Limnology of the Purari basin. Part 2. The delta.

Abstract

Details are given of vertical gradients of temperature, pH and salinity; the Purari estuaries are moderately stratified. Complete tidal mixing sometimes takes place in those distributaries and tidal channels with lower freshwater discharge. The seasonality in water discharge, which is largely determined by the south-easterly winds blowing April-October and bringing heavier rains than during the rest of the year, exerts some influence on the overall pattern of aquatic productivity. The present input of particulate bound nutrients via the mangrove system is unknown but likely to be considerable.-P.J.Jarvis