HYDROGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS OF THE LAGUNAR MICROS-BURNED SYSTEM IN THE HONDURAN CARIBBEAN

Authors

  • Carlos L. Brenes-Rodríguez Universidad Nacional, Costa Rica
  • Rosario Benavides-Morera Universidad Nacional, Costa Rica https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8570-8280
  • Daniel Ballestero-Saxon Universidad Nacional, Costa Rica

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15359/revmar.1.12

Keywords:

Coastal lagoon, hydrography, Honduras

Abstract

A hydrographic survey funded by PREPAC (Plan Regional de Pesca y Acuicultura Continental) was carried out in the Micos-Quemada lagoon system in the Caribbean coast of Honduras. From October 2005 to May 2006 27 sampling stations were occupied to measure pH, dissolved oxygen, salinity, and turbidity. Surface temperatures were between 24.2 and 31.8°C during the sampling period, with extreme temporal variations close to 7°C. Minimum temperatures were observed between October and February. Surface salinity showed a clear seasonal cycle, with values greater than 12 during the dry months virtually over the entire body of water, while during the rainy season (October to February) salinity values were around 6. Values for pH were between 7.8 and 8.7 during the study. The highest pH values were found in the central area of the lagoon system and the lowest in the areas close to the banks, likely due to the degradation of organic matter and to the contribution from the tributary. Maximum turbidity was observed in February and December, while the area with clearest water was located near the bar. Surface oxygen concentration varied between 5.0 and 7.6 mg/L from October to February. Maximum and minimum values of dissolved oxygen were observed in October and May, respectively.

Author Biographies

Carlos L. Brenes-Rodríguez, Universidad Nacional

Laboratorio de Oceanografía y Manejo Costero

Rosario Benavides-Morera, Universidad Nacional

Laboratorio de Oceanografía y Manejo Costero

Daniel Ballestero-Saxon, Universidad Nacional

Laboratorio de Oceanografía y Manejo Costero

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Published

2009-12-21

How to Cite

Brenes-Rodríguez, C. L., Benavides-Morera, R., & Ballestero-Saxon, D. (2009). HYDROGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS OF THE LAGUNAR MICROS-BURNED SYSTEM IN THE HONDURAN CARIBBEAN. Journal of Marine and Coastal Sciences, 1, 215-229. https://doi.org/10.15359/revmar.1.12

Issue

Section

Scientific articles

How to Cite

Brenes-Rodríguez, C. L., Benavides-Morera, R., & Ballestero-Saxon, D. (2009). HYDROGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS OF THE LAGUNAR MICROS-BURNED SYSTEM IN THE HONDURAN CARIBBEAN. Journal of Marine and Coastal Sciences, 1, 215-229. https://doi.org/10.15359/revmar.1.12

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