Dinámica sedimentaria en la zona media y externa de la Ría de Vigo

Resumo

The main purpose of the present work is to establish a sediment transport model in those areas where the Ría of Vigo is dominated by oceanic processes. The study achieves this purpose by the study of 14 days time series at two stations in the ria with current meters equipped with salinity, temperature and turbidity sensors. The surface sediments in the vicinity of the stations have been also studied. The boundary layer and the critical current and wave transport conditions have been characterized with the obtained data. Additionally a wave numerical model has been used in order to study the wave dynamics in the ría. The results show the bottom tidal currents are not strong enough to initiate the sediment transport on these areas. They show also a wave critical transport conditions which are relatively frequent during the winter. The turbidity data indicates there is a suspended material imported to the ría by run-off waters, deep water upwellings, and wave suspended material. The numerical model results agree with the observed field data.