Harper, D.E. Jr.McKinney, L.D.Salzer, R.R.Case, R.J.Contributions in Marine Science2010-02-152010-02-151981http://hdl.handle.net/1969.3/20847p. 53-79.Hypoxic bottom water occurred off the upper Texas coast in May-July 1979 after heavy spring runoff and a diatom bloom. Benthic assemblages at two study sites off Freeport, Texas decreased from spring densities of 3000-4000 individuals/m super (2) to 300-600 individuals/m super (2) by late July. Species diversity also decreased and perturbations occurred in the Shannon-Weiner diversity indices. Of the dominant taxa, polychaetes were least affected by hypoxia and amphipods and echinoderms the most affected. Storm-caused waves in late July initiated the breakup of hypoxic conditions these conditons had completely abated by late September. A short-lived irrupton occurred immediately afterward as depopulated bottoms were reinvaded. Diversity and abundances appeared to be returning to more normal conditions by early 1980.hypoxiabenthic environmentdensity flowspecies diversitypolychaetesamphipodsechinodermsabundanceArticle