Like the open ocean, coastal waters contain varying quantities and species of phytoplankton - the primary producer in the ocean food chain. However, unlike the open ocean, coastal waters are characterised by a significant concentration of inorganic matter. This sediment is derived from local river catchments and coastal cliffs and may be suspended by river inflow or by other currents acting on the coast. Case I, waters.
Coastal waters have both local and global relevance.
They are also subjected to erosion and deposition of sediments both in seasonal cycles and in longer terms. The coastal zone is an extremely dynamic system. Variations in the concentration of its major constituents occur rapidly over space and time. Studying this region has traditionally been performed by in situ sampling from boats and buoys. However, given the swift alterations in conditions, a faster, more synoptic approach is required.