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Tidal bars and tidal flats in shallow, mesotidal estuaries are subject to the action of tidal currents and waves. This complex forcing gives rise to large variations in bottom sediments and related benthic ecosystems. In this research we study the spatial relationships among tidal currents, waves, sediment characteristics, chlorophyll a, and pheophytin in the shallow bars and flats of Plum Island Sound, Massachusetts, USA. Waves and tides have a mild effect on the sand grain size and percent of silt and mud of these shallow deposits.