Hydrographic conditions & flow pattern in Cumbarjua Canal, Goa

Abstract

Variations in flow pattern and associated changes in temperature, salinity and suspended sediment load of waters at the 2 ends of the Cumbarjua Canal, which links the Mandovi and the Zuari estuaries, were studied in relation to tide for premonsoon, monsoon and postmonsoon seasons. Monthly variations of different hydrographic parameters in the canal were also discussed. While the currents in the southern region of the canal followed the tidal rhythm in all the seasons, flow pattern in the northern region showed marked variation between fair weather periods and monsoon season. Monthly variation in the temperature of waters of the canal showed a double oscillation with maximum values (around 32°C) in May and October and minimum values (around 27°C) in January and August. The waters were highly saline (about 35%) in May and nearly fresh water conditions (salinity 5%) prevailed in July and August.