| Summary: | Biogeochemical and trophodynamic processes as well as hydrodynamic factorsplay a major role in the structure and function of mangrove ecosystems. Thisstudy outlines field experiments on wave motion and suspended sedimentconcentration carried out at Nang Hai, Can Gio mangrove forest, SouthernVietnam. Pressure sensors were used to measure sea surface elevation, andOptical Backscatter Sensors (OBS) were applied to detect infrared (IR)radiation scattered from suspended particles in order to measure turbidityand suspended sediment concentrations.<br> The experimental results indicate that most of the energy is dissipated insidethe mangrove forest as a result of wave-trunk interactions and wave breaking.The suspended sediment concentration depends on wave intensity and tidalcurrent velocity. Wave action is one of the main factors forcing sedimenttransport and coastal erosion at the study site; even the wave field at thestudy site is not so strong. The establishment of mangrove vegetation canencourage the deposition of sediment, or at least the retention of theflood-tide sediment influx.
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