摘要：This research focused on studying the physical properties (temperature, salinity and density) and water exchange system in Saraya Lagoon during spring in northernmost Gulf of Aqaba in order to evaluate the environmental condition in term of hydrological and dynamical features compared to open sea. The results showed that temperature, salinity and density were in general comparable with open sea during the same period. The statistical analysis revealed clear significant differences of the physical parameters among sites and zones. Seawater temperature outside the lagoon was significantly higher than inside. On the other hand, salinity outside was significantly lower than inside and at the entrance of the lagoon. Seawater density at followed inversely temperature variations, where salinity played minor role. The significance differences in physical parameters in the lagoon compared to open sea can be attributed to the rapid dissipation of heat in the shallow waters inside the lagoon during spring. The exchange system of seawater in the lagoon was weak, with a residence time of seawater inside the lagoon of approximately 8.8 days. Results indicate a need to increase water circulation inside the lagoon and ensure continuous flow through the entrance to facilitate systemic water movement between the lagoon and open sea.
关键词：Lagoons;seawater temperature and salinity;flushing time;Gulf of Aqaba
