A research program was initiated to understand the dynamics of a relatively undisturbed estuary-marshland ecosystem, the North Inlet Estuary near Georgetown, South Carolina. Because of the relative complexity of this type of study, a five year study was proposed; this report summarizes results of the first two years. This study consisted of two substudies: a macroecosystem substudy and a microecosystem substudy. The objectives of the macroecosystem study were: (1) To establish baseline data on an undisturbed estuary to provide a scientific basis for comparative studies on effects of various stresses of pollutants on other estuarine environments; and (2) to develop models of an estuarine ecosystem which would predict probable effects of environmental perturbation. The principal objective of the microecosystem study was to develop and test replicate experimental salt marsh units at the microecosystem level as diagnostic tools for the assessment of both long- and short-term pollution effects on the Spartina alterniflora salt marsh community.

Prepared by Belle W. Baruch Institute for Marine Biology and Coastal Research, University of South Carolina, Columbia, S.C., under grant no. R 802928. Includes bibliographical references (pages 75-86). Microfiche.