SUSPENDED-SEDIMENT TRANSPORT IN THE DOLLARD ESTUARY

For an analysis of suspended-sediment transport in the Dollard estuary , water samples were taken and current velocities and directions measu red on the tidal flats and in the channels. Measurements carried out d uring fair-weather conditions in summer were compared with measurement s carried out during a heavy gale in winter. During the onset of the f lood, high suspended-sediment concentrations occurred as a result of r esuspension of the top layer of the bottom sediment. Measurements carr ied out in the channels pointed to sediment transport from the estuary seaward, but inward transport over the flats during fair weather appa rently compensates for the outflow during ebb and storms: the result i s a net deposition in the order of 1 to 2 mm (up to 8 mm) per year, as previously observed in this area.