Fluvial Sediment Yield to the Natal Coast: A Review

Abstract

Sediment yield is the quantitative expression of soil eroded from the hinterland and deposited in the ocean. This paper reviews existing literature available on sediment yields, particularly for the Natal coast, South Africa. Several authors have attempted to quantify the sediment yield from Natal rivers. Their results are compared and variations are discussed. Data collection methods are highly variable and many authors fail to consider all the factors involved. Further research on this problem is recommended and this must consider sediment yield on several time scales to represent the temporal range of environmental conditions prevailing in Natal.