The Abundance and Distribution of Transparent Exopolymer Particles in the Turbidity Maximum Region of Chesapeake Bay

Transparent exopolymer particle (TEP) concentrations were measured in the turbidity maximum (ETM) region of Chesapeake Bay during eight research cruises over a two-year period. TEP concentrations ranged from 2500 ug XG eq l^-1 and accounted for an estimated average of 31% ± 14 of POC. Spatially averaged TEP and chl a concentrations were positively correlated over the two year period, although these parameters were rarely correlated within cruises. Peak TEP concentrations were often separated from chl a maxima, suggesting that formation and concentration processes are more responsible for TEP concentrations than the proximity to precursor source material. Significant correlations between TEP and phaeophytin, POC, DOC, TSS and level of stratification were observed during some sampling periods. Settling tube experiments revealed a positive correlation between TEP concentration and the fraction of settling particulate matter. A hypothetical model for TEP formation and concentration in estuaries is proposed

Urban Growth Boundaries and their impact on land prices

Undeveloped land transactions at the urban fringe of the Melbourne metropolitan area in Australia are recorded in a dataset that enables exploration of the impact of its urban growth boundary (UGB) on residential land prices. Estimation can take account of a wide range of factors, while controlling for policy anticipation effects and other potential influences on land prices. Modelling estimates indicate that land prices rose substantially inside the UGB after its enactment in 2003, but did not rise much outside of it. These results suggest that the urban growth boundary has had a significant upward effect on the trajectory of the urban region’s house prices. Keywords: urban growth boundary, land prices, land market dynamic