Publications des scientifiques de l'IRD

Clavier Jacques, Chardy P., Chevillon Christophe. (1995). Sedimentation of particulate matter in the south-west lagoon of New Caledonia : spatial and temporal patterns. Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science, (40), p. 281-294. ISSN 0272-7714.

Titre du document
Sedimentation of particulate matter in the south-west lagoon of New Caledonia : spatial and temporal patterns
Année de publication
1995
Type de document
Article
Auteurs
Clavier Jacques, Chardy P., Chevillon Christophe
Source
Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science, 1995, (40), p. 281-294 ISSN 0272-7714
Suspended and sedimented particulate materials were assessed monthly at five sites on the south-west lagoon of New Caledonia, from May 1986 to April 1987. Sedimentation of particulate matter was measured using sediment traps for 24 h. Resuspension, which accounted for more than 80% of the total sedimentation, was distinguished to calculate net sedimentation values. The mean net sedimentation rate for the lagoon varied according to the site from 0.481 to 1.157 gC/m2/day with a general mean value of 0.756 gC/m2/day. An increasing gradient from the reef to the shore stations was observed for both suspended and sedimented particles. The standing stocks and the fluxes of suspended particles were maximal in February, during the warm season associated with maximal rainfall, and minimal in August. The high C/N ratio in sedimented material compared to suspended particles indicated that organic matter degradation had occurred preferentially in the water column. The mean particulate organic carbon flux was about twice the lagoon pelagic primary production ; sedimented plant material only accounted for a small part of the organic carbon flux. The major source of sedimented organic carbon was therefore allochthonous and derived both from the reef and the shore. The latter seemed to predominate. Relative uncoupling between benthos and pelagos is suggested. (Résumé d'auteur)
Plan de classement
Sédimentologie [064SEDIM]
Descripteurs
LAGON ; SEDIMENTOLOGIE ; MATIERE EN SUSPENSION ; MATIERE ORGANIQUE PARTICULEE ; RAPPORT C/N ; VARIATION SPATIALE ; VARIATION TEMPORELLE
Description Géographique
NOUVELLE CALEDONIE
Localisation
Fonds IRD [F B010006143] ; Montpellier (Centre IRD) ; Nouméa
Identifiant IRD
fdi:010006143
Contact