Depth, Salinity and Temperature Variability in the Maryland Coastal Lagoons

Alterations in temperature, precipitation, and sea level associated with global climate change will likely affect the hydrology and bathymetry of Maryland Coastal Bays (MCBs). This will in turn have effects on the abundance, distribution and diversity of the inhabiting biota, as well as the biogeochemistry and food web dynamics of the system. Depth, salinity and temperature data collected monthly (April to October) each year (1990 to 2012) from 20 sites in the MCBs were analyzed. Mean depth at most sites increased significantly with year (p<0.02). The rate of change in depth ranged from -0.02m/yr to 0.043m/yr (mean = 0.021m/yr), which is about seven times higher than the global rate of sea level rise. At the predicted mean rate of change in depth, the MCBs would have risen by 0.78m by the year 2050. Salinity varied between years of below average (e.g. 1990, 2003 and 2009), and above average (e.g. 1991, 1999, 2002 and 2007) levels. Inter-annual variability in salinity at most sites was significantly accounted for by variations in freshwater discharge, although the strength of the relationship decreased with proximity of the sites to the inlets. Measurements taken in April of each year since 1990 showed that temperature has increased significantly in the northern bays (Assawoman and Isle of Wight) and Chincoteague Bay, but not in Sinepuxent and Newport Bays. The observed changes in depth, salinity and temperature have important implications with regard to the functioning of the MCBs, and serve as a basis for evaluating future responses of the lagoons to climatic changes.