Identification_Information:
  Citation:
    Citation_Information:
      Originator:
        G. Lynn Brewster-Wingard

        Thomas Cronin; Debra Willard; Charles Holmes; William Orem; Peter
        Swart; Gary Dwyer; Scott Ishman; Evelyn Gaiser
      Publication_Date: 2007
      Title:
        Historical Changes in Salinity, Water Quality, and Vegetation in
        Biscayne Bay
      Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: database
      Online_Linkage: http://sofia.usgs.gov/projects/historical_change/
  Description:
    Abstract:
      The objectives of this project are to examine in broad context the
      historical changes in the Biscayne Bay ecosystem at selected sites on
      a decadal-centennial scale, and to correlate these changes with
      natural events and anthropogenic alterations in the South Florida
      region.  Specific emphasis will be placed on historical changes to 1)
      amount, timing, and sources of freshwater influx and the resulting
      effects on salinity and water quality; 2) shoreline and sub-aquatic
      vegetation; and 3) the relationship between sea-level change, onshore
      vegetation, and salinity.  In addition, a detailed examination of
      historical seasonal salinity patterns will be derived from biochemical
      analyses of molluscs, ostracodes, foraminifera and corals.  The corals
      will allow us to compare marine and estuarine trends, examine the
      linkage between the two systems, and will provide precise
      chronological control.  Land management agencies (principally SFWMD,
      ACOE and Biscayne NP) can use the data derived from this project to
      establish performance criteria for restoring natural flow, and to
      understand the consequences of altered flow.  These data can also be
      used to forecast potential problems as upstream changes in water
      delivery are made during restoration.
    Purpose:
      During the last century, Biscayne Bay has been greatly affected by
      anthropogenic alteration of the environment through urbanization of
      the Miami/Dade County area, and alteration of natural flow.  The
      sources, timing, delivery, and quality of freshwater flow into the
      Bay, and the shoreline and sub-aquatic vegetation have changed.
      Current restoration goals are attempting to restore natural flow of
      fresh water into Biscayne and Florida Bays and to restore the natural
      vegetation, but first we must address of what the was environment
      prior to significant human alteration in order to establish targets
      for restoration.

      This project is designed to examine the natural patterns of temporal
      change in salinity, water quality, vegetation, and benthic fauna in
      Biscayne Bay over the last 100-300 years and to examine the causes of
      change.
  Time_Period_of_Content:
    Time_Period_Information:
      Range_of_Dates/Times:
        Beginning_Date: 19940224
        Ending_Date: 20070403
    Currentness_Reference: ground condition
  Status:
    Progress: In Work
    Maintenance_and_Update_Frequency: As needed
  Spatial_Domain:
    Bounding_Coordinates:
      West_Bounding_Coordinate: -80.42
      East_Bounding_Coordinate: -80.08
      North_Bounding_Coordinate: 26
      South_Bounding_Coordinate: 25.17
  Keywords:
    Theme:
      Theme_Keyword_Thesaurus: none
      Theme_Keyword: biology
      Theme_Keyword: chemistry
      Theme_Keyword: hydrology
      Theme_Keyword: nutrients
      Theme_Keyword: ecology
      Theme_Keyword: paleoecology
      Theme_Keyword: geochronology
      Theme_Keyword: organics
      Theme_Keyword: sediment cores
      Theme_Keyword: eutrophication
      Theme_Keyword: SAV
      Theme_Keyword: submerged aquatic vegetation
      Theme_Keyword: salinity
      Theme_Keyword: water quality
      Theme_Keyword: vegetation
    Theme:
      Theme_Keyword_Thesaurus: ISO 19115 Topic Category
      Theme_Keyword: biota
      Theme_Keyword: climatologyMeteorologyAtmosphere
      Theme_Keyword: environment
      Theme_Keyword: geoscientificInformation
      Theme_Keyword: inlandWaters
      Theme_Keyword: 002
      Theme_Keyword: 004
      Theme_Keyword: 007
      Theme_Keyword: 008
      Theme_Keyword: 012
    Place:
      Place_Keyword_Thesaurus:
        Department of Commerce, 1995, Countries, Dependencies, Areas of
        Special Sovereignty, and Their Principal Administrative Divisions, 
        Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS) 10-4, Washington,
        D.C., National Institute of Standards and Technology
      Place_Keyword: United States
      Place_Keyword: US
    Place:
      Place_Keyword_Thesaurus:
        U.S. Department of Commerce, 1987, Codes for the identification of
        the States, the District of Columbia and the outlying areas of the
        United States, and associated areas (Federal Information Processing
        Standard 5-2): Washington, D. C., NIST
      Place_Keyword: Florida
      Place_Keyword: FL
    Place:
      Place_Keyword_Thesaurus:
        Department of Commerce, 1990, Counties and Equivalent Entities of
        the United States, Its Possessions, and Associated Areas, FIPS 6-3,
        Washington, DC, National Institute of Standards and Technology
      Place_Keyword: Miami-Dade County
      Place_Keyword: Monroe County
    Place:
      Place_Keyword_Thesaurus: USGS Geographic Names Information System
      Place_Keyword: Biscayne Bay
      Place_Keyword: Biscayne National Park
      Place_Keyword: Florida Bay
    Place:
      Place_Keyword_Thesaurus: none
      Place_Keyword: Central Everglades
      Place_Keyword: South East Coast
  Access_Constraints: none
  Use_Constraints:
    Any data are subject to change and are not citeable until reviewed and
    approved for official publication.
  Point_of_Contact:
    Contact_Information:
      Contact_Person_Primary:
        Contact_Person: Lynn Brewster-Wingard
        Contact_Organization: U.S. Geological Survey
      Contact_Address:
        Address_Type: mailing address
        Address: 926A National Center
        City: Reston
        State_or_Province: VA
        Postal_Code: 20192
        Country: USA
      Contact_Voice_Telephone: 703 648-5352
      Contact_Facsimile_Telephone: 703 648-6953
      Contact_Electronic_Mail_Address: lwingard@usgs.gov
  Browse_Graphic:
    Browse_Graphic_File_Name: http://sofia.usgs.gov/projects/historical_change/images/ehbisbay03fig1x.gif
    Browse_Graphic_File_Description: map showing core locations in central Biscayne Bay
    Browse_Graphic_File_Type: GIF
  Data_Set_Credit:
    Project personnel include:  James Murray, Marci Marot, Harry Lerch,
    Marisa Beck, Robert Stamm, and Carlos Budet
  Native_Data_Set_Environment: MS Access database
  Cross_Reference:
    Citation_Information:
      Originator: Ishman, Scott E.
      Publication_Date: 1997
      Title:
        Ecosystem History of South Florida: Biscayne Bay Sediment Core
        Descriptions
      Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: report
      Series_Information:
        Series_Name: USGS Open-File Report
        Issue_Identification: 97-0437
      Publication_Information:
        Publication_Place: Reston, VA
        Publisher: U.S. Geological Survey
      Online_Linkage: http://pubs.usgs.gov/pdf/of/ofr97437.html
  Cross_Reference:
    Citation_Information:
      Originator:
        Stone, Jeffery R.

        Cronin, Thomas M.; Brewster-Wingard, G. Lynn; Ishman, Scott E.;
        Wardlaw, Bruce R.; Holmes, Charles W.
      Publication_Date: 2000
      Title:
        A Paleoecologic Reconstruction of the History of Featherbed Bank,
        Biscayne National Park, Biscayne Bay, Florida
      Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: report
      Series_Information:
        Series_Name: USGS Open-File Report
        Issue_Identification: 00-191
      Publication_Information:
        Publication_Place: Reston, VA
        Publisher: U.S. Geological Survey
      Online_Linkage: http://sofia.usgs.gov/publications/ofr/00-191
  Cross_Reference:
    Citation_Information:
      Originator:
        Wingard, G. L.

        Cronin, T. M.; Dwyer, G. S.; Ishman, S. E.; Willard, D. A.; Holmes,
        C. W.; Bernhardt, C. E.; Williams, C. P.; Marot, M. E.; Murray, J.
        B.; Stamm, R. G.; Murray, J. H.; Budet, C.
      Publication_Date: 2003
      Title:
        Ecosystem History of Southern and Central Biscayne Bay: Summary
        Report on Sediment Core Analyses
      Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: report
      Series_Information:
        Series_Name: USGS Open-file Report
        Issue_Identification: 03-375
      Publication_Information:
        Publication_Place: Reston, VA
        Publisher: U.S. Geological Survey
      Online_Linkage: http://sofia.usgs.gov/publications/ofr/03-375/
  Cross_Reference:
    Citation_Information:
      Originator:
        Wingard, G. Lynn

        Cronin, Thomas M.; Holmes, Charles W.; Willard, Debra A.; Dwyer,
        Gary; Ishman, Scott E.; Orem, William; Williams, Christopher P.;
        Albietz, Jessica; Bernhardt, Christopher E.; Budet, Carlos A.;
        Landacre, Bryan; Lerch, Terry; Marot, Marci; Ortiz, Ruth E.
      Publication_Date: 2004
      Title:
        Ecosystem History of Southern and Central Biscayne Bay: Summary
        Report on Sediment Core Analyses - Year Two
      Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: report
      Series_Information:
        Series_Name: USGS Open-File Report
        Issue_Identification: 2004-1312
      Publication_Information:
        Publication_Place: Reston, VA
        Publisher: U.S. Geological Survey
      Online_Linkage: http://sofia.usgs.gov/publications/ofr/2004-1312/
  Cross_Reference:
    Citation_Information:
      Originator:
        Ishman, S. E.

        Graham, I.; D'Ambrosio, J.
      Publication_Date: 1997
      Title:
        Modern benthic foraminifer distributions in Biscayne Bay: Analogs
        for historical reconstruction
      Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: report
      Series_Information:
        Series_Name: USGS Open-File Report
        Issue_Identification: 97-034
      Publication_Information:
        Publication_Place: Reston, VA
        Publisher: U.S. Geological Survey
      Online_Linkage: http://pubs.usgs.gov/pdf/of/ofr97034.pdf
  Cross_Reference:
    Citation_Information:
      Originator:
        Ishman, S. E.

        Cronin, T. M.; Brewster-Wingard, G. L.; Willard, D. A.; Verardo, D.
        J.
      Publication_Date: 1998
      Title: A record of ecosystem change, Manatee Bay, Barnes Sound, Florida
      Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: report
      Series_Information:
        Series_Name: Journal of Coastal Research
        Issue_Identification: v. 26
      Publication_Information:
        Publication_Place: Royal Palm Beach, FL
        Publisher: Coastal Education and Research Foundation (CERF)
  Cross_Reference:
    Citation_Information:
      Originator:
        Wolfert-Lohmann, M. A.

        Langevin, C. D.; Jones, S. A.; Reich, C. D.; Wingard, G. L.;
        Kuffner, I. B.; Cunningham, K. J.
      Publication_Date: 2008
      Title:
        U. S. Geological Survey Science Strategy for Biscayne National Park
        and Surrounding Areas in Southeastern Florida
      Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: report
      Series_Information:
        Series_Name: USGS Open-File Report
        Issue_Identification: 2007-1288
      Publication_Information:
        Publication_Place: Reston, VA
        Publisher: U.S. Geological Survey
      Online_Linkage: http://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2007/1288/
Data_Quality_Information:
  Logical_Consistency_Report: not applicable
  Completeness_Report: not available
  Lineage:
    Process_Step:
      Process_Description:
        Specific emphasis will be placed on historical changes to 1) amount,
        timing, and sources of freshwater influx and the resulting effects
        on salinity and water quality; 2) shoreline and sub-aquatic
        vegetation; and 3) the relationship between sea-level change,
        onshore vegetation, and salinity.  In addition, a detailed
        examination of historical seasonal salinity patterns will be derived
        from biochemical analyses of molluscs, ostracodes, foraminifera and
        corals.  The corals will allow us to compare marine and estuarine
        trends, examine the linkage between the two systems, and will
        provide precise chronological control.  Land management agencies
        (principally SFWMD, ACOE and Biscayne NP) can use the data derived
        from this project to establish performance criteria for restoring
        natural flow, and to understand the consequences of altered flow. 
        These data can also be used to forecast potential problems as
        upstream changes in water delivery are made during restoration.  The
        project officially began in March 2002.  A meeting took place
        between SFWMD, USGS, NPS, and other interested parties on March 20,
        2002.  Five potential coring sites were identified and a
        draft-coring plan produced.  Coring will take place April 28 and
        30th, 2002.  Compilation of data from previous Biscayne cores has
        begun, and biochemical analyses of ostracode shells will begin
        within the next month.
      Process_Date: 2002
      Process_Contact:
        Contact_Information:
          Contact_Person_Primary:
            Contact_Person: Lynn Brewster-Wingard
            Contact_Organization: U.S. Geological Survey
          Contact_Address:
            Address_Type: mailing address
            Address: 926A National Center
            City: Reston
            State_or_Province: VA
            Postal_Code: 20192
            Country: USA
          Contact_Voice_Telephone: 703 648-5352
          Contact_Facsimile_Telephone: 703 648-6953
          Contact_Electronic_Mail_Address: lwingard@usgs.gov
    Process_Step:
      Process_Description:
        Geochronology and paleoecology of Biscayne Bay cores

        The initial and primary task is to determine the age of the selected
        cores, the general salinity history, the presence of sub-aquatic
        vegetation (SAV), and the probable abundance of SAV using
        established geochronologic and paleoecologic methods.  This task
        lays the groundwork for additional analyses as well as providing
        necessary data for the final interpretation of the cores.  The
        purpose of the overall project is to determine the changes in water
        quality and salinity over time, and the corresponding changes in
        onshore and sub-aquatic vegetation.  The first step is to determine
        if the core has a good chronology (i.e. the core has not been
        disrupted) and if it contains faunal remains for analyses.  If the
        core meets these criteria, then additional work can proceed. If the
        chronology is not good, or if there are no preserved fauna, than
        another core will be selected and the tasks repeated until we
        identify a core that meets these criteria. The chronologic data will
        be used to interpret all additional analyses.  Paleoecological
        methods also will be used to provide data on the general trends
        within the core in terms of salinity, SAV, and changes in water
        quality and nutrient supply.

        Six cores were collected at three sites in FY02 (Card, "No Name",
        and Featherbed Banks).   FY03 work will focus on completion of the
        analyses of these cores begun in FY02.  Faunal samples are processed
        using standard methods and all fractions are retained for analyses. 
        A portion of the less than 63-micron fraction is used for Pb-210
        geochronology and selected shells or plant material will be used for
        radiocarbon dating.  The greater than 63-micron fraction is sorted
        for faunal analyses; ostracodes, molluscs and benthic forams are
        picked, sorted and identified.   A small portion of core material is
        retained and processed for diatoms.   Percent abundance is
        calculated for the faunal and diatom data, and these data are
        compared to data from 28 sites in modern Florida Bay where faunal
        and floral associations have been studied between 1996-2000 and to
        sites established in Biscayne Bay.  These modern data serve as
        proxies for interpreting the down-core data.  The down-core faunal
        and floral assemblages and the presence or absence of key indicator
        species allow interpretation of trends in salinity, water quality
        and the presence of SAV at the core sites.

        In the second half of FY03, additional cores will be collected. 
        Determination of sites will depend on results from analyses of FY02
        cores and will be discussed with the client agencies (SFWMD, NPS-BB,
        ACOE).  New cores will be described, x-rayed, and cut into 2-cm
        intervals for processing. Samples will be processed using standard
        methods and all fractions will be retained for analyses as described
        above for FY02 cores.
      Process_Date: 2003
      Process_Contact:
        Contact_Information:
          Contact_Person_Primary:
            Contact_Person: Lynn Brewster-Wingard
            Contact_Organization: U.S. Geological Survey
          Contact_Address:
            Address_Type: mailing address
            Address: 926A National Center
            City: Reston
            State_or_Province: VA
            Postal_Code: 20192
            Country: USA
          Contact_Voice_Telephone: 703 648-5352
          Contact_Facsimile_Telephone: 703 648-6953
          Contact_Electronic_Mail_Address: lwingard@usgs.gov
    Process_Step:
      Process_Description:
        Patterns, Causes, and Impacts of Salinity Changes in Biscayne Bay

        Determine salinity history of several regions in Biscayne Bay for
        the period prior to and during large-scale 20th century urbanization
        and water diversion using salinity proxies from sediment cores from
        Biscayne and Card Sound.   Relate salinity variability to changes in
        fresh water flow due to land-use changes and natural variability in
        rainfall, freshwater runoff and water temperature (evaporation) and
        determine the extent to which water diversion disrupted natural
        patterns of salinity.   Develop new method to use oxygen isotope
        ratios in foraminifers as proxy of past salinity and/or temperature
        changes.  Compare and splice together the sediment core records of
        paleosalinity and paleotemperature with instrumental records of
        rainfall, bay salinity and temperature obtained from water
        monitoring.   The reconstructed record of physical and biological
        conditions in Biscayne Bay will be compared to the history of water
        quality obtained by W. Orem.  Biscayne Bay ecosystem and salinity
        history also will eventually be compared to records from Florida and
        Manatee Bays to examine regional trends.

        Work in FY 2003 will involve measurement of faunal and geochemical
        proxies of salinity and temperature from sediment cores taken in
        2002 (Card Sound Bank, "No Name" Bank, and Featherbed Bank located
        in central and southern Biscayne Bay) and if time permits, an
        additional site in northern Biscayne Bay, near the Rickenbacker
        Causeway (collected in 1997), will be examined.  Proxy methods
        include 1) oxygen isotope analyses of benthic foraminifera, 2) trace
        elemental (magnesium/calcium ratios) of ostracodes, 3) morphological
        indicators of temperature (shell size), and 4) relative proportions
        of species of forams, ostracodes and molluscs indicative of specific
        salinity ranges (i.e. oligohaline, mesohaline, etc.related to
        assemblage analyses).  The stable isotopic and trace elemental
        analyses will be carried out with cooperators using mass
        spectrometry and direct current plasma emission spectrometry at
        University of Miami and Duke University, respectively.  The use of
        paired analyses of stable isotopes of forams and Mg/Ca ratios in
        ostracodes should allow the quantification of changes in salinity
        and temperature and the impact of these changes could then be
        assessed from the faunal analyses of benthos from the same samples. 
        Selected intervals identified as representing extreme salinity
        conditions may also be studied for seasonal salinity variability
        using molluscan shell chemistry, depending on preservation in cores
        and status of mollusk calibration studies.

        A transect of modern foram, ostracode, mollusk and water samples
        will also be collected in summer 2002 and winter 2003 for the
        following purposes:  (1) to calibrate the oxygen isotopic
        composition of foraminiferal shells to water isotope ratios and
        salinity for application to sediment core forams; (2) to improve
        understanding of the salinity tolerance of indicator species in
        Biscayne Bay; (3) to determine the local radiocarbon "correction"
        for Biscayne Bay.  These modern calibration sites will be located
        along one or more salinity transects and will be taken during summer
        and winter seasons.  The sites will be located strategically in
        relation to the sites chosen to determine the source of variations
        in salinity and the water chemistry stations, and will correspond to
        the monitoring sites established for the benthic faunal surveys.
      Process_Date: 2005
      Process_Contact:
        Contact_Information:
          Contact_Person_Primary:
            Contact_Person: Tom Cronin
            Contact_Organization: U.S. Geological Survey
          Contact_Address:
            Address_Type: mailing address
            Address: 926A National Center
            City: Reston
            State_or_Province: VA
            Postal_Code: 20192
            Country: USA
          Contact_Voice_Telephone: 703 648-6363
          Contact_Facsimile_Telephone: 703 648-6953
          Contact_Electronic_Mail_Address: tcronin@usgs.gov
    Process_Step:
      Process_Description:
        Origin of salinity variations in Biscayne Bay

        This task is designed to answer the question of whether variations
        in salinity, a common feature of the coastal environments of
        Biscayne, are a result of terrestrial runoff, ground water input, or
        local precipitation.  By analyzing stable oxygen and hydrogen
        isotopes in the water we can determine whether the source of
        freshwater influx is from rainfall, overland flow, or groundwater
        input.  This information is vital in assessing (i) the impact of
        water management changes within the terrestrial Everglades on the
        coastal ecosystem, (ii) the input of groundwater into the coastal
        systems, and (iii) identifying which systems are susceptible to
        anthropogenic water use decisions.

        Isotopic tracers have been successfully used in Florida Bay.  The
        technique works because although groundwater, surface water and
        precipitation all have essentially zero salinity, they have
        different oxygen, hydrogen, and carbon isotopic compositions, which
        are a result of evaporation, degradation of organic material and
        interaction with local rocks.  Since 1993 samples collected by the
        Southeast Environmental Research Center (SERC) at Florida
        International University (FIU) in Florida Bay have been analyzed for
        their stable isotopic composition (O, H, and C).  In 1998, the
        network was expanded to include all of the samples collected by SERC
        on the West Coast of Florida and in Biscayne Bay.  Samples were also
        collected from the Everglades and from rainfall at four locations. 
        This work demonstrated that between 1993 and 1999 over 70% of the
        freshwater in the western portion of Florida Bay was derived from
        rainfall rather than runoff.  The extent of freshwater runoff from
        the Everglades into the NE corner of Florida Bay has been clearly
        demonstrated.  The purpose of this task is to utilize the methods
        demonstrated in Florida Bay to obtain data on current sources of
        freshwater input into Biscayne Bay that are essential for successful
        restoration of natural flow.  These data can then be compared to
        downcore data gained in task 2 to determine the extent to which
        freshwater sources for Biscayne Bay have change over the last
        100-200 years.

        Isotopic analyses will be conducted on samples of water from 45
        stations sampled monthly and eight stations sampled quarterly in
        Biscayne Bay, Barnes Sound, and north Florida Bay by SERC at FIU. 
        This sampling has been carried out in conjunction with FIU since
        1993.  In addition we will analyze freshwater samples from the
        Everglades (collected by ENP) and precipitation samples from
        stations in Key Biscayne, Key Largo, and a new station to be
        installed at Biscayne Park Headquarters operated by Rosenstiel
        School of Marine and Atmospheric Science (RSMAS).  A series of
        groundwater wells installed by Biscayne National Park also will be
        sampled.  These wells provide a transect from Black Point out onto
        the reef tract.

        All samples are preserved and filtered according to conventional
        procedures.  Fifty-five water samples per month will be analyzed for
        hydrogen, oxygen and carbon isotopes using mass spectrometric
        techniques.  Data will be compiled, interpreted, and used to produce
        contour maps.  These data will include all analyses completed
        between 1993 and the present day.  In addition to a spatial analysis
        of the data, samples will be analyzed in a temporal sense and
        related to natural and anthropogenic changes in the South Florida
        Everglades Ecosystem in conjunction with results from the previous
        process step.
      Process_Date: 2003
      Process_Contact:
        Contact_Information:
          Contact_Person_Primary:
            Contact_Person: Peter Swart
            Contact_Organization: University of Miami, RSMAS
          Contact_Address:
            Address_Type: mailing and physical address
            Address: 4600 Rickenbacker Causeway
            City: Miami
            State_or_Province: FL
            Postal_Code: 33031
            Country: USA
          Contact_Voice_Telephone: 305 361-4103
          Contact_Facsimile_Telephone: 305 361-4632
          Contact_Electronic_Mail_Address: pswart@rsmas.miami.edu
    Process_Step:
      Process_Description:
        Palynological analysis and reconstruction of shoreline vegetation

        This step is to reconstruct vegetational trends at selected sites
        using pollen and seeds preserved in sediment cores.  Although
        temporal resolution depends on sedimentation rates at core sites,
        vegetational changes on a decadal scale should be identifiable. 
        Also,  to document fire history of region through quantitative
        analysis of charcoal in sediment cores.

        Analyze pollen assemblages from cores collected during FY02 and from
        marsh cores to be collected in FY03; initial examination will be at
        10 cm increments, with other samples filled in as appropriate. 
        Vegetational trends will be reconstructed through statistical
        comparison with database of approximately 200 surface samples
        collected in different vegetation types throughout the Everglades;
        secondarily, changes in hydroperiod and water depth will be
        estimated from vegetational proxies.  Charcoal analyses will be
        undertaken using chemical digestion to isolate charcoal and
        morphometric analysis to quantify charcoal in each sample. 
        Geochronologies established in the geochronology and paleoecology
        part of the project will allow determination of the timing of
        changes in vegetation or charcoal abundance and correlation with
        specific environmental or anthropogenic changes.
      Process_Date: 2006
      Process_Contact:
        Contact_Information:
          Contact_Person_Primary:
            Contact_Person: Debra Willard
            Contact_Organization: U.S. Geological Survey
          Contact_Position: Project Chief
          Contact_Address:
            Address_Type: mailing address
            Address: 926A National Center
            City: Reston
            State_or_Province: VA
            Postal_Code: 20192
            Country: USA
          Contact_Voice_Telephone: 703 648-5320
          Contact_Facsimile_Telephone: 703 648-6953
          Contact_Electronic_Mail_Address: dwillard@usgs.gov
    Process_Step:
      Process_Description:
        Isotopic analyses of corals from Biscayne National Park

        Biscayne National Park (BNP) contains the northern-most extension of
        the Florida Keys Reef Tract, extending from Fowey Rocks in BNP 130
        miles south to the Marquesas.  The Florida Reef Tract is a unique
        natural resource  the only reef ecosystem in the continental US and
        among the largest bank reef systems in the world.  Yet, this unique
        ecosystem is threatened by "upstream" changes in freshwater flow
        through the terrestrial Everglades.  It is critical to understand
        the linkages between the terrestrial system, Biscayne Bay and the
        Reef Tract prior to implementing substantial restoration changes. 
        This step examines these linkages by comparing isotopic records
        obtained from coral to records from the near shore cores and to
        water chemistry data.  In addition it provides a long term
        continuous record of offshore water chemistry that will provide
        information on the relationship of coral health to water chemistry
        pre- and post-alteration of terrestrial flow.  If corals can be
        located within the Bay and permission to sample them obtained,
        additional comparisons can be made between offshore and Bay waters.

        Following the methods used by Swart et al., (1996) at Alinas Reef
        near Elliot Key, a second reef site within Biscayne National Park
        will be selected and sampled at a relatively low resolution transect
        (5 samples per year) over a 200 year period of time.  Two additional
        short cores will be taken at the site of the original coral sampling
        at Alinas Reef in 1986, allowing us to bring the record up to date
        and to compare the isotopic data and the instrumental records.  In
        addition, we hope to locate and utilize corals situated within
        Biscayne Bay in order to compare salinity records inside and outside
        the Bay.
      Process_Date: 2003
      Process_Contact:
        Contact_Information:
          Contact_Person_Primary:
            Contact_Person: Peter Swart
            Contact_Organization: University of Miami, RSMAS
          Contact_Address:
            Address_Type: mailing and physical address
            Address: 4600 Rickenbacker Causeway
            City: Miami
            State_or_Province: FL
            Postal_Code: 33031
            Country: USA
          Contact_Voice_Telephone: 305 361-4103
          Contact_Facsimile_Telephone: 305 361-4632
          Contact_Electronic_Mail_Address: pswart@rsmas.miami.edu
    Process_Step:
      Process_Description:
        Geochemical History of Biscayne Bay: Nutrients and Organics

        Nutrients from agricultural and urban runoff are causing
        eutrophication and microalgal blooms in many of the estuaries in
        south Florida, including Biscayne Bay.  The effects of this excess
        nutrient input on biotic assemblages within the estuaries, however,
        are not understood, but may be substantial.  Eutrophication and
        microalgal blooms may be responsible for seagrass dieoff in Florida
        Bay, and coral mortality in the Florida Keys.  In Biscayne Bay,
        seagrass dieoff, changes in microalgal population structures, and
        changes in other benthic species may be occurring.  Linking
        eutrophication to these changes in the biotic community, however, is
        a difficult problem.

        Our major objectives are to determine the historical record of
        eutrophication in Biscayne Bay and to evaluate the linkage between
        eutrophication and changes in the biotic community in the bay.  The
        approach we will take in this task is to examine the historical
        record of nutrients in Biscayne Bay from dated sediment cores. 
        Results will also be compared to water flow records to determine if
        known changes in the water control system of south Florida may
        correspond to distinct nutrient changes within the cores. 
        Historical changes in sulfur content of the cores will also provide
        information on historical changes in salinity in Biscayne Bay
        related to construction of canals within the Everglades.  We will
        also examine organic geochemical markers of seagrass and microbial
        communities in the cores to determine historical changes in these
        biota.  These results will be compiled with faunal and floral data. 
        Comparing the timing of changes in nutrient input to that of changes
        in the biological community will allow a determination of whether
        eutrophication of the estuary and changes in biota are directly
        linked.

        Six cores from three sites were collected in FY02.  Splits of the
        <63-micron fraction from these cores are available for nutrient
        history studies.  Results from 210Pb and 137Cs dating of these
        cores, and paleoecological studies will be available for comparison
        to the nutrient data.  In FY03, nutrients will be analyzed from
        every 2-cm interval in the cores, meeting the criteria defined
        previously. Additional piston coring will be conducted as needed in
        FY03 and FY04 using existing equipment available to this project
        task.  This additional coring may be needed for obtaining fresh core
        material (unoxidized sediment) for organic biomarker studies. 
        Processing procedures and sectioning of these additional cores will
        follow the same protocol as that used in the FY02 coring.  Work in
        FY04 will involve continued analysis of the core samples, especially
        the time-consuming biomarker work.

        Sediment samples will be analyzed for total and organic C, total N,
        and total S using a Leco elemental analyzer available in USGS
        organic geochemistry labs (Orem) in Reston, VA.  Total P content
        will be analyzed using a standard geochemical method involving
        baking at 500&deg;C, extraction in acid, and colorimetric analysis. 
        Organic geochemical studies will involve the use of published
        methods.  These methods involve soxhlet extraction of biomarkers
        from sediments, isolation procedures involving column
        chromatography, and identification and quantification using GC and
        GC/MS.  All geochemical data will be plotted down-core, and compared
        to results of other tasks.  Accumulation rates for total and organic
        C, total N, total P, and total S will be calculated using sediment
        accumulation rates calculated from 210Pb dating and the
        concentrations of these chemical species in the sediments. 
        Accumulation rates for these elements in Taylor Slough and the C-111
        Basin, and eastern Florida Bay have already been published by Orem. 
        Comparison of accumulation rates in Biscayne Bay and Florida Bay may
        provide additional insights into processes and flow patterns
      Process_Date: 2006
      Process_Contact:
        Contact_Information:
          Contact_Person_Primary:
            Contact_Person: William Orem
            Contact_Organization: U.S. Geological Survey
          Contact_Address:
            Address_Type: mailing address
            Address: 956 National Center
            City: Reston
            State_or_Province: VA
            Postal_Code: 20192
            Country: USA
          Contact_Voice_Telephone: 703 648-6273
          Contact_Facsimile_Telephone: 703 648-6419
          Contact_Electronic_Mail_Address: borem@usgs.gov
    Process_Step:
      Process_Description:
        Work planned for FY 2004 includes:

        1. Geochronology and paleoecology of Biscayne Bay cores Six cores
        were collected at three sites in FY03 (Middle Key, Inlet north of
        Black Point, and Chicken Key).  The work will focus on analyzing
        these cores.  Faunal samples are processed using standard methods
        and all fractions are retained for analyses.  A portion of the less
        than 63-micron fraction is used for Pb-210 geochronology and
        selected shells or plant material will be used for radiocarbon
        dating.  Special emphasis will be placed on refining the age models
        for the FY02 cores by obtaining modern sediment samples to examine
        background radioisotopes in Biscayne Bay.  Additional carbon-14 ages
        will be obtained for the FY02 cores as well.  The same methods will
        be applied to the FY03 cores.

        The greater than 63-micron fraction of the cores is sorted for
        faunal analyses; ostracodes, molluscs and benthic forams are picked,
        sorted and identified.  A small portion of core material is retained
        and processed for diatoms and pollen.  Percent abundance is
        calculated for the faunal, diatom, and pollen data, and these data
        are compared to data from 28 sites in modern Florida Bay where
        faunal and floral associations have been studied between 1996-2000
        and to sites established in Biscayne Bay.  These modern data serve
        as proxies for interpreting the down-core data.  The downcore faunal
        and floral assemblages and the presence or absence of key indicator
        species allow interpretation of trends in salinity, water quality
        and the presence of SAV at the core sites.  Data obtained in FY04
        will be compiled with data from FY03 and older cores from Biscayne
        to determine trends.  Any information gaps and additional questions
        will be identified.  If necessary, a few additional cores may be
        selected and processed to address specific information needs.

        2. Patterns, causes, and impacts of salinity changes in Biscayne Bay
        Work will involve measurement of faunal and geochemical proxies of
        salinity and temperature from sediment cores taken in 2002 and 2003
        and if time permits, an additional site in northern Biscayne Bay,
        near the Rickenbacker Causeway (collected in 1997), will be
        examined.  Proxy methods include 1) oxygen isotope analyses of
        benthic foraminifera, 2) trace elemental  (magnesium/calcium ratios)
        of ostracodes, 3) morphological indicators of temperature (shell
        size) and 4) relative proportions of species of forams, ostracodes
        and molluscs indicative of specific salinity ranges (i.e.
        oligohaline, mesohaline, etc.)(related to  assemblage analyses).  
        The stable isotopic and trace elemental analyses will be carried out
        with cooperators using mass spectrometry and direct current plasma
        emission spectrometry at University of Miami and Duke University,
        respectively.  The use of paired analyses of stable isotopes of
        forams and Mg/Ca ratios in ostracodes should allow the
        quantification of changes in salinity and temperature and the impact
        of these changes could then be assessed from the faunal analyses of
        benthos from the same samples.  Selected intervals identified as
        representing extreme salinity conditions may also be studied for
        seasonal salinity variability using molluscan shell chemistry,
        depending on preservation in cores and status of mollusk calibration
        studies.

        Modern forams, ostracodes, and mollusks and associated water samples
        will continue to be collected this year for the following purposes:
        (1) to calibrate the oxygen isotopic composition of foraminiferal
        shells to water isotope ratios and salinity for application to
        sediment core forams; (2) to improve understanding of the salinity
        tolerance of indicator species in Biscayne Bay; (3) to determine the
        local radiocarbon 'correction' for Biscayne Bay.  These modern
        calibration sites are located at core sites and along salinity
        transects.  The sites will be located strategically in relation to
        other investigators' water chemistry stations, and will correspond
        to the monitoring sites established for the benthic faunal surveys.

        3. Palynological analysis and reconstruction of shoreline vegetation
        Analyze pollen assemblages from cores collected for geochronology
        and paleoecology analysis during FY03 and from marsh cores to be
        collected in FY04; initial examination will be at 10 cm increments,
        with other samples filled in as appropriate.   Vegetational trends
        will be reconstructed through statistical comparison with database
        of ~200 surface samples collected in different vegetation types
        throughout the Everglades; secondarily, changes in hydroperiod and
        water depth will be estimated from vegetational proxies.  Charcoal
        analyses will be undertaken using chemical digestion to isolate
        charcoal and morphometric analysis to quantify charcoal in each
        sample.  Geochronologies established as part of task 1 will allow
        determination of the timing of changes in vegetation or charcoal
        abundance and correlation with specific environmental or
        anthropogenic changes. Based on results from initial wetland cores,
        additional cores may be collected near the end of FY04 or early
        FY05.  All analyses will be completed and compiled in FY05.

        4. Geochemical history of iscayne Bay: nutrients and organics Six
        cores from three sites were collected in FY03.  Splits of the
        <63-micron fraction from these cores will be analyzed for nutrient
        history studies.  Results from 210Pb and 137Cs dating of these
        cores, and paleoecological studies will be available for comparison
        to the nutrient data. This year nutrients will be analyzed from
        every 2-cm interval in the FY03 cores, meeting the defined criteria
        for geochronology and paleoecology analysis.  Additional piston
        coring will be conducted as needed in FY04 using available existing
        equipment.  This additional coring may be needed for obtaining fresh
        core material (unoxidized sediment) for organic biomarker studies. 
        Processing procedures and sectioning of these additional cores will
        follow the same protocol as that used in the FY02 coring. Work in
        FY05 will involve continued analysis of the core samples, especially
        the time-consuming biomarker work, and compilation of the results.

        Sediment samples will be analyzed for total and organic C, total N,
        and total S using a Leco elemental analyzer available in USGS
        organic geochemistry labs in Reston, VA.  Total P content will be
        analyzed using a standard geochemical method involving baking at
        500&deg;C, extraction in acid, and colorimetric analysis.  All
        equipment for this procedure is also available at USGS labs in
        Reston.  Organic geochemical studies will involve the use of
        published methods.  These methods involve soxhlet extraction of
        biomarkers from sediments, isolation procedures involving column
        chromatography, and identification and quantification using GC and
        GC/MS.  All organic geochemical equipment and instrumentation needed
        from this work is available in lab facilities at the USGS in Reston,
        VA.  All geochemical data will be plotted down-core, and compared to
        results of other tasks.  Accumulation rates for total and organic C,
        total N, total P, and total S will be calculated using sediment
        accumulation rates calculated from 210Pb dating and the
        concentrations of these chemical species in the sediments. 
        Accumulation rates for these elements in Taylor Slough and the C-111
        Basin, and eastern Florida Bay have already been published. 
        Comparison of accumulation rates in Biscayne Bay and Florida Bay may
        provide additional insights into processes and flow patterns.
      Process_Date: 2006
      Process_Contact:
        Contact_Information:
          Contact_Person_Primary:
            Contact_Person: Lynn Brewster-Wingard
            Contact_Organization: U.S. Geological Survey
          Contact_Address:
            Address_Type: mailing address
            Address: 926A National Center
            City: Reston
            State_or_Province: VA
            Postal_Code: 20192
            Country: USA
          Contact_Voice_Telephone: 703 648-5352
          Contact_Facsimile_Telephone: 703 648-6953
          Contact_Electronic_Mail_Address: lwingard@usgs.gov
Spatial_Data_Organization_Information:
  Indirect_Spatial_Reference: Biscayne Bay
Distribution_Information:
  Distributor:
    Contact_Information:
      Contact_Person_Primary:
        Contact_Person: Heather S.Henkel
        Contact_Organization: U.S. Geological Survey
      Contact_Address:
        Address_Type: mailing address
        Address: 600 Fourth St. South
        City: St. Petersburg
        State_or_Province: FL
        Postal_Code: 33701
        Country: USA
      Contact_Voice_Telephone: 727 803-8747 ext 3028
      Contact_Facsimile_Telephone: 727 803-2030
      Contact_Electronic_Mail_Address: hhenkel@usgs.gov
  Resource_Description: Ecosystem History of South Florida Estuaries Data
  Distribution_Liability:
    The field data contained in this database have not been reviewed for
    publication and therefore may contain inconsistencies or errors.
  Standard_Order_Process:
    Digital_Form:
      Digital_Transfer_Information:
        Format_Name: MS Access
        Format_Version_Number: unknown
        Format_Specification: The Access database is available as a zipped file
        File_Decompression_Technique: The file must be "unzipped" before use
        Transfer_Size: 4.8
      Digital_Transfer_Option:
        Online_Option:
          Computer_Contact_Information:
            Network_Address:
              Network_Resource_Name: http://sofia.usgs.gov/exchange/flaecohist/
          Access_Instructions: The database may be downloaded from the SOFIA website
    Fees: none
Metadata_Reference_Information:
  Metadata_Date: 20080408
  Metadata_Contact:
    Contact_Information:
      Contact_Person_Primary:
        Contact_Person: Heather Henkel
        Contact_Organization: U.S. Geological Survey
      Contact_Address:
        Address_Type: mailing and physical address
        Address: 600 Fourth Street South
        City: St. Petersburg
        State_or_Province: FL
        Postal_Code: 33701
        Country: USA
      Contact_Voice_Telephone: 727 803-8747 ext 3028
      Contact_Facsimile_Telephone: 727 803-2030
      Contact_Electronic_Mail_Address: sofia-metadata@usgs.gov
  Metadata_Standard_Name: Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata
  Metadata_Standard_Version: FGDC-STD-001-1998