The evolution time scale of macro-tidal estuaries: examples from the Pacific Rim

Journal Publication ResearchOnline@JCU
Wolanski, Eric
Eric Wolanski
Abstract

The evolution of shallow, macro-tidal estuaries is a process that has been taking place since the last glaciation. It is site-specific and dependent on tides, wave climate and relative fluvial dominance. It is suggested that, because of the increased efficiency of the tidal pumping effect with decreasing water depth, these estuaries are geomorphologically unstable and may evolve much faster in the future than in the past as a result of human disturbances in the catchment, principally the damming of rivers and increasing erosion from poor land-use practices. These estuaries may become further destabilised by a sea level rise.

Journal

Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science

Publication Name

Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science

Volume

66

ISBN/ISSN

1096-0015

Edition

N/A

Issue

3-4

Pages Count

N/A

Location

N/A

Publisher

Elsevier

Publisher Url

N/A

Publisher Location

London, United Kingdom

Publish Date

N/A

Url

N/A

Date

N/A

EISSN

N/A

DOI

10.1016/j.ecss.2005.11.001