TURBIDITY AND OTHER PHYSICAL FACTORS IN NATAL ESTUARINE SYSTEMS PART 2: ESTUARINE LAKES

Abstract

Data on turbidity, temperature and salinity and the factors which affect them, such as wind and substratum, were collected from Natal's two estuarine Lakes. The effects of wind and substratum, were collected from Natal's two estuarine Lakes. The effects of wind and substratum type on turbidity within these lakes and their effects on the turbidity regime of each was investigated. The results showed that the St Lucia System was by far the diverse in terms of the occurrence and variability of the physical factors and particularly turbidity. The Kosi system on the other hand is remarkably uniform with very low turbidities. Turbidity patterns in South Lake, St Lucia were investigated in detail under varying wind conditions and this led to the compilation of maps showing the turbidity patterns which predominate in the Lake. These have assisted with the interpretation of the influence which turbidity exerts on the system.