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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Shoreline Retraction and the Opening of a New Inlet: Implications on Estuarine Processes

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Author(s):
Siegle, Eduardo [1] ; Abade Couceiro, Mariana Afonso [1] ; de Mello e Sousa, Silvia Helena [1] ; Lopes Figueira, Rubens Cesar [1] ; Franca Schettini, Carlos Augusto [2]
Total Authors: 5
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Inst Oceanog, Praca Oceanog 191, BR-05508120 Sao Paulo, SP - Brazil
[2] Univ Fed Rio Grande, Inst Oceanografia, Ave Italia, Km 8, BR-96201900 Rio Grande, RS - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 2
Document type: Journal article
Source: ESTUARIES AND COASTS; v. 42, n. 8, p. 2004-2019, DEC 2019.
Web of Science Citations: 0
Abstract

The dynamics of estuarine systems is sensitive to changes in its forcing conditions, including the morphology of its inlets. Coastline retraction, which may be induced by climate change, can result in modifications of estuarine inlet morphology. Through the use of a validated numerical model, we evaluate the effects of the opening of a new inlet on a tide-dominated estuary (Caravelas estuary, Brazil). During the last decades, shoreline retraction and the breach of an internal drainage channel led to the formation of a new inlet that became the main estuarine channel. The morphological changes of the estuary resulted in changes to its estuarine processes, including the general increase in the influence of the tide on the system and changes to its asymmetry. Internal channels that interconnect adjacent estuaries present great changes caused by the morphological alterations, not only in the magnitude of the processes but also in the resulting net transport direction. The increase in the water flow caused by the opening of the channel leads to an increase in the amount of water and materials carried toward the estuary. The changes presented here for the Caravelas estuarine system and the possible implications for the functioning of such systems demonstrate the importance of evaluating morphological aspects in relation to their use and management. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 13/00102-8 - Assessment of availability and anthropogenic enrichment of metals, arsenic and hydrocarbons in marine sediments from Estuário de Caravelas (Southern Bahia)
Grantee:Rubens Cesar Lopes Figueira
Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants