Seasonal variability of total suspended matter in Minas Basin, Bay of Fundy

Total suspended matter (TSM) concentrations were derived from ocean colour imagery (MERIS satellite data) in Minas Basin. Analysis of time series of TSM in 1-km2 pixel boxes revealed an annual cycle in TSM in most parts of the Basin. Higher TSM of up to 85 g/m3 was observed in late-winter (February–March), and lower TSM of 5–10 g/m3 characterized late-summer (July–August). The largest annual variation occurred in the centre of Basin, and the smallest variation occurred in shallow areas. Satellite-derived TSM, supported by in situ observations, were compared to predictions using the Delft3D model. Increasing model erosion rate in winter relative to summer improved agreement between model and satellite-derived TSM. In comparison with the satellite-derived estimates, the model underestimated TSM in shallow areas in summer and overestimated it in winter. This discrepancy is likely due to inaccurate satellite-derived TSM in shallow, high-concentration areas of the Basin.