Morphological changes at Nhat Le estuary under hydro meteorological influence

Abstract

Nhat Le estuary is located on the central coast of Viet Nam and is characterized by strong morphological changes under the influence of seasonally varying dynamic factors. Based on the analysis of shoreline and topographic data, this study examines the relationship between hydro-meteorological conditions and morphological changes at the Nhat Le estuary. The results indicate that: (1) seasonal variations in wave conditions and river discharge have a significant influence on estuarine morphology. The width of the river mouth and the arrow-shaped sandspit on the southern bank are primarily affected by river discharge, whereas the main channel and sandbars are strongly controlled by wave dynamics; and (2) these interactions lead to the development of a generalized conceptual diagram describing the morphological change cycle of the Nhat Le estuary under the combined influence of wave action and river flow. The findings contribute to a clearer understanding of the causes and trends of morphological evolution and provide an important scientific basis for proposing solutions to stabilize the Nhat Le estuary.