Episodic Atmospheric Changes and Their Impact on the Hydrography of Coastal Waters in Tanzania
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Date
2001
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Abstract
A shift in the time of occurrence and duration of the rainy and dry seasons has been
observed over Tanzania and the East African region in recent years. During 1998, El Niño rains produced
substantial fresh water and sediment supply to the coastal zone. During that period, large sand
bodies were deposited off river mouths and at stream entrances. Hydrographic measurements
showed a persistent decrease in salinity and temperature of inshore waters indicating that coastal
waters have been trapped along the shore. Such environmental changes could have negative effects
on the biodiversity of the coastal zone. Based on beach profile measurements, the shoreline was predominantly
eroding prior to the rains but accreted during the El-Niño rains. The tidal flats received a
larger volume of sand. While the beach and tidal flats were receiving this supply of sand, river banks
eroded as channels deepened and widened. In many instances, newly cut flood channels have
remained semi-permanent serving as tidal inlets leading to tidal inundation of the low lying areas
behind the beaches. These observations point to the significance of episodic events in maintaining or
shaping the coastal zone.
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Keywords
Hydrography, El-Niño rains, Beach profiles, Erosion, Accretion
Citation
Nyandwi, N. and Dubi, A.M., 2001. Episodic atmospheric changes and their impact on the hydrography of coastal waters in Tanzania. Climate Research, 18(1-2), pp.157-162.