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Open-File Report 99-219 contents page

SUMMARY

Potomac River segments were assigned an annual (growing season median) score in reference to how well the water-quality conditions satisfied the SAV habitat criteria that were established for the Chesapeake Bay in 1992. Parameters included in the criteria are light attenuation, dissolved inorganic nitrogen, dissolved inorganic phosphorus, total suspended solids, and chlorophyll-a. SAV was generally present when SAV habitat criteria were met, but these criteria were not the only determining factors for fluctuations in SAV areal coverage. For example, SAV habitat criteria were met in the lower Potomac Estuary for 1983-1997, yet SAV areal coverage was minimal.


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back arrowChesapeake Bay habitat criteria scores and coverage by submersed aquatic vegetation.
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