Christmas Bay (Texas): Difference between revisions
m Disambiguating links to San Luis Pass (link changed to San Luis Pass (Galveston Island)) using DisamAssist. |
Added an Ecology, History, and Climate section |
||
| Line 31: | Line 31: | ||
The bay has a surface area of {{Convert|4173|acre|ha}}. Much of its shoreline is protected within the [[Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge]].<ref name="TPWD"/> |
The bay has a surface area of {{Convert|4173|acre|ha}}. Much of its shoreline is protected within the [[Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge]].<ref name="TPWD"/> |
||
== Ecology == |
|||
This small bay is on the southern coast of Texas near the city of Galveston. It is surrounded by the natural region of the gulf prairies and marshes<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Texas GEMS, Christmas Bay Preserve |url=https://tpwd.texas.gov/landwater/water/conservation/txgems/christma/index.phtml |access-date=2022-05-04 |website=tpwd.texas.gov}}</ref>. The plains are crossed by meandering streams that run southeast into the western Galveston Bay estuary and feature vast fresh and salty marshes<ref name=":0" />.The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has classified the bay as a nursery area and a Coastal Preserve because it supports a greater diversity of fin-fish than any other part of the Galveston Bay estuary<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=TPWD: Christmas Bay Paddling Trail {{!}} {{!}} Texas Paddling Trails |url=https://tpwd.texas.gov/fishboat/boat/paddlingtrails/coastal/christmas_bay/#:~:text=Christmas%20Bay%20is%20a%20shallow,greatly%20altered%20by%20human%20activity. |access-date=2022-05-04 |website=tpwd.texas.gov}}</ref>. The shallow-water perimeters of the preserve are home to the Texas quahog, an edible type of hard clam<ref name=":1" />. Waterfowl and shorebirds, both migratory and permanent, can be found in the region<ref name=":1" />. Waterbirds graze and nest on cordgrass stands, and huge oyster reefs may be found in the area<ref name=":1" />. Two endangered bird species call it home, the piping plover and brown pelican<ref name=":2">{{Cite journal |last=Husak |first=Michael S. |date=2008-06 |title=<i>Birdlife of Houston, Galveston, and the Upper Texas Coast</i>. <i>Gulf Coast Studies, Volume 10.</i> <i>By</i> Ted L. EubanksJr., Robert A. Behrstock, <i>and</i>, Ron J. Weeks; Foreword by, Victor Emanuel. College Station (Texas): Texas A&M University Press. $45.00. xiii + 287 p. + 24 pl.; ill.; index. 1‐58544‐510‐X. 2006. |url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1086/590632 |journal=The Quarterly Review of Biology |volume=83 |issue=2 |pages=228–229 |doi=10.1086/590632 |issn=0033-5770}}</ref>. Redfish, speckled trout, black drum, and flounder are all common fish on the bayside<ref name=":3">{{Cite journal |last=Carleton |first=Scott A. |last2=Rio |first2=Carlos Martinez Del |last3=Robinson |first3=Timothy J. |date=2015-06-22 |title=Feather isotope analysis reveals differential patterns of habitat and resource use in populations of white-winged doves |url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/jwmg.916 |journal=The Journal of Wildlife Management |volume=79 |issue=6 |pages=948–956 |doi=10.1002/jwmg.916 |issn=0022-541X}}</ref>. This unusual and complicated mixing of waters from many sources serves as a nursery and breeding ground for a diverse range of marine life, including crabs, shrimp, oysters, and a variety of fish, resulting in a thriving fishing business<ref name=":3" />. The bay's channels provide ideal habitat for bottlenose dolphins, who eat a variety of fish<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Brager |first=S. |last2=Wursig |first2=B. |last3=Acevedo |first3=A. |last4=Henningsen |first4=T. |date=1994-05-31 |title=Association Patterns of Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in Galveston Bay, Texas |url=http://dx.doi.org/10.2307/1382564 |journal=Journal of Mammalogy |volume=75 |issue=2 |pages=431–437 |doi=10.2307/1382564 |issn=1545-1542}}</ref>. In addition, the bayous, rivers, and marshes that surround the bay maintain their own ecosystems, including a varied range of fauna and allowing freshwater crawfish farming<ref>{{Cite web |title=Galveston Bay |url=https://wikihmong.com/en/Galveston_Bay |access-date=2022-05-04 |website=wikihmong.com |language=en}}</ref>. The marshes that surround the bay are home to a diverse range of wildlife. The American alligator and the bobcat are notable terrestrial species, while the roseate spoonbill, great and snowy egrets, white-faced ibis, and mottled duck are notable avian species<ref name=":2" />. Christmas Bay is a shallow 4,173-acre embayment in the Galveston Bay system's southwest corner<ref name=":1" />. The bay features high water quality, vast oyster reefs, and surrounding salt marsh habitat and has not been significantly impacted by human activities<ref name=":1" />. The 42,000-acre Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge is located on the bay's northern side<ref name=":1" />. |
|||
== History == |
|||
Approximately 18 thousand years ago, the Gulf Coast took on its current shape during the most recent glacial era<ref name=":4">{{Cite journal |date=2008-09-01 |title=The formation and future of the upper Texas coast: a geologist answers questions about sand, storms, and living by the sea |url=http://dx.doi.org/10.5860/choice.46-0298 |journal=Choice Reviews Online |volume=46 |issue=01 |pages=46–0298-46-0298 |doi=10.5860/choice.46-0298 |issn=0009-4978}}</ref>. Low global sea levels permitted the Texas landmass to stretch much farther south than it does now, and the Trinity River excavated a 170-foot-deep canyon on its way to the ocean through what is now the Houston Ship Channel's outlet<ref name=":4" />. Rising sea levels filled this tiny canyon first when the glacial era ended, followed by the vast lowlands of today's Trinity Bay<ref name=":4" />. Between 7 and 5 thousand years ago, rapid sea-level rise moved the Gulf Coast northward to its current latitude<ref name=":4" />. |
|||
== Climate == |
|||
The Bay's climate is classed as humid subtropical<ref name=":5">{{Cite book |url=http://dx.doi.org/10.2307/j.ctt7zwb5m |title=Energy Metropolis |date=2007-07-01 |publisher=University of Pittsburgh Press |isbn=978-0-8229-7324-9 |editor-last=MELOSI |editor-first=MARTIN V. |editor-last2=PRATT |editor-first2=JOSEPH A.}}</ref>. Prevailing south and southeast breezes bring heat from Mexico's deserts and precipitation from the Gulf of Mexico<ref name=":5" />. Summer temperatures routinely surpass 90 degrees Fahrenheit, and the humidity in the area raises the heat index even further<ref name=":5" />. Winters in the region are warm, with average winter highs of 60 degrees Fahrenheit and lows of 40 degrees Fahrenheit<ref name=":6">{{Citation |last=Burt |first=Stephen |title=March |date=2019-05-30 |url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/oso/9780198834632.003.0009 |work=Oxford Weather and Climate since 1767 |pages=96–105 |publisher=Oxford University Press |access-date=2022-05-04 |last2=Burt |first2=Tim}}</ref>. Annual rainfall is considerably over 40 inches on average, with the area reaching well over 50 inches sometimes<ref name=":6" />. During the fall season, hurricanes are a constant concern<ref name=":6" />. |
|||
<references /> |
|||
==References== |
==References== |
||
Revision as of 01:10, 4 May 2022
| Christmas Bay | |
|---|---|
 | |
  Christmas Bay  Christmas Bay | |
| Location | Texas Gulf Coast |
| Coordinates | 29°3′N 95°11′W / 29.050°N 95.183°W |
| Primary inflows | Bastrop Bayou |
| Ocean/sea sources | Gulf of Mexico |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Surface area | 4,173 acres (1,689 ha)[1] |
Christmas Bay is a small bay located on the Texas Gulf Coast in Brazoria County, Texas, immediately southwest of West Bay. It is a minor estuary, one of a series of estuaries along the Gulf Coast of Texas, and receives the discharge from Bastrop Bayou, along with the adjacent coastal watershed. The bay is separated from the Gulf of Mexico by Follet's Island and connects with it through San Luis Pass and Cold Pass. Its minor extensions are Bastrop Bay to the north and Drum Bay to the southwest.[2] The nearest city is Freeport, about 10 miles (16 km) to the southwest at the mouth of the Brazos River.
The bay has a surface area of 4,173 acres (1,689 ha). Much of its shoreline is protected within the Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge.[1]
Ecology
This small bay is on the southern coast of Texas near the city of Galveston. It is surrounded by the natural region of the gulf prairies and marshes[3]. The plains are crossed by meandering streams that run southeast into the western Galveston Bay estuary and feature vast fresh and salty marshes[3].The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has classified the bay as a nursery area and a Coastal Preserve because it supports a greater diversity of fin-fish than any other part of the Galveston Bay estuary[4]. The shallow-water perimeters of the preserve are home to the Texas quahog, an edible type of hard clam[4]. Waterfowl and shorebirds, both migratory and permanent, can be found in the region[4]. Waterbirds graze and nest on cordgrass stands, and huge oyster reefs may be found in the area[4]. Two endangered bird species call it home, the piping plover and brown pelican[5]. Redfish, speckled trout, black drum, and flounder are all common fish on the bayside[6]. This unusual and complicated mixing of waters from many sources serves as a nursery and breeding ground for a diverse range of marine life, including crabs, shrimp, oysters, and a variety of fish, resulting in a thriving fishing business[6]. The bay's channels provide ideal habitat for bottlenose dolphins, who eat a variety of fish[7]. In addition, the bayous, rivers, and marshes that surround the bay maintain their own ecosystems, including a varied range of fauna and allowing freshwater crawfish farming[8]. The marshes that surround the bay are home to a diverse range of wildlife. The American alligator and the bobcat are notable terrestrial species, while the roseate spoonbill, great and snowy egrets, white-faced ibis, and mottled duck are notable avian species[5]. Christmas Bay is a shallow 4,173-acre embayment in the Galveston Bay system's southwest corner[4]. The bay features high water quality, vast oyster reefs, and surrounding salt marsh habitat and has not been significantly impacted by human activities[4]. The 42,000-acre Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge is located on the bay's northern side[4].
History
Approximately 18 thousand years ago, the Gulf Coast took on its current shape during the most recent glacial era[9]. Low global sea levels permitted the Texas landmass to stretch much farther south than it does now, and the Trinity River excavated a 170-foot-deep canyon on its way to the ocean through what is now the Houston Ship Channel's outlet[9]. Rising sea levels filled this tiny canyon first when the glacial era ended, followed by the vast lowlands of today's Trinity Bay[9]. Between 7 and 5 thousand years ago, rapid sea-level rise moved the Gulf Coast northward to its current latitude[9].
Climate
The Bay's climate is classed as humid subtropical[10]. Prevailing south and southeast breezes bring heat from Mexico's deserts and precipitation from the Gulf of Mexico[10]. Summer temperatures routinely surpass 90 degrees Fahrenheit, and the humidity in the area raises the heat index even further[10]. Winters in the region are warm, with average winter highs of 60 degrees Fahrenheit and lows of 40 degrees Fahrenheit[11]. Annual rainfall is considerably over 40 inches on average, with the area reaching well over 50 inches sometimes[11]. During the fall season, hurricanes are a constant concern[11].
- ^ a b "Texas GEMS — Christmas Bay Coastal Preserve". Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Retrieved April 2, 2020.
- ^ "Christmas Bay". Texas Water Development Board. Retrieved March 11, 2020.
- ^ a b "Texas GEMS, Christmas Bay Preserve". tpwd.texas.gov. Retrieved 2022-05-04.
- ^ a b c d e f g "TPWD: Christmas Bay Paddling Trail | | Texas Paddling Trails". tpwd.texas.gov. Retrieved 2022-05-04.
- ^ a b Husak, Michael S. (2008-06). "Birdlife of Houston, Galveston, and the Upper Texas Coast. Gulf Coast Studies, Volume 10. By Ted L. EubanksJr., Robert A. Behrstock, and, Ron J. Weeks; Foreword by, Victor Emanuel. College Station (Texas): Texas A&M University Press. $45.00. xiii + 287 p. + 24 pl.; ill.; index. 1‐58544‐510‐X. 2006". The Quarterly Review of Biology. 83 (2): 228–229. doi:10.1086/590632. ISSN 0033-5770.
{{cite journal}}: Check date values in:|date=(help); no-break space character in|first=at position 8 (help); no-break space character in|title=at position 121 (help) - ^ a b Carleton, Scott A.; Rio, Carlos Martinez Del; Robinson, Timothy J. (2015-06-22). "Feather isotope analysis reveals differential patterns of habitat and resource use in populations of white-winged doves". The Journal of Wildlife Management. 79 (6): 948–956. doi:10.1002/jwmg.916. ISSN 0022-541X.
- ^ Brager, S.; Wursig, B.; Acevedo, A.; Henningsen, T. (1994-05-31). "Association Patterns of Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in Galveston Bay, Texas". Journal of Mammalogy. 75 (2): 431–437. doi:10.2307/1382564. ISSN 1545-1542.
- ^ "Galveston Bay". wikihmong.com. Retrieved 2022-05-04.
- ^ a b c d "The formation and future of the upper Texas coast: a geologist answers questions about sand, storms, and living by the sea". Choice Reviews Online. 46 (01): 46–0298-46-0298. 2008-09-01. doi:10.5860/choice.46-0298. ISSN 0009-4978.
- ^ a b c MELOSI, MARTIN V.; PRATT, JOSEPH A., eds. (2007-07-01). Energy Metropolis. University of Pittsburgh Press. ISBN 978-0-8229-7324-9.
- ^ a b c Burt, Stephen; Burt, Tim (2019-05-30), "March", Oxford Weather and Climate since 1767, Oxford University Press, pp. 96–105, retrieved 2022-05-04
References
External links
 | This article about a location in Brazoria County, Texas is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |