Assessing the Surface Radiation Balance and Associated Components in an Intertidal Wetland

Abstract

Knowledge of the surface radiation balance and associated components in intertidal wetlands is essential to the understanding of the ecosystem. The aim of this study is to assess the behavior of the radiation balance (or net radiation) and its components in a salt marsh environment (Bahía Blanca Estuary, Argentina), taking into consideration two different tidal conditions: nonflooded salt marsh (NFS) and flooded salt marsh (FS). In situ measurements were made during a 1-year period. An adequate measurement system to record meteorological and oceanographic parameters by using a floating structure was implemented. The results showed that the tide led to an increase of 5% in net radiation for a typical summer day (NFS = 3485 W m -2 d -1 ; FS = 3663 W m -2 d -1 ), while for a typical winter day, the net radiation under NFS and FS conditions was similar (NFS = -616 W m -2 d -1 ; FS = -615 W m -2 d -1 ) but showing differences throughout the day. With the purpose of strengthening the results, a spectral analysis using Fourier and wavelet transforms was performed on the net radiation and tide level time series.