QUALITY AND DYNAMICS OF THE MINK RIVER ESTUARY

The Mink River Estuary (MRE) is a freshwater environment connecting with Rowley’s Bay on the northeast side of Door County, Wisconsin. Spring complexes originating in the surrounding wetland exchange mineral enriched groundwater with the water of Lake Michigan within the estuary. Seiche motion originating in the body of Lake Michigan is pronounced in the calm water of the MRE and encourages mixing of spring and Lake Michigan waters. A gradational geochemical pattern exists throughout the estuary from the spring to its mouth and is influenced by the lake's water level. Water level data show a direct relationship between Lake Michigan water level and the water level within the MRE. In-situ water quality data reveal the composition of spring and estuary water. Temperature data is included and show variation over time in different parts of the estuary and northwest spring complex. Linear regression of the MRE’s chemical gradient over time reveals change in the variation of the chemical pattern along the estuary axis. The state of the estuary is dependent on its quality and quantity of water, monitoring of water levels and other parameters in the MRE is helpful for understanding how the environment may be affected by groundwater influences and Lake Michigan water level. This project builds on studies done by the Wisconsin Geological & Natural History Survey (WGNHS).