Study of sediment distribution in Esquimalt Harbour

Abstract

Descriptive literature dealing with Esquimalt Harbour has always listed it as having a "first-class holding bottom for anchorage" (Forde 9, 1925). The harbour is also the site of an important Canadian Naval Base. The harbour bottom therefore seemed a logical place to focus attention for an initial study by a group from this College with its new emphasis on oceanography. No scientific study, to our knowledge, has been made of the harbour sediments. Comparing bathymetric charts dating back to 1848 indicates the sedimentation is reducing the harbour volume substantially, especially in the upper reaches of the harbour.