Physical-biological couplings as a basis for functional comparisons

Studies of a series of estuaries in New England indicate that their ecodynamic structure is coupled to their size as well as their geomorphology. Size-related ratios (shoreline, benthic area and shallows area vs volume; freshwater inflow and tidal volume vs residual volume) appear to be hydrologically linked to the relative contribution of the various carbon sources. The authors critique couplings from the standpoint of hydrodynamic particle transport (Bohlen), carbon sources and cycling (Welsh) and resultant community structure (Whitlatch), testing results against data generated elsewhere. They are particularly concerned with the alternate hypothesis perceived differences result from the scale of the sampling program.