FAQ

Do you have a question about the Chesapeake Bay? Explore our list of frequently asked questions to learn more about the Bay and its watershed, habitats and wildlife. You can browse the FAQ by category, or explore the answers to some of our most common questions below.

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Monitoring

  • Why do scientists monitor phytoplankton?

    Because phytoplankton respond quickly to changes in nutrient levels, their population density acts as an indicator of nutrient pollution and Bay health.

  • How do scientists measure water clarity?

    Scientists use a device called a Secchi disc to measure water clarity. A Secchi disc is a simple, black-and-white circle attached to a rope. The Secchi disc is lowered into the water until it disappears, then pulled up until it can just barely be seen. Scientists note the water line on the rope and measure the distance between the Secchi disc and the water line. The measurement is the water’s clarity: the depth that sunlight is able to penetrate through the water.

  • How do you measure dissolved oxygen?

    Scientists usually use an electronic dissolved oxygen meter to measure the amount of oxygen in the water.

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