The litter/microbial consumer relationship is 

 often shown by a combination of consumer and 

 storage module (J) that symbolizes the insepara- 

 bility of the living and nonliving components. 



A diagrammatic system model (fig. 1-5) often 

 contains a feedback loop. Loops for nutrient re- 

 generation and for self-shading are important con- 

 trol mechanisms of all ecosystems and they contribute 

 to system stability. In this example, growth of phy- 

 toplankton increases the turbidity (suspended load) 

 of the water. This reduces light penetration by shad- 

 ing, which leads to a lower rate of phytosynthesis, 

 which in turn reduces growth. This process stabUizes 

 the system at some optimum level of phytoplankton 

 for a given Ught intensity. 



1.2.3 AUDIENCE 



The Chenier Plain Characterization is intended 

 for users having a moderate understanding of socio- 

 economic and ecological principles, and a concern 

 about resource management or coastal planning 

 problems. 



1.2.2 ORGANIZATION OF CONTENTS 



The contents of this study are organized into 

 three volumes (fig. 1-6). Volume I (Narrative Report) 

 contains five parts. Part 1.0 briefly describes the 

 characterization process. Part 2.0 is a description and 

 analysis of climatic, geomorphic, and functional 

 processes that fomied or are changing the Chenier 

 Plain ecosystem. Part 3.0 focuses on drainage basins. 

 Part 4.0 describes the Chenier Plain habitats, and part 

 5.0 gives biological accounts of some of the most 

 important animal species. 



Volume II (Appendixes), in five parts, generally 

 is a continuation of the elements of Volume I. Part 

 6.0 provides an introduction. Part 6.1 contains geo- 

 logical, hydrological, meterological, chemical, bio- 

 logical, and socioeconomic data sources. Part 6.2 

 describes socioeconomics, oil and gas production, 

 agricultural values, sport and commercial fisheries, 

 fur trapping, and waterborne transportation. Part 

 6.3 gives biological information about primary pro- 

 duction, waterfowl, fishes, and a habitat/species list. 

 Part 6.4 contains data about water discharges, 

 phosphorus levels, and habitat changes. Literature 

 sources for the appendixes are listed in part 6.5. 



Volume III (Atlas) consists of the following 

 eleven plates (maps): 



1. Plates lA and IB- Index Maps 



2. Plate 2-The Pleistocene Erosional Surface 



3. Plates 3 A and 3B-Chenier Plain Habitat 

 Groups 



4. Plates 4A and 4B-Chenier Plain Wetland 

 Habitats 



5. Plates 5A and 5B-Canals and Point Source 

 Discharges 



6. Plates 6A and 6B-Special Features (bird 

 nesting colonies, archeological sites, refuges 

 and oyster reefs) 



The letter "A" denotes the western portion of the 

 Chenier Plain, and "B" denotes the eastern portion. 



I 



