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Simple method for measuring the relative scouring of intertidal areas

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Abstract

A method of measuring the relative scouring (wave action plus type and concentration of suspended solids) of intertidal areas, based on the weight loss of cement blocks anchored to the substrate but able to move in a hemisphere and undergo abrasion, was developed and tested at a number of sites on the west coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia over a period of 8 months (September to May). The results suggest that it may be a useful and simple method which takes into account both the intensity and duration aspects of exposure, particularly in widely spaced, relatively inaccessible areas.

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Author notes

  1. G. J. S. Craik

    Present address: Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, P.O. Box 1379, 4810, Townsville, Queensland, Australia

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Animal Resource Ecology, University of British Columbia, V6T 1W5, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

    G. J. S. Craik

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  1. G. J. S. Craik
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Communicated by N. D. Holland, La Jolla

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Craik, G.J.S. Simple method for measuring the relative scouring of intertidal areas. Mar. Biol. 59, 257–260 (1980). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00404749

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00404749

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