IV.—Some Ecological Aspects of the Intertidal Area of the Estuary of the Aberdeenshire Dee

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Abstract
In the seaward direction in an estuary there are usually the following main gradients:—(a) Increase in osmotic pressure (total salt content, especially chlorides).(b) Increase in calcium and magnesium content.(c) Increase in alkalinity.(d) Increase in winter and decrease in summer temperature.(e) Increase in light penetration.There are other gradients of less importance. The first three are dependent on salinity. Thus, from the ecological standpoint, the three important physical observations relative to the study of estuarine life are the salinity, temperature, and light (silt content) gradients.Ecological studies are directed towards the elucidation of two types of problems:(i) Characteristics of the physical environment relevant to the distribution of specific forms of life.(ii) The growth of mixed populations and their interrelations in a homogeneous environment or in a physical gradient.The present study concerns itself especially with the former, and to a less extent with the latter.

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