SEDIMENTARY TRANSPORT IN COASTAL BAYS: CASE STUDY OF VITÓRIA AND ESPÍRITO SANTO BAYS - ES - BRAZIL

Abstract

Coastal sediment dynamics is strongly influenced by distinct agents such as waves, currents, tides and wind. Sediment transport pattern is associated
to the prevailing forcing mechanisms which will be typical for each study area. This investigation has collected and analyzed in situ hydrodynamics data (using an
ADP - Nortek AS Aquadopp (2 MHz)) at two distinct sites along the Vit´oria coastal area. Results have shown a significant difference in hydrodynamics and associated
induced sediment transport patterns. Espírito Santo Bay showed a quite complex circulation pattern associated to the influence of cold front systems, being dominated
by storm waves that resuspend sediments that are swept away by the combined action of currents and waves. Vitória Bay, on the contrary, is dominated by tidal
currents, with a strong ebb-dominated asymmetry. The results have shown that net transport direction is towards the mouth of the bay, indicating sediment export
within this system.