Spatial and temporal variability of suspended sediments concentration in Ria de Aveiro lagoon and fluxes between the lagoon and the ocean

Abstract

The measurements of suspended sediment concentration in different parts of the Ria de Aveiro coastal lagoon during four tidal cycles show a significant spatial and temporal variability. Fluxes of water and suspended sediments between the lagoon and the coastal ocean were estimated for each tidal cycle applying a hydrodynamic two- dimensional numerical model and using the values measured at the lagoon mouth. The hydrodynamics of the lagoon are essentially dominated by tidal forcing. Tides are predominantly semidiurnal and are present in the entire lagoon The differences in suspended sediments concentration within the lagoon seem to be largely determined by the magnitude of the currents and by the bottom properties. As in other estuarine systems, the suspended sediments concentration fluctuated with tidal amplitude. In almost all stations, higher mean values occur during spring tides due to the strength of the tidal currents. Anomalous higher mean values observed in stations close to the tidal inlet during winter neap tide suggest that wind-induced resuspension and horizontal advection from the adjacent coastal area is taking place during that period of the year. Semidiurnal variations are explained, especially during the summer, by tidal-current velocity asymmetry (ebb dominance). Seasonal variability, with winter higher suspended sediments concentration, is probably related with wind climate, biological activity and coastal wave regime. In general, the fluxes of water and of suspended sediments between the lagoon and the coastal ocean showed a seaward flux that is consistent with the ebb dominance. Under winter neap tide conditions external factors allowed retention of suspended sediments in the lagoon.