The geometric features, shape factors and fractal dimensions of suspended particulate matter in the Scheldt Estuary (Belgium)
Billiones, R.G.; Tackx, M.L.; Daro, M.H. (1999). The geometric features, shape factors and fractal dimensions of suspended particulate matter in the Scheldt Estuary (Belgium). Est., Coast. and Shelf Sci. 48(3): 293-305. http://dx.doi.org/10.1006/ecss.1999.0420 In: Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science. Academic Press: London; New York. ISSN 0272-7714; e-ISSN 1096-0015, more |  |
| Keywords | Aquatic communities > Plankton > Zooplankton
Detritus
Dimensions > Size > Particle size
Fractals
Fractals
Fractals
Particulates > Suspended particulate matter
Sampling > Water sampling
Sedimentation
Water bodies > Coastal waters > Coastal landforms > Coastal inlets > Estuaries
Bacillariophyceae [WoRMS]; Calanoida [WoRMS]; Diplostraca [WoRMS]; Cyclopoida [WoRMS]; Plantae [WoRMS]
Belgium [Marine Regions]; Belgium, Zeeschelde [Marine Regions]
Marine/Coastal |
| Abstract | Water samples from the Scheldt estuary were collected in three fractions: (a) unfiltered water, (b) water filtered through a 50 µm net and (c) water filtered through a 300 µm net. Particles easily recognisable from the majority of the amorphous particles were isolated and their geometric dimensions measured. From the measurements, shapefactors were calculated. Measurement of fractal dimensions was attempted. From the first fraction, the particles isolated and measured were circular and chained diatoms. In the second fraction, zooplankters were easily distinguishable and representatives of the three dominant groups (cladocerans, cyclopoids and calanoids) were measured. In the third fraction, detrital pieces from monocotyledon and dicotyledon plants were recognised, isolated and measured. Fractal dimensions were only measurable in particles from fraction 3. The geometric features, shape factors and fractal dimensions of the particles were tested and proven to be effective ‘fingerprints’ to distinguish these particles from the majority of the unidentifiable amorphous particles in the samples. |
| Dataset | - Distribution of suspended matter in the Scheldt estuary and interaction with mesozooplankton, more
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