Importing and exporting sediment to and from mangrove forest at Dong Tranh estuary, Can gio district Ho Chi Minh city

Abstract

Mangroves are a unique form of vegetation that exists at the boundary of two distinct environments. Mangrove forest plays a special role in supporting fisheries, in stabilizing tropical coastal zones, also in trapping sediment. This study outlines field experiments on some hydrodynamic characteristics at Dong Tranh estuary, Can Gio mangrove forest, adjacent to Ho Chi Minh City, Southern Vietnam. From the measurements carried out in three years (2003-2005), some preliminary experimental results indicate that sedimentation in this area is controlled by tide. Surface sediment dynamics change quite complexly but shown the seasonal variability.