Die Lebensgemeinschaften des Seegats der Otzumer Balje in Abhängigkeit von morphodynamischen Prozessen

Tidal Inlets are the links between the Wadden Sea and the open shore. So their benthic communities are influenced by both sides. Export- and import processes along tidal inlets were discussed on specific species by e.g. BOSSELMANN (1989), HERTWECK (1995), and SMTDT (1951). Additionally DÖRJES&HOWARD 1992, DÖRJES et al. 1970, DÖRJES&REINECK 1977, PARKE&HAUSMANN 1971, SCHUSTER 1951, STECHER&DÖRJES 1993a,b. They show main differences between benthic communities of tidal flats and shore faces of the open sea. Investigations of the links, the tidal inlets, are still missing. The benthos- and the according driftfauna of Tidal Inlet of the Otzumer Balje were investigated in close relationship with the hydrographical investigations (KRÖGEL 1995) to answer following questions: Are the benthic associations of Tidal Inlets a mix of Wadden Sea and Shore Face communities ? Are the Tidal Inlets a reservoir of species, which will settle on the Tidal Flats ? Can exchange processes be documented between the Wadden Sea and the Open Sea ? In which way are benthic associations of Tidal Inlets influenced by morphodynamic processes ?