Monitoring of Moisture Content and Sediment Fineness as Predictors of Shoal Breaching in an Estuary

Namdae-cheon in Gangwon-do Province, Korea, is a valuable well-preserved lagoon. The estuary of Namdae-cheon Stream is closed because of the surrounding natural sand shoal. Thus, during the dry season, river water cannot easily flow to the ocean and therefore stagnates. River water congestion causes environmental deterioration of estuaries, often by eutrophication. In this study, we examined wall disintegration in the estuary area and used it to determine appropriate measures for the conservation of estuary water quality in the future. A total of 24 sites were selected, with 13 sites on the west side and 11 sites on the east side of the estuary study area. Samples were collected and analyzed for particle size and moisture content both vertically and horizontally. Sedimentary deposition rate was measured, and subsidence analysis was performed. Particle size, water content, sedimentary deposition, and subsidence analyses indicated that flow shifted to the west during the study period. In conjunction with other variables that may affect changes in flow, these parameters can be used in future research to predict shoal breaches and associated changes in water flow direction.