HULHULE-MALE’ BRIDGE PROJECT

EIA for the proposed Hulhule-Male’ Bridge Project
4.2.3 Currents
Currents that affect the reef pass can be caused by tidal currents, wind-induced currents and
wave-induced currents. It is presumed that generally current flow through the country is defined
by the two-monsoon season winds. Westward flowing currents are dominant from January to
March with the change in current flow pattern taking place in April and December (Kench et. al,
2006). In April the westward currents become weak while the eastward currents start to take
over. In December the eastward currents are weak with the westward currents becoming more
prominent. Hence, currents within the site are very likely to be heavily influenced by the
monsoons.
Current measurements were undertaken at the site during field visits between 5 and 6 April 2015
(SW monsoon transition period) for two days for a 24 hour period. Generally, long term studies
are required to establish the prevailing site specific current patterns. However, due to time
limitations of the present study a snapshot assessment was undertaken. Current loggers have
been deployed but the data will be available later and in time for the engineering team.
Based on the results, current flow resulting from monsoonal winds was relatively weaker with in
Gaadhoo Koa. Instead, it was largely controlled by tidal flows. Figure 4.9 and Figure 4.10 shows
the water level changes, vertical layered flowing vector, flow direction and mean flow speed at
the two surveyed locations. It may be observed that within 2 hours after low tide and high tide
when the flow speed of rising and falling tide is greater, the flow speed from surface layer to
bottom layer presents and descending tendency. However, the difference of flow direction
between surface layer and bottom layer is not great. During actual measurement period, the
vertical mean flow speed at two 1# and 2# points is less than 0.70 m/s.
(a) Layered Flowing Vector
Prepared by: CDE Consulting & China Shipping Environment Technology Page| 65