The location of the CHLa maximum is principally attributed to favorable growth conditions following a release from light limitation though we cannot discount the potential importance of factors affecting phytoplankton loss rates. Greater cross-sectional area of the channel near the CHLa maximum would result in lower fluvial and tidal velocities and longer transit times. Simulations with a twodimensional hydrodynamic model (Shen et al. 1999; Shen and Lin 2006) yielded transit time estimates of 4.6 days in the narrow, upper channel and 10 days in the broader, lower channel. These estimates were based on the long-term annual mean river discharge (200 m3 s−1) which was twofold higher than observed discharge during the study period (96 m3 s−1). Thus, actual transit times were likely longer. Longer transit times coupled with higher average irradiance in shallow waters would enhance nutrient utilization efficiency and biomass accumulation. The predominance of cyanobacteria at this site (see below)
may also explain why the CHLa maximum occurs here (JMS75) given their sensitivity to rising salinity (Sellner et al. 1988). For example, Microcystis occurs commonly in fresh and brackish waters up to a salinity of 7 ppt (Robson and Hamilton 2003; Lehman et al. 2010). However, salinities in the James River Estuary remain low (