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LOURENS RIVER ESTUARY: Hydrodynamics and mouth dynamics |
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Hydrodynamics | ||||
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The dynamics of the Lourens River estuary and mouth is mainly controlled by the hydro-sedimentological mechanics of the beach bar which dams up the lagoon. River flow will influence the size and configuration of the lagoon in so far as rising water levels will overflow or breach the beach bar at a lower section (Ref. 2). | ||||
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Mouth dynamics | ||||
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In 1982 (Ref.2.) the mouth area of the Lourens River was very similar to that of the Eerste River, except that the dune belt, through which the Lourens River flows to reach the beach, is much flatter and is artificially disturbed by developments of the western parts of the Strand. The beach bar was 2m high during the 1982 survey in July. Occasionally, during the dry summer season, the lagoon is closed or has only a small outflow to the sea (Ref. 2). | ||||
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Fine to course sediments are present in the lagoon. Te finer fractions are found along the landward bank of the lagoon and medium sand occurred at the seaward side, due to the wave wash over the beach bar (Ref. 2). | ||||
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Useful links | |||||