Ecology, Environment and Conservation Paper

HALOCLINE STABILITY IN A BAR-BUILT ESTUARY

Halocline Stability in a Bar-Built Estuary

Abstract

Tidal mixing and estuarine circulation are crucial factors influencing the hydrouaphic status of an estuary which in turn impacts the nutrient distribution and productivity of the system. Salinity distribution in relation to the bathymetry and barmouth of Thengappattanam estuary (8° 14'I\I; 77' ll'E). South west coast of India, was studied for one year (1994). Poor land drainage and absence of tidal mixing during most part of the year rendered the system to stagnancy, marked by strong haloclines. Vertical salinity variations as high as 25.32% were common. Results on annual salinity distribution is discussed in the light of bathymetric profile and bar mouth of the estuary.