TITLE:
Physical Properties and Exchange System of Seawater in Royal Yacht Club Marina in the Northernmost Gulf of Aqaba
AUTHORS:
Riyad Manasrah, Thekrayat Al-Majali
KEYWORDS:
Temperature, Salinity, Total Hydrocarbon, Flushing Time, Marina, Royal Yacht Club, Gulf of Aqaba
JOURNAL NAME:
Natural Science,
Vol.11 No.4,
April
19,
2019
ABSTRACT: This research was aimed at studying the general
environmental status of the marina at Royal Yacht Club
(RYC), which is located in the Jordanian Gulf of Aqaba. The physical properties
(temperature, salinity and density) were measured at surface and bottom water
at 19 sites (T1 - T19). Total hydrocarbon was measured at surface at 12 sites (HC1-HC12).
The water exchange and residence time were calculated using data of current speed
and direction at 16 sites (C1 - C16). The mean values of temperature, salinity
and density at surface and bottom waters in the RYC’s marina were 27.13°C ±
0.03°C, 40.51 ± 0.02 psu and 26.83 ± 0.02 kg·m-3, respectively. The
results of physical parameters revealed no significant differences among sites,
which are all comparable with open waters. The measurements range of total hydrocarbon in the
marina was 1.404 mg/l (at
site HC11) to 98.56 mg/l (at HC9). In general, all the high values of total
hydrocarbon were found at the corners of the marina and at areas with
relatively intense boats’ movements. There was no correlation between
distribution of total hydrocarbon and temperature (R2 = 0.048; p = 0.49) in the marina. Therefore, the major factors that influence the
distribution of total hydrocarbon within the marina are the current system and
boats’ movements as well as the location reference to the gate. The residence
time of waters inside the marina was 1.32 days. This flushing time is acceptable
to secure good environmental
conditions inside the marine to
avoid stagnant seawater. The mean value of current speed at the RYC’s marina
gate with open water was 5.33 ± 2.63 cm/s, which is relatively comparable with
current speed in vicinity of study area. In conclusions, the environmental
condition of the RYC’s marina is acceptable in term of the residence time and
exchange system with open water. Slightly high values of total hydrocarbon were
detected, which can be solved by regular cleaning.