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Sabellaria reef masses in Delaware Bay

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Chesapeake Science

Abstract

Along the western shore of Delaware Bay the polychaetous annelidSabellaria vulgaris builds reefs which are formed of sand grains cemented together in rounded masses of dwelling tubes. They occur principally near the low tide line on sandy beaches in the lower part of the bay, where higher salinity waters, turbulence from wave action, a supply of sand, and a firm or hard substrate occur together. These reefs have important geological and biological effects on the immediate environment, modifying and stabilizing beach sediments, and supporting a distinct community of associated organisms.

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Wells, H.W. Sabellaria reef masses in Delaware Bay. Chesapeake Science 11, 258–260 (1970). https://doi.org/10.2307/1351102

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.2307/1351102

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