Estuary Geomorphological Classification

Within NSW the most widely used classification scheme for estuaries is that of Roy et al. (2001) which is based on geology and morphology, as well as more immediate environmental factors such as salinity and sediment type. The classification was originally done for 131 estuaries in Roy (1984) and has been subsequently extended to include all 184 estuaries in NSW.; ; Extension of the Roy (1984) classification scheme based on geomorphology was necessary for multiple reasons including:; * the development of predictive surface area-volume empirical relationships based on geomorphic type (see Estuary Water Volume metadata); * exploratory comparison of different schemes based on geomorphology (Roy 1984), wave, tide and river energy (Heap et al 2001) and chlorophyll response to nutrient loading.; ; The chlorophyll response classification scheme was used to stratify estuaries in NSW for the development of reference conditions and the design of a sampling program of chlorophyll a, turbidity and associated water quality parameters to assess estuary health.