Study of the dynamics of estuarine and coastal waters using remote sensing: the Tinto-Odiel estuary, SW Spain

activities and forms of intensive land use are found on its banks: harbours (Huelva and Punta Umbría), cities (Huelva), tourist resorts (Punta Umbría, Mazagón), pet-rochemical industrial settlements and intensive agricul-tural areas. These activities influence the dynamics of the estuary (Ojeda 1992) and threaten the quality of the water. This situation led the Regional and National Administration to promote studies focused on the physi-cal characteristics and dynamics of the estuary (Gil 1987), and to assess the capability of dispersion and renewal of estuarine water (Anon. 1982). In these stud-ies the behaviour of tidal currents and their interaction with coastal currents at the mouth of the estuary are thought to be determining factors, as long as the fresh water inflow from rivers is small and very irregular (as is usual in a Mediterranean climate)