Physical factors connected to hypoxia in Long Bay

The Grand Strand (or Long Bay) area has experienced seasonal hypoxia events in the late summer months most years since the first event was observed in 2004. Hypoxia is a severe depletion in dissolved oxygen, typically near the bottom of a given body of water. Although the effects of hypoxic waters are well studied, the combination of physical, biological, and chemical factors leading to these events may vary based on location. Long Bay is an area of interest because it is an open basin along a coastline with a shallow, broad shelf, giving it characteristics different from other known regions which experience chronic seasonal hypoxia. In an attempt to characterize these hypoxic events, we have analyzed the physical factors leading up to recent hypoxic events to best determine the precursors and key features that determine the extent, duration, or source of these events. Satellite imagery is used to gather spatial and temporal information about chlorophyll levels and sea surface temperature during the time periods of interest. Additionally, in-situ wind and water quality data from three long-term monitoring stations are used to find biological, physical, or chemical markers that indicate the extent, duration, and/or cause of these events.