IV-7 



Unfortunately, the Dresent extremely limited state of knowledge 

 requires the measurement of a wide variety of attributes, and 

 management must he derived through the pragmatic aoplication of 

 knowledge gained from such measurement. 



There are six different kinds of characteristics that should be 

 understood to make a rational effort at sound technical management: 



Shape and Size . Fresh water carries sediments eroded from the land 

 to the coast where they are deposited and molded along with the 

 original shoreline by the energy of ocean waves and currents. Shape 

 and size go far toward determinina water movement, the life forms 

 present, and the speed with which pollutants can be absorbed or 

 passed throuqh the estuarine zone. These are characterized by length 

 of shoreline, water and marsh area, and water volume. 



Water Movement . The slight difference in densitv between fresh 

 water and ocean, combined with tidal, weather, and shape effects, 

 causes diversity of water movement patterns in the estuarine zone. 

 These patterns are important in Dollution control and in determining 

 the ecological balance. Parameters of water movement are river 

 inflow, tidal range, currents, density difference, and volume of 

 tidal inflow. 



Life Forms . The estuarine zone is reconnized as the most oroductive 

 part of the natural environment. The many forms of life include 



