Comparison of Characteristics Within San Diego Estuaries

This paper is a summary of a semester long research project conducted throughout a research applications course. The paper focuses on estuarine ecosystems in San Diego, specifically examining Mission Bay as well as two harbor locations in San Diego Bay. The study investigates differences in water, sediment, and biological characteristics, with a particular emphasis on anthropogenic impacts such as invasive species (like Arcuatula senhousia), human development, and environmental changes affecting marine habitats. We aimed to understand how human activities influence sediment composition, metal concentrations, and macrofauna distribution within these coastal environments. This experience refined my analytical capabilities, enabling me to effectively manage complex datasets and transform them into clear, accessible visualizations.