HULHULE-MALE’ BRIDGE PROJECT

EIA for the proposed Hulhule-Male’ Bridge Project
6 SIGNIFICANT IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES
6.1 Impact Assessment on Marine Hydrodynamic
6.1.1 Characteristics of regional hydrology
The Maldives is located in the north-central part of the Indian Ocean. The proposed Malé -
Hulhumalé Bridge, is located at the southeast corner of north Malé atoll, spanning the Gaadhoo
Koa channel, connecting Malé with Hulhulé (Ibrahim Nasir International Airport), and
Hulhumalé. The Gaadhoo Koa, is one of the main channels of north Malé atoll, its overall depth
ranges between 40 to 50 m; and the maximum depth of water exceeds 60 m and the width is
about 1 km. In the west side close to Malé there is a deep hole developing nearly oriented north
and south. The channel cross-section is U-shaped due to the steep-sided coral reefs on both
sides.
The ocean current in Maldives consists of ocean current and tidal current, and the latter is
relatively weak than the former in strength. The ocean current is mainly caused by monsoon.
The northeast monsoon mainly occurs during December to April while the southwest monsoon
mainly occurs during May to November. During the period of northeast monsoon, the ocean
current flows toward the west, while during the period of southwest monsoon, the ocean current
flows toward the east. Controlled by the whole tidal wave line of the Indian Ocean, the rising
tide nearby Maldives starts from the west to the east, and the falling tide start reversely. The
flow velocity of tide at different location may be different due to the effect of the topography of
atoll. The project area is located in an open area of the Indian Ocean. In addition to the local
wind wave caused by the monsoon and a few typhoons, the surge in the South Indian Ocean also
has a larger influence on the sea area. Located on the east coast of Maldives Islands, the
southwest surge nearby Malé is shrouded by the island chain and the surge mostly flows along
south-south-east all year round. The surge in winter and spring is relatively larger, while that in
summer and autumn is relatively small.
Analysis of the tide data provided by Maldives Meteorological Service taken from a permanent
tide gauge station in Ibrahim Nasir International Airport (in Hulhulé island), shows that this
region experiences an irregular semi-diurnal tide i.e. two high tides and two low tides within one
day.
Prepared by: CDE Consulting & China Shipping Environment Technology
Page|142