The study of physical parameters and current dynamics of Kuala Terengganu coastal zone during transitional period of northeast and southwest monsoon

Abstract

The study was conducted at the coastal zone along Kuala Terengganu which is between Pulau Kapas and Pulau Bidong. The physical parameters such as temperature, salinity, current speed and current direction were recorded using Hydrolab Data Sonde 4a and Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler. The study was conducted during March, April, July and October of 2010 where the sea is suitable for sampling so that the study of the physical parameter and current dynamic can be done. The data acquired was then processed using software, Microsoft Excel and MATLAB. From the result, the current around the coastal zone of Kuala Terengganu differ during different monsoon season. The current flow away from the coastal zone at the end of Northeast Monsoon (March) and flow to the north when the Southwest Monsoon starts (October). The change in temperature and salinity also closely related to monsoon. For further study, more frequent sampling can be planed so that more information can be acquired.