- Storm Surge: The storm surge associated with Hurricane Floyd was responsible for the inundation of coastal areas and the introduction of freshwater into the marine environment. This influx of freshwater alters the salinity and temperature of the water, affecting the chemical equilibria and distribution of various dissolved substances.
- Erosion and Sediment Transport: The strong winds and heavy rainfall during Hurricane Floyd led to significant erosion of land, including beaches, dunes, and coastal bluffs. This process releases sediments, nutrients, and other contaminants into the water. The resuspension and transport of bottom sediments can also bring up organic matter, heavy metals, and other pollutants that were previously buried.
- Nutrient Loading: Hurricane Floyd brought intense rainfall, leading to increased runoff from land-based sources. This runoff often carries with it pollutants, such as fertilizers from agricultural areas, sewage from wastewater treatment plants, and pet and livestock waste, which can enter coastal waters and alter their chemical composition.
- Mixing and Circulation Changes: The strong winds and currents associated with the hurricane can induce substantial mixing and circulation changes in the coastal waters. These changes can impact the distribution and dispersion of dissolved substances, nutrients, pollutants, and other water quality parameters.
Overall, Hurricane Floyd's impact on the chemical composition of coastal waters results from the combined effects of freshwater input, sediment transport, nutrient loading, and physical mixing processes. These changes can have ecological implications for marine life, disrupt drinking water supplies, and affect the overall water quality and health of coastal ecosystems.
