in PPO4_Conc was flagged as Q (questionable value). Values of 1970 records in PPO4_Conc are missing. V. Supplemental Descriptors A. Data Acquisition 1. Data Forms: Detailed field data is recorded for each sample, and archived as paper logs and electronic files 2. Form Location: These data are kept in a notebook in the Joye lab (Room 142 Marine Sciences Bldg, Athens GA) 3. Data Entry Validation: unspecified B. Quality Assurance/Quality Control Procedures: QA/QC flags are generated automatically according to domain criteria specified for each data column. A flag column is generated and appended to the data table if any flags are assigned to any value, listing the flags for each column on each row. C. Supplemental Materials: unspecified D. Computer Programs: Microsoft Excel E. Archival Practices: Data sets and documentation are stored in structured binary (Matlab 5.x files) and delimited ASCII text formats, and archived on magnetic tape and CD at the GCE LTER Information Management Office at the University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA F. Publications: not specified G. History of Data Set Usage 1. Data Request History: not specified 2. Data Set Update History: none 3. Review History: none 4. Questions and Comments from Users: none