Studies in Australian Estuarine Hydrology. I. Introdutory and Comparative Features

Abstract

In this paper is presented an introduction to the methods involved in the collection, analysis, and interpretation of Australian estuarine hydrological data collected by the Division of Fisheries, C.S.I.R.O. The chief features of the circulation and mixing exchanges in such systems have been discussed.

A review of the zonal distribution of the principal hydrological properties of estuarine waters, and of certain selected chemical properties of the bottom deposits, has led to the establishment of a schematic zonal diagram by which the hydrological classification of estuarine systems can be attempted.

An examination of the zonal composition of certain estuarine systems has been attempted, and on the basis of such composition and the volume of water, a theory of zonal dominance has been developed. The development of conflicts of hydrological properties, by reason of tidal rise and fall of water level, has been examined, and some idea of the range of this derived property demonstrated by an examination of the diurnal range of chlorinity in certain estuarine systems.

Some general aspects of the productivity of estuarine waters and bottom deposits have been examined and a number of hypotheses concerning the role of phosphates in their respective productivity levels have been postulated.

An examination of the chemical interaction between the water and its associated bottom deposit has been made. The relation of these studies to oyster cultivation and methods of mud flat enrichment for promotion of oyster growth has been discussed.