Characterization of Sediment in the Salmon River Estuary

Abstract

Truro, Nova Scotia, Canada located at 45 ° 21' north and 63 ° 16' west is at the head of Cobequid Bay on the Bay of Fundy which has some of the worlds highest tides and is known for its tidal bores.

The purpose of this study is the characterization of the intertidal sedimentary environment of the Salmon River Estuary by examining the amount of suspended sediment in the water column, the occurrence of the sediment deposits, its particle size and the amount deposited within the estuary itself Measurements were taken during the monthly sequence of high tides for sediment accumulations at three locations, for water column sediment concentrations at four locations and the sediment concentrations calculated for the depths sampled. Tidal heights were measured continuously at the seaward end of the study area by a Campbell Scientific Sonic Ranger.

Seasonally the sediment deposits within the estuary were found to restrict the estuary discharge channels and remained until freeze up. The sediment concentrations within the water column were classed as fluid mud. Particle sizes characterizing the competence of the tidal intrusions into the estuary were predominately silt at the landward locations changing to fine sand at the seaward locations.