THE CHANGING ESTUARIES OF SINGAPORE

Abstract

This study aims to draw attention to one of the last natural 'resource' that Singapore has by providing as detailed as possible a coverage of the changes that have occurred to the estuaries of Singapore. To do so the study has been divided into four parts. Following the introduction and the methodology of this study, the first part deals with the concepts involved in the study of estuaries. The basic features of the origin, types, circulation, sedimentation, and the ecosystem of estuaries are discussed. The second part of the study discusses the changes to the estuary from a chronological perspective. The origin and nature of the natural estuary of Singapore is covered before proceeding to the overview of the types of changes that have occurred. The third part deals with the specific nature of these changes. To do so the estuaries are classified, and the alterations specific to each of these classes studied. Finally, possible future and alternative uses of the estuaries are suggested.