A Benthic Annular Flume forIn SituMeasurement of Suspension Feeding/Biodeposition Rates and Erosion Potential of Intertidal Cohesive Sediments

A portable benthic annular flume for thein situmeasurement of suspension feeding (biodeposition rates) and erosion potential of undisturbed intertidal cohesive sediments with benthic biota is described. The experimental procedures used during deployment are also outlined. Results showing the changes in biodeposition rates, sediment resuspension, erosion rates and critical erosion velocities associated with large-scale (km) and small-scale (m) spatial differences are presented. Comparison between laboratory andin situmeasurements demonstrated marked differences in sediment erodability if the physical and biological properties of the sediment are not maintained.