Inhaca archipelago is located ca. 32 km east of Maputo City, the capital of Mozambique. Inhaca Island (42.5 km2) and Portuguese Island (3.7 km2) constitute the small archipelago. Shoreline changes and sheet erosion are serious environmental problems affecting the archipelago today. Shorelines are constantly moving and changing. During rain season (October-March), strong winds, violent surf and stormy weather cause large powerful waves that induce changes on shorelines. As these waves pound the beach, sand erodes and is deposited offshore and the beach narrows. In dry season (April-September), waves and winds wash over the beach, bringing back the sand and gradually, the beach becomes wider. The major problems of Inhaca and Portuguese islands fringing... |