Sediment transport in the mouth of the Eden estuary

Abstract

Observations of water movement and sediment transport were made from a fixed platform at an intertidal location in the mouth of the Eden estuary. The effects of wave activity on water movement and suspended sediment fluxes were evaluated, and an empirical relationship between suspended sediment concentrations and near bed water movement is described. The circulation of water in St Andrews Bay indicates a residual movement onshore near to the bed. Onshore movement of sediment in the mouth of the estuary is indicated by suspended sediment fluxes and bedload transport (determined from bedform migration). The relative roles of suspended sediment and bedload transport are discussed. Morphological changes in the estuary mouth over the three-year survey period are relatively small and indicate a stable environment.