Editorial: Advances in monitoring and modelling spatial and temporal dynamics of estuarine ecosystems

Abstract

Estuarine systems rank among the world’s most valuable and threatened ecosystems. In addition to being highly productive and sustaining a rich biodiversity, they also provide highly favourable conditions for the establishment of human settlements and the development of socio-economic activities. However, these activities are recognised to unbalance the ecosystem functioning and sustainability. The major threats to estuaries include the discharge of pollutants and nutrients, which impairs water quality, and changes in geomorphology (e.g., channels dredging, construction of dams and hydraulic structures). These alterations directly impact hydrodynamic conditions (e.g., current velocity, flooding patterns, residence time, salinity intrusion), posing a threat to numerous species that may not be able to adapt to survive in different conditions. Furthermore, the hydrodynamics of estuaries and the associated services are also being influenced by the impacts of climate change, including induced mean sea level rise, alterations in freshwater input, saltwater intrusion and an increase in air and water temperature.