THE EFFECT OF INTERTIDAL ENVIRONMENT ON THE COMPOSITION OF CALCAREOUS SKELETAL MATERIAL1

Abstract
Oysters and barnacles were collected in the intertidal zone from four pilings within the estuary system near Sapelo Island, Georgia. The calcareous skeletal material was analyzed for Sr, Fe, Mg, Na, and Mn. Distinct and regular differences in skeletal composition were found. Sr and Mn exhibit some particularly close linear relationships between composition and piling level. Mg is the only element for which no linear relationship was observed.