ABSTRACT
Abstract .......................................................................................................................................... 434 17.1 History of the Patos-Mirim Lagoon System ........................................................................ 434
17.1.1 Geological Evolution ................................................................................................ 434 17.1.2 Natural Protection Areas .......................................................................................... 435
17.2 The Microtidal Patos Lagoon Estuary .................................................................................. 436 17.2.1 Water Exchange, Salinity, and Temperature ............................................................. 436 17.2.2 Dissolved Inorganic Nutrients .................................................................................. 437 17.2.3 Estuarine Habitats, Biological Components, and Processes .................................... 439
17.2.3.1 Primary Producers ..................................................................................... 439 17.2.3.2 Secondary Producers .................................................................................440
17.3 Biotic Responses to Environmental Changes .......................................................................442 17.3.1 Impacts of El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO).................................................... 443
