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Articles 151 - 172 of 172
Full-Text Articles in Oceanography and Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology
How Does Climate Change Affect Coral Reefs?, Rachel Goff
How Does Climate Change Affect Coral Reefs?, Rachel Goff
Honors Theses
Climate change is a very real phenomenon that currently affects many of the ecosystems on Earth. Climate change occurs on a global scale and can be very detrimental to different environments. This occurrence can cause ocean warming, sea level rise, ocean acidification, and increased storm intensity. According to the EPA, the ocean's temperature has increased 1.4°F over the past century, and sea levels have risen 3.2 millimeters through the past 20 years. These changes to the oceans can greatly affect many of the ecosystems that reside in them. One of the main ecosystems that are being affected by climate change …
Shark Community Structure In Winyah Bay, Sc, Keenen Fryman
Shark Community Structure In Winyah Bay, Sc, Keenen Fryman
Honors Theses
Assessments of local shark stocks are vital to understand population trends and their causes. Local data are incomplete despite many studies over many years. The first published study listed all of the shark species found off the coast of SC (Bearden 1965). Following Bearden's work, Schwartz (2003) used a 30 year data set to describe the elasmobranchs found in NC and SC. In 2004, a survey of coastal habitats in southeast NC helped to identify the nursery habitat for C. acronotus, C. brevipinna, C. limbatus, C. obscurus, C. plumbeus, M. canis, R. terraenovae, S. tiburo, and S. lewini (Thorpe et …
Geochemical Tracers Linking Submarine Groundwater Discharge To Hypoxia Formation In Long Bay, South Carolina, Usa, Sarah Lynn Chappell
Geochemical Tracers Linking Submarine Groundwater Discharge To Hypoxia Formation In Long Bay, South Carolina, Usa, Sarah Lynn Chappell
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Long Bay, South Carolina has experienced hypoxic conditions (<2mg/L dissolved oxygen) in the nearshore environment, not fully attributed to traditional formation mechanisms. Past research suggested physical, biological, and/or anthropogenic influences on low dissolved oxygen levels. This project aimed to determine the contribution of submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) to hypoxia formation. We measured activities of 222Rnxs, 224Raxs, 223Ra, 228Ra, and 226Ra (3.8d, 3.6d, 11.5d, 5.8yr, 1600yr half-lives, respectively) in nearshore bottom waters from April 2012 through April 2013. Radium activities observed during a hypoxic event on 16-Aug-2012 were up to an order of magnitude higher than those seen during oxic conditions and the highest ever observed in the open ocean, to our knowledge. We determined that a hypoxic water mass, comprised heavily of offshore anoxic SGD, migrated inshore due to physical conditions constraining mixing over a two week time period. High groundwater content suggests that observed hypoxic conditions in nearshore Long Bay may be independent of biological influence once offshore SGD occurs.
Integrating Science & Policy, Abigail A. Carson
Integrating Science & Policy, Abigail A. Carson
Honors Theses
Millions already owe their lives to scientists for their research and implementation of early warning devices such as a tornado warning. These warning systems are the beginning for what is to come if science continues to receive backing. Think of what could be accomplished in the next century if science and policy were to unite in the interest of protecting humans and the environment. It is imperative that environmental policies be based on sound science; to achieve this, political and scientific sectors must be integrated to produce effective and practical policies.
Interpretation Of Biological Activity Using An Acoustic Backscatter Sensor (Abs), Courtney Elliton
Interpretation Of Biological Activity Using An Acoustic Backscatter Sensor (Abs), Courtney Elliton
Honors Theses
Acoustics aid in the description of complex processes, such as the suspension of sand particles exposed to local hydrodynamic forces above a rippled bed (Cacchione, et al., 2008). Acoustic data can be applied to several aspects of the marine environment such as marine chemistry, biology, geology, and ecology. The acoustic data collected in this study was part of a larger, grant-funded project that focused on sediment transport and settlement preference on two offshore hardbottoms following beach renourishment along the heavily developed coast in northeastern South Carolina. Acoustic data collection was used in the larger project to describe changes in sediment …
Influence Of Tidal Cycles On Movements Of Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops Truncatus) In South Carolina Coastal Environments, Lauren Albrittain
Influence Of Tidal Cycles On Movements Of Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops Truncatus) In South Carolina Coastal Environments, Lauren Albrittain
Honors Theses
When studying estuarine environments that are directly fed by the ocean tides, the impact of the changing tide is vital in studying the migration and travel behaviors of organisms within those environments. This study was aimed at determining the influence of the daily tidal currents on movement with or against the tides by Atlantic bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). Data collection occurred from March to October 2012, at three study sites: the ACE River Basin National Wildlife Refuge, the Hilton Head estuary, and the Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge. Photo identification transect surveys were conducted to observe resident Atlantic bottlenose dolphins …
Potential Changes To The Cubitt Creek System After Dredging, Hillary Sparagna
Potential Changes To The Cubitt Creek System After Dredging, Hillary Sparagna
Honors Theses
Dredging is the process of removing sediments from beneath the water's surface to increase the depth of the area. Many times, dredging is used to deepen navigational channels for boats in inlets and bays, control river flow, and environmental remediation of contaminated sediments. Sustainable dredging is when the sediments that have been dredged are used to replenish beaches. This method saves money, minimizes ecological impact, saves capacity at deposit sites, and can be used for habitat restoration.
A Tangle Net Study On Relative Abundance And Habitat Preference Of Elasmobranchs In North Inlet Estuary, South Carolina, Moriah Heather Moore
A Tangle Net Study On Relative Abundance And Habitat Preference Of Elasmobranchs In North Inlet Estuary, South Carolina, Moriah Heather Moore
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Although habitat selection is relatively well studied in some elasmobranchs, no field or lab studies have focused on sediment preference, which is important to other benthic marine vertebrates. To determine the relative abundance and sediment preference of shallow water benthic elasmobranch inhabitants of North Inlet, SC, we employed 187 30 minute tangle net sets over two sediment types (mud and sand). The majority of our capture consisted of 41 Dasyatis sayi (tagged 37) and 31 Sphyrna tiburo (tagged 14). Although D. sayi had been recorded in North Inlet, previous studies found greater numbers of congeners D. americana and D. sabina. …
Population Structure Of Tursiops Truncatus In North Inlet, South Carolina And Use Of Inlet As A Nursery Ground, Heather Estep
Population Structure Of Tursiops Truncatus In North Inlet, South Carolina And Use Of Inlet As A Nursery Ground, Heather Estep
Honors Theses
Abundance, distribution and movement patterns of bottlenose dolphin populations are becoming more frequently studied along the Atlantic Coast from Virginia to Florida. One aspect of dolphin populations that has not been a focus of study is the use of nursery grounds by females with calves. Nursery grounds for bottlenose dolphin populations have been identified in Sarasota Bay, Florida and near Beaufort, North Carolina. This study analyzed data collected from September 1997 to June 2006 on focal follows and photo identification to determine if females were utilizing North Inlet, South Carolina as a nursery ground. There was no significant difference in …
Countries' Involvement In Whaling And The Impacts On Their Tourism Industries, Kaitlyn Hofeldt
Countries' Involvement In Whaling And The Impacts On Their Tourism Industries, Kaitlyn Hofeldt
Honors Theses
Since the expansion of whale watching as an industry, many countries have converted from whaling as a source of revenue. There are still some countries that partake in whaling and also conduct whale watching tours. The belief is that these two industries cannot coexist in a country and that whaling will have a negative impact on the whale watching sector and the tourism industry all together. A comparative analysis of scholarly articles was conducted alongside a survey to examine the impacts of whaling on the whale watching industries of certain countries. The results showed whaling and whale watching can coexist …
The Effects Of Significant Rainfall Events On Surface Dissolved Oxygen Concentrations Off The Coast Of Long Bay In South Carolina, Kelsey M. Couch
The Effects Of Significant Rainfall Events On Surface Dissolved Oxygen Concentrations Off The Coast Of Long Bay In South Carolina, Kelsey M. Couch
Honors Theses
Long Bay in South Carolina is currently facing recurrent hypoxic conditions ("South Carolina Coastal Hypoxia"). Therefore the purpose of this study was to examine the effect of eight significant rainfall events on the surface dissolved oxygen content of the bay. Differences in theoretical values of average monthly dissolved oxygen content and actual values of average monthly dissolved oxygen were observed. When analyzed, the data from the eight-month study showed no strong correlation between significant rainfall events and changes in surface dissolved oxygen content. Phytoplankton blooms, phytoplankton productivity and seasonal stratifications could be causing these fluctuations (Lomas et al. 2009).
Effects Of "Ultrasound" On Completion Of Cognitive Tasks In Relation To Dolphin Assisted Therapy, Carrie Wein
Effects Of "Ultrasound" On Completion Of Cognitive Tasks In Relation To Dolphin Assisted Therapy, Carrie Wein
Honors Theses
In previous studies, it has been suggested that ultrasound may be the mechanism behind the success of Dolphin Assisted Therapy programs. This study was conducted to determine whether advertising these positive effects of dolphin produced ultrasound to prospective patients will elicit a placebo effect of improving cognitive function. A memory matching task was designed to measure cognitive task completion efficiency, and completion times were recorded in seconds. Participants were divided into two groups, Group A completing the task under normal, or control conditions first, and under the mock "ultrasound" condition second, while Group B received the mock "ultrasound" condition first …
The Importance Of Isolated Wetlands As Habitat For Rare And Endangered Species In Comparison To Riparian Wetlands, Hillary K. Ballantine
The Importance Of Isolated Wetlands As Habitat For Rare And Endangered Species In Comparison To Riparian Wetlands, Hillary K. Ballantine
Honors Theses
In this paper, I will review the literature on the factors contributing to the presence of rare or endangered species, the species found in each wetland type and what threatens them, and the views on how to and why we should conserve these habitats. I will also provide data analyses on the importance of isolated wetlands as habitats for rare and endangered species in comparison to riparian wetlands, and present my own views on the topic.
Interactions Between Multiple Recruitment Drivers: Post-Settlement Predation Mortality And Flow-Mediated Recruitment, Antony M. Knights, Louise B. Firth, Keith Walters
Interactions Between Multiple Recruitment Drivers: Post-Settlement Predation Mortality And Flow-Mediated Recruitment, Antony M. Knights, Louise B. Firth, Keith Walters
Marine Science
Background: Dispersal is a primary driver in shaping the future distribution of species in both terrestrial and marine systems. Physical transport by advection can regulate the distance travelled and rate of propagule supply to a habitat but post-settlement processes such as predation can decouple supply from recruitment. The effect of flow-mediated recruitment and predation on the recruitment success of an intertidal species, the eastern oyster Crassostrea virginica was evaluated in two-replicated field experiments. Two key crab species were manipulated to test predator identity effects on oyster mortality. Findings: Recruitment was ~58% higher in high flow compared to low flow, but …
Ecology Of Marine Bivalves: An Ecosystem Approach, Second Edition, Richard F. Dame
Ecology Of Marine Bivalves: An Ecosystem Approach, Second Edition, Richard F. Dame
CCU Faculty Books
Exploring the potential use of bivalves as indicators and monitors of ecosystem health, this book describes live and computer simulated experiments, mesocosm studies, and field manipulation experiments. This second edition discusses major new developments, including phase shifts in many coastal and estuarine ecosystems dominated by suspension-feeding bivalves, the invasion or introduction of alien bivalve species, the rapid growth of environmental restoration focused on bivalves, and the examination of geological history with regard to global climate change and its impact on bivalve-dominated systems.
Lesson Not Learned: Deepwater Horizon Research And Media Coverage Exposes Gaps In Knowledge And Risky Protocol Within The Oil Industry, Lauren Haller
Lesson Not Learned: Deepwater Horizon Research And Media Coverage Exposes Gaps In Knowledge And Risky Protocol Within The Oil Industry, Lauren Haller
Honors Theses
An insatiable thirst for oil has led poorly coordinated, risk-prone megasystems deeper into the ocean in search of new oil reserves. Profit-driven agendas at the corporate level have a top-down effect within these megasystems. Cost-cutting and risk-downplaying leaves the field employees unprepared to handle emergencies. A series of costly mistakes led to the 2010 BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill, which caused extensive damage to an already fragile ecosystem in the Gulf of Mexico. The wealth and political influence of the oil industry overpowers lax regulatory agencies and legislation-even though media and research has exposed frustrating parallels between the Deepwater Horizon …
Coastal Inundation Due To Storm Surge As Sea Level Changes Along The Northern South Carolina And Southern North Carolina Coast, Justin Hartnett
Coastal Inundation Due To Storm Surge As Sea Level Changes Along The Northern South Carolina And Southern North Carolina Coast, Justin Hartnett
Honors Theses
This study made use of the storm surge model in Peng, Xie, and Pietrafesa (2004) and Xia et al. (2004), to predict coastal inundation along northern South Carolina and southern North Carolina as sea level rises. Hurricane Hazel (1954) was used as the reference hurricane in this study, which made landfall at 33.85°N, 78.57°W, as a category 4 hurricane. Data was plotted and analyzed using Matlab, to produce inundation maps for four sea level rises (0.2m, 0.6m, 1.0m, and 2.0m). The greatest net storm surge was produced during a 2m sea level rise, which in return caused the greatest amount …
A Comparison Of Fish Growth Rates In A Pristine And An Urbanized Salt Marsh Estuary, Katherine Stohl
A Comparison Of Fish Growth Rates In A Pristine And An Urbanized Salt Marsh Estuary, Katherine Stohl
Honors Theses
Fish grow as they age, but not all fish grow at the same rate. Internal and external factors such as stress and food availability can change the growth rate. This study looks to see if the growth rates vary between North Inlet and Murrell’s Inlet, SC for red drum and striped mullet. Red drum grew faster and showed a typical length-frequency graph in North Inlet. The cause of the difference in growth was not tested, but human influence on the estuaries was considered to be a possible factor.
Preferential Fish Consumption Based On Omega-3 Fatty Acids And Mercury Concentrations For Maximum Health Benefits, Katrina Smith
Preferential Fish Consumption Based On Omega-3 Fatty Acids And Mercury Concentrations For Maximum Health Benefits, Katrina Smith
Honors Theses
The regular consumption of seafood offers a variety of protective effects, including the reduction of the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke, due to the presence of omega-3 fatty acids in fish. These protective effects may be diminished by the contamination of seafood by mercury. Mercury increases the risk of cardiovascular problems and impedes neurological development. The objective of this project was to determine the fish species that are appropriate for consumption based on low levels of mercury and recommended intake levels of omega-3 fatty acids. Species that are high in omega-3s and low in mercury include salmon, trout and …
Rhizocephalan Parasites Of Mud Crabs In South Carolina Estuaries, Erin Burnette
Rhizocephalan Parasites Of Mud Crabs In South Carolina Estuaries, Erin Burnette
Honors Theses
Rhizocephalan parasites often infect commercially important crustacean species such as the blue crab (Callinectes sapidus). In this experiment, the prevalence of rhizocephalan parasites was determined by sampling mud crabs (Panopeus herbstii) in three different locations; Huntington Beach State Park, Waites Island, and Murrells Inlet. Crabs were determined to be parasitized by the presence of an externae extruding from their apron. Unparasitized crabs were also collected to serve as a control group. The externa were removed and DNA extractions were performed. Polymerase chain reactions (PCR) were done to prove whether the crabs were parasitized by Loxothylacus texanus or Loxothylacus panopaei. Results …
Effects Of A Spatially And Temporally Predictable Chlorophyll Maximum On Bottlenose Dolphin Distribution In A South Carolina Estuary, Steven W. Thornton
Effects Of A Spatially And Temporally Predictable Chlorophyll Maximum On Bottlenose Dolphin Distribution In A South Carolina Estuary, Steven W. Thornton
Honors Theses
Numerous studies have focused on the complex relationship between phytoplankton and zooplankton in estuarine environments, but few have scrutinized the effects of this connection on organisms in higher trophic levels. This study examined chlorophyll a concentrations and zooplankton densities in North Inlet, South Carolina, a site where a stable chlorophyll a maximum has been documented to exist at low tide, to determine if they influenced the distribution of resident bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). We hypothesized that patterns of estuarine circulation in the salt marsh serve to concentrate phytoplankton and zooplankton predictably in time and space, and that these patterns influence …
The Effect Of A Phytoplankton Maximum On The Trophic Food Chain Of The Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops Truncatus) In North Inlet, South Carolina., Lindsay Michael Stang
The Effect Of A Phytoplankton Maximum On The Trophic Food Chain Of The Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops Truncatus) In North Inlet, South Carolina., Lindsay Michael Stang
Honors Theses
Jones Creek, part of North Inlet-Winyah Bay, South Carolina, is known to have a chlorophyll a maximum that exists during low tide. The goal of this study was to determine if an increase in phytoplankton, demonstrated by chlorophyll a levels, would lead to an increase in zooplankton, fish, and bottlenose dolphins in the area. Sampling for chlorophyll a concentrations, zooplankton and dolphin densities occurred in fall of 2008. Based on the samples obtained, as chlorophyll a concentrations increased at low tide, zooplankton densities decreased. Dolphin density plots showed an increased density in Jones Creek during low tide for spring, summer, …