Investigation of Factors Affecting Tidal Damping In Estuaries

Abstract

Both in the water column and in the sediment, the mix of seawater and freshwater contains high levels of nutrients. Due to this condition, it makes the estuaries as a preferable location for natural habitats in the world. These typical features show the essential roles in the life cycle of many species in the estuarine environment. Three (3) locations of estuary in the Perak state have been selected namely Perak, Bernam and Kurau estuary because of these three estuaries are the main river basin in the state. In general, the theoretical work is carried out to study the fundamental properties of tidal dynamics in estuaries for the analysis of tidal properties and geometry. Several previous papers have been published on tidal damping and wave propagation analytical methods. The tidal amplification is the outcome of the imbalance between topographic convergence and friction. If the value of convergence is greater than friction, the wave amplification is occurred; if the friction value is greater than convergence, the wave is damped. However, if both convergence and friction equally strong, the result is constant tidal range. Therefore, by having the investigation of tidal damping in estuaries, this will enhance the understanding of geometric parameters (e.g: river discharge, tidal discharge, convergence length, average cross-sectional area, tidal velocity and etc.); tidal movement (e.g: tidal damping or amplification); and the relationship between tidal range and the factor affecting tidal damping.