JCBPS; Section D; August 2016 - October 2016, Vol. 6, No.

4; 1218-1228, e- ISSN: 2249 -1929

Journal of Chemical, Biological and Physical Sciences

An International Peer Review E-3 Journal of Science
Available online at www.jcbsc.org
Section D: Environmental Sciences

Cod (USA): JCBPAT Research Article

Mapping of morphological facies of the funds of a Lagoon

estuarine (closed) Inshore: the Lagoon Ouladine to
Grand-Bassam (Cte d'Ivoire)
Bi Kassia Francis KOFFI *, AKA Charles Alberic, WANGO Ted-Edgard, Monde
Sylvain, Digbi Zeli Bruno, AKA Kouam.

University Felix Houphouet Boigny of Cocody; UFR of earth sciences and mining resources ;
Laboratory of Marine Geology and sedimentology, 22 BP 582 Abidjan 22, Cte d'Ivoire
University Felix Houphouet Boigny of Codody

Received: 13 August 2016; revised: 05 September 2016; accepted: 12 September 2016

Abstract: The objective of this study is to determine the morphological

characteristics of the estuarine complex Ouladine lagoon - Como River on the
Ivorian Coast in Grand-Bassam (Ivory Coast, West Africa) to end to identify the
mechanisms that take place there. Datas quests on the study area enabled to reveal,
in regard to morphology, certain heterogeneity of funds. The bedlagoon varied from 0
to 13.71 meters with an average of 6.86 meters. These depths are the result of year
erosion of this section caused by turbulent waters during the flood of Como River.
The average depths of 2.5 to 5 meters are located in the western zone of the lagoon.
The shallow depths are located after the island of Azuretti until the neighborhood
bridge of France area, where a depression area is observed up to 7.2 meters. Since the
closure of the estuary, this section parallel to the coastline to the mouth closed, acts as
a receptacle. On the whole surface of the lagoon we watch two channels
perpendicular asymmetrical, one of west-east direction and the other north-south
direction which are dotted with depressions and shallow. Radial from's study, we
observed the facies equivalent to wet or type "V" profile, type profiles "U", and
intermediate-type profiles.
Keywords: morphological, estuarine, erosion, depression, receptacle, receptacle, wet.

1218 J. Chem. Bio. Phy. Sci. Sec. D, August 2016 - October 2016; Vol.6, No.4; 1218-1228
Mapping Bi Kassia Francis KOFFI et al.

INTRODUCTION

The lagoons are areas of salt water between the mainland and a bead coastline, whose origin can be
sedimentary, organic or structural even 1- 3, usually pierced of passes 1, 2, 4. The Lagoons appear as
littoral systems highly scalable under the dependency of multiple natural and anthropogenic factors.
They reveal a large variability of hydrodynamic conditions and sedimentary, a speed in the evolution
of their morphological framework, a great vulnerability as well as a considerable density in the
ecosystems that they harbor. Their degradation is an inescapable problem of national and international
scope.The spectrum of spatial and temporal variability is complex, we cannot follow and understand
these variations that with systematic observations to separate the different scales of time and space,
and in understanding the processes of transformation and their causes, that they are of natural or
human origin. The follow-up, become and the protection of these areas of capital importance 5, 6 today
constitute an issue of sustainable management.
It is of interest to understand and attempt to explain the morphological process which is taking place
to better manage them. The knowledge of the Sedimentary dynamics in estuaries allows you to
apprehend the process of siltation and clogging which these environments are very often
the seat.The Lagoon Ouladine to Grand-Bassam (Cte d'Ivoire) is with the river Como a complex
estuarine. Natural Space varied with a strong ecological wealth and economic
(fishing, farming, tourism), the estuarine complex of Grand-Bassam, by its dynamic hydro-
sedimentary, has its mouth submitted to a bridging accelerated. Following this closure and its impact
on this ecosystem, we have undertaken through this present study, conduct of the work to make a
morphological characterization of this estuary. This will allow us to make a follow-up and bring a
certain degree of legibility for the morphology of the substance. Also this study will allow to
apprehend the areas of siltation, clogging and dig which these environments are the seat. At the end of
our study, we will establish a fund card of this hydrosystem.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Location of the study area : the Lagoon Ouladine to Grand-Bassam (south-east of the Cte d'Ivoire)
is located in the zone 30N between the longitudes 408645 m E and 421166 m E and latitudes 57376 m
N and 577315 m N (Fig.1) with an area of 8,271 km2. This area is located on the sedimentary basin to
the image of the other mouths except the river mouths Sassandra and the Cavally which are located on
the Precambrian basement. It is prepared in a manner longitudinal, parallel to the coastline cord
furniture which the isolates of the sea such as the other lagoons West African 7. It is connected to the
Atlantic Ocean by an estuary episodically closed under the effect of the littoral drift.
Quest and treatment of bathymetric data: the bathymetric surveys are carried out with the aid of an
echo sounder Lowrance Elite 4 with a built-in GPS accuracy up to millimeters for the depths and up
to centimeters for the geographical positions. The surveys are made following a series of in radial
slots (Fig.2). After the acquisition of field data, the probe points are treated and corrected. The
interpolation by the method of natural neighbors was made using the ArcGis software version 10.1.

1219 J. Chem. Bio. Phy. Sci. Sec. D, August 2016 - October 2016; Vol.6, No.4;1218-1228
Mapping Bi Kassia Francis KOFFI et al.

Figure 1: Location of the study area

1220 J. Chem. Bio. Phy. Sci. Sec. D, August 2016 - October 2016; Vol.6, No.4;1218-1228
Mapping Bi Kassia Francis KOFFI et al.

Lagoon Comoe river

Ebri

Figure 2: Sampling plan of bathymetric probes

RESULTS

Morphology of the bottom of the lagoon Ouladine: The detailed analysis of the lagoon bottom (Fig.
3), reveals to us from the depths that vary between 0 and 13.71 meters, or an average of
approximately 6.85 m. This lagoon bottom shows us three servings following the Depths.
The great depths of 5 to 13.7 meters localize at the entrance of the river Como and the
LAGOON Ebri, along the west arm of the island Bout, in the vicinity of the neighborhood
Mossou up to 750 m from the mouth closed. At this level, the slopes are steep on the side of the right
bank due to the strong turbulence engendered when in flood of Como.
The intermediate depths of 2.5 to 5 meters are located in the western area of the lagoon, the District
modest until after the village of Azuretti.
The shallow depths are localized in the area after the island of Azuretti until after the bridge of the
neighborhood France where there is an area of depression ranging up to 7.2 meters.
On the whole area of the lagoon we observe two perpendicular channels, one of west-east direction
and the other of a north-south direction:
The Main Channel, west-east direction of irregular shape and asymmetrical from 2 to 5 meters depth,
is located in the vicinity of the North Shore, modest until after the village of Azuretti.
The other channel of a north-south direction, also asymmetrical, 5 to 13.7 meters in depth is locates in
the vicinity of the right bank to be centered in the vicinity of the mouth closed in loser of depth of the
upstream to downstream.

1221 J. Chem. Bio. Phy. Sci. Sec. D, August 2016 - October 2016; Vol.6, No.4;1218-1228
Mapping Bi Kassia Francis KOFFI et al.

Figure 3: bathymetric map by interpolation of the lagoon Ouladine.

Analysis of bathymetric profiles of the lagoon Ouladine : The Evolution spatio-side-to-side of the
funds of the Ouladine lagoon has been studied from the radial R1, R2,R7 (fig. 4) to better
understand the shape of the cup which affects the operation of the systems by its impact on the
availability of habitats and its influence on the Hydrology 8. As well different profiles exciting, we
have been able to bring together in three types the bottom lagoonal environments, in function of the
morphology, the level of the water, of average current and the particle size distribution of bottom 9.

Figure 4: The different sections of the channel of the lagoon Ouladine and radial

1222 J. Chem. Bio. Phy. Sci. Sec. D, August 2016 - October 2016; Vol.6, No.4;1218-1228
Mapping Bi Kassia Francis KOFFI et al.

The facies equivalent of riffles or profile of type " V " (Radial 3, 6 and 7): This are areas
characterized by a strong height of water and a strong speed in relation to the rest of the segment and
which have a concavity in the shape of a pic. It is usually areas of surcreusement, of active erosion,
due to convergence in the flood water flow10, the kinetic energy thus reinforced dissipates in the scour
and the pullout of elements of the substrate. These are therefore the forms developed to a stage of high
flow rate 9. These morphological units observed (Fig. 5) are represented by the radial R3 on the
Section I and R6, R7 on the Section III (fig. 4). In the area of the Radial R3, the North Shore presents
the slopes of 5 per cent on average, with respect to the south shore, the one on the side of the
Coastline presents two sections:
A similar to the north shore, with an average slope of 3.12% on a length of almost 160 meters,
The other section, with slopes low and monotonous 0.4%, is lagging behind, to a depth of 1.5 meters
to reach the coast 0 of the shore.
This same morphological type is observed on along the segment to the entry of the lagoon Ebri until
toward the mouth closed (R6 and R7). In these cases, convergences of flows and the secondary
currents in the concavities of the ELBOWS cause the development of classics, riffles concavity 9. The
profile across typically dissymmetrical of these pools obliges us to associate a joint facies to height of
water descending toward the inside of the curve; the bench of convexity in which all or part may also
be emerged from the low water (fig.5).

Figure 5: Profiles of type "V" and wets concavity and bench of convexity

The facies equivalent to a lentic channel or profile of type "U: Under the effect of the phenomena
of erosion of the banks and ''transport-deposit'', profiles, wets concavity, were gradually transformed
to adopt the profile of type lentic channel or profile in "U" 10 (fig. 6), example of the Radial R1 and
R2.The profile in the "U" is a profile of balance of action between the agents of accumulation and the
agents of erosion 11 . But a new erosive action can resume and repeat the work of digging. We then
speak of cyclic action 11.For these cases of figures, the slopes are low, on average 3.2% on both
flanks. They are located in the area of modest up to a distance of 500 m from the island of
azuretti where the transition between the lentic facies and wets concavity is clearly marked. The
depths vary from 2.5 to 4.5 meters on sections of length ranging from 250 to 650 meters.

1223 J. Chem. Bio. Phy. Sci. Sec. D, August 2016 - October 2016; Vol.6, No.4;1218-1228
Mapping Bi Kassia Francis KOFFI et al.

Figure 6: profile in cross to a lentic Channel

Profile of intermediate type: The profiles intermediaries (fig. 7), example of the Radial R4 and
R5, from the point of morphological view are considered as profiles of transition, the profiles having
not yet reached their form of balance. The action of agents of accumulation and the agents of erosion
are not in balance. The agents of erosion have a more intense action than that of agents of
accumulation 11.

Figure 7: Profiles of intermediate type

Analysis of cross-profiles: by their morphology and their orientation, we have split the channel in
three sections (Fig.4). Figures 8; 9 and 10 show the different sections of the channel of the
lagoon Ouladine up to the confluence river Como- Ebri lagoon. The first section (Fig. 8) share of
the west end of the lagoon on the side modest up to the island of mangrove at Azuretti on a distance of
5.4 km either between the longitudes 409000 m E and 414000 m E. This channel presents a
morphology less rugged whose base is located at a depth of 4.5 m. By contrast, the Longitude 412250
m E to the island of Azuretti, it presents a rough terrain where there is a vacuum of 4,5 meters and two
senior fund. On at 1.5 meters and the other at 2.5 meters depth.

1224 J. Chem. Bio. Phy. Sci. Sec. D, August 2016 - October 2016; Vol.6, No.4;1218-1228
Mapping Bi Kassia Francis KOFFI et al.

Figure 8: Section I of the longitudinal channel of the lagoon Ouladine

The second section (Fig.9) is located between the longitudes 414000 m E and 419400 m E. On this
profile, to West at the longitude 418250 m E, the channel presents a pace less rugged with a few
irregularities little significant. Of the Longitude 418250 m, at the level of the bridge which leads to
the colonial quarter up to the north-south section of the hydrographic network, the channel is notched
by a depression of depth to 7.2 meters and of a high background to less than 1 meters in depth.

Figure 9: Section II of the longitudinal channel of the lagoon Ouladine

The third section (fig.10) of north-south direction leaves to the bridge of Moossou to lead at the
vicinity of the mouth closed. This section of the channel is very rugged with the presence
of depressions and senior fund. As well to the Coasts of distance 400 meters, 700 meters, 1150
meters, 3200 meters, 3300 meters and 3550 meters from the north to the south, we observes
depressions of which the most important is at 11 meters depth. Shoals interspersed between these
depressions are located on the coasts of distance 200 meters, 600 meters, 800 meters, 3300 meters and
3400 meters, including the highest is located at a depth of 1 meter.
1225 J. Chem. Bio. Phy. Sci. Sec. D, August 2016 - October 2016; Vol.6, No.4;1218-1228
Mapping Bi Kassia Francis KOFFI et al.

Figure 10 : Section III of the longitudinal channel of the lagoon Ouladine of north-south direction
(D: depression; HF: Top Bottom)

DISCUSSION

Since the closure of the estuary of Grand-Bassam, the water balance in the lagoon Ouladine is
essentially controlled by the inputs of water from the Como, system bri lagoon (Ebri,
Potou and Adjin) and waters of seasonal rainfall. The Estuary receives rainfall directly which
represent 5% of the continental inputs. The annual averages recorded for the period 1950 to 1998 are
1 890 mm. This average marks a decrease in the volume of precipitation since 1950, which is
increased from 2 359 mm between 1949 and 1958 to 1 513 mm between 1989 and 1998 12. The
morphology of the bottom of the lagoon of the entry of the river Como and the LAGOON Ebri, is
very much shaped by the common during the rainy season and a flood of the Como with a maximum
depth of 13.7 m. We note, compared to the bathymetric surveys of Adopo, 2007,that the depths have
evolved very little. A difference of depth of 0.3 m at the confluence river Como-Ebri
lagoon demonstrates overall a fattening of the zone. These measures are part of a dynamic filling
since the values recorded in 1979 were 18 m 14. Therefore, the estuarine complex, since the closure of
the mouth of the Como River behaves as a receptacle of sediment. On the section parallel to the
coastline cord, the lagoon Ouladine presents several depressions of major direction SE-NW. They
are sub-parallel to the flaw of the lagoons called "Major Accident" of Cte d'Ivoire. According
Droz 15, the flaw of the lagoons is an extension of the oceanic fracture Saint Paul. This one would be
the basis of the establishment of the depressions of the lagoon Ouladine. The depths of this section
have changed little. This is explained partly by the low inputs from Como due to islands which
constitute barriers to sdimentaire16 dynamic. And secondly by the vegetation reduces erosion. Only,
the Depression at the level of the bridge that joins the colonial quarter observes a depth variation. The
work of Coulibaly measured this pit to 5.5 m while our work measures this vacuum to 7.2 m depth, a
difference of 1.7 m. This zone is subject to a swirling movement that promotes the erosion and the
digging. These vortex movements, it is necessary to add the mechanisms generating lagoon currents
which would be the forces thermo halines i.e. related to the temperature and the salinity. These
analyzes are aligned with the work of Allenbach (1989) which show that when two large masses of
water of different density (different temperature and salinity different) are in presence, they tend not
to mix except very partially at the level of their area of contact. It follows that the one whose density
is the highest tendency to go below that which is the less dense, which creates a current.

1226 J. Chem. Bio. Phy. Sci. Sec. D, August 2016 - October 2016; Vol.6, No.4;1218-1228
Mapping Bi Kassia Francis KOFFI et al.

CONCLUSION

The morphological study performed on the estuarine complex of the lagoon Ouladine-river Como
has proved different features of this hydrosystem.
On the morphological plan, the work bathymetric we reveal the depths that vary between 0 and 13.71
meters or an average of approximately 6.85 meters. The great depths localize at the entrance of the
river Como and the LAGOON Ebri. The west side of the lagoon is less deep with maximum of 5
meters. There are channels of west-east and north-south who are incised depressions, and shoals.
With the closure of the mouth, depths on the north-south section decay of the upstream to downstream
to constitute a pool of reception for the sediments that transit there is.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

We would like to thank the PASRES (Prograamme of strategic support to Scientific Research) and the
Swiss Center for Scientific Research in its material support, financial and technical support to the
implementation of these work

REFERENCES

1. R. R. Lankford. Coastal logons of Mexico City. Their origin and

classification Estuarine processes. Academic Press Inc (ed.). 1977, II, 182-215.
2. Mr. NICHOLS, G. Allen. Suspended sediment transport in coastal lagoons
and estuaries. In: coastal lagoon research. Present and Future.
UNESCO Technical Papers in Marine Science. 1981, n33, 27-80.
3. J.C. Bidet et al. The geological approach of lagoon environments. Cifeg ed., 103
rue de Lille. 1982, 75007 Paris.
4. B. Kjerve. Coastal lagoons. In B. Kjerfve (ed.), coastal lagoon processes.
Elsevier Science Publishers, Amsterdam. 1994, 1-8.
5. O. Guelorget and J.P. Perthuisot, The field paralique Expressions geological,
biological and economic impacts of the containment. The work of the Laboratory
of geology, Paris. 1983, 16, 136.
6. J. Keyboard, G. Boucher, L. Chauvaud, R. Hacking Democracy, S. chiffletd.
Benthic response to ammonium pulses in a tropical lagoon: implications for
coastal environmental processes. Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and
Ecology. 2005, 316 (2), 231-241.
7. J. P. Pinot. The management of the coastline. Paris. Oceanographic Institute.
1998, 2, 759.
8. S. Alleaume, C. lanoiselee, C. agillier. Bathymetry of the plans of water.
Sampling Protocol and morphological descriptors. 2010, 5/24.
9. J.R. Malavoi.Typology of the facies of flow or units morphodynamics of water
courses has high-energy bull.fr. piscic fishing. 1989,315, 189-210.
10. K. AKA. The quaternary sedimentation on the margin of the Ivory Coast: Test for
modeling. Doctoral thesis State, s Sc. Nat., University Cte d'Ivoire. 1991,
n146, 233.

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11. Mr. Derruau. Specific to Geomorphology -bookstores in the Academy of

Medicine. Masson and Cie. Editors.120, boul. Saint Germain, Paris. 1 Trim.
1962, 391.
12. A. Mr. Kouassi, A. S. tidou, A. Kamenan. Hydrochemical characteristics
Microbiological and of the waters of the Ebri lagoon (Cte d'Ivoire). African
agronomy. 2005, 17 (2): 73-162.
13. K. L. Adopo. Characterization of the hydro-sedimentary functioning estuarine
environment in the tropics: the case of the mouth of the Como River in Grand-
Bassam (South-eastern Cte d'Ivoire). Unique thesis University of Cocody in
Abidjan. 2009, 154p.
14. J.P. TASTET. Quaternary sedimentary and structural environments of the
coastline of Gulf of Guinea (Cte d'Ivoire, Togo, Benin). PhD Thesis State, Univ.
Bordeaux I. 1979, No. 621, 181p.
15. L. Droz, Blarez E., J. Mascle, B. C. Sombo. The "Hole-in-Base" deep-sea fan (off
Ivory Coast, equatorial Atlantic). Marine Geology. 1985, 67, pp. 1-11
16. Y. A. N'Guessan, E. M. Amani, B. K. F. Koffi. morphological and
sedimentological characterization of the mouth of the river Sassandra (Ivory
Coast). Africa SCIENCE 2014, 10 (2) 277-288.
17. F. Y. Coulibaly. Morphological study of a shallow coastal environment: the
Ouladine lagoon in Grand-Bassam (Ivory Coast). 2009 DEA memory. Univ.
Cocody, 47p.
18. Mr. Allenbach. The methods of geological oceanography coastline. Applications
to the Mediterranean area: East littoral Algiers bay Zemmouri el Bahri (Algeria).
Thesis State Doctorate in Natural Science, Nice Sophia-Antipolis (France). 1989,
366p.

Corresponding author: Bi Kassia Francis KOFFI

University Felix Houphouet Boigny of Cocody ; UFR of earth sciences and mining resources

1228 J. Chem. Bio. Phy. Sci. Sec. D, August 2016 - October 2016; Vol.6, No.4;1218-1228
JCBPS; Section D; August 2016 October 2016, Vol. 6, No. 4; 1218-1228, E- ISSN: 2249 1929

Journal of Chemical, Biological and Physical Sciences

An International Peer Review E-3 Journal of Sciences
Available online at www.jcbsc.org
Section D: Environmental Sciences

CODEN (USA): JCBPAT Research Article

Cartographie Des Facis Morphologiques Des Fonds

Dune Lagune (Estuarienne Ferme) Ctire : LA Lagune
Ouladine Grand-Bassam (CTE dIvoire)
Bi Kassia Francis KOFFI *, AKA Charles Alberic, WANGO Ted-Edgard, MONDE
Sylvain, Digbi Zeli Bruno, AKA Kouam.
Universit Flix Houphout Boigny de Cocody ; UFR des Sciences de la Terre et des
Ressources Minires ;
Laboratoire de Gologie Marine et Sdimentologie, 22 BP 582 Abidjan 22, Cte dIvoire
Universit Flix Houphout Boigny de Codody

Received: 13 August 2016; Revised: 05 September 2016; Accepted: 12 September 2016

Abstract: The objective of this study is to determine the morphological characteristics

of the estuarine complex Ouladine lagoon - Como River on the Ivorian Coast in Grand-
Bassam (Ivory Coast, West Africa) to end to identify the mechanisms that take place
there. Datas quests on the study area enabled to reveal, in regard to morphology, certain
heterogeneity of funds. The bedlagoon varied from 0 to 13.71 meters with an average of
6.86 meters. The great depths of 5 to 13.71 meters are located at the entrance of the
Como river and the Ebri lagoon, along the western arm of the Bout island. These
depths are the result of an erosion of this section caused by turbulent waters during the
flood of Como river. The average depths of 2.5 to 5 meters are located in the western
zone of the lagoon. The shallow depths are located after the island of Azuretti until the
neighborhood bridge of France area, where a depression zone is observed up to 7.2
meters. Since the closure of the estuary, this section parallel to the coastline to the mouth
closed, acts as a receptacle. On the whole surface of the lagoon we watch two channels
perpendicular asymmetrical, one of West-east direction and the other north-south
direction which are dotted with depressions and shallow. From radials study, we observe
facies equivalent to wet or type "V" profile, type profiles "U", and intermediate-type
profiles.
Keywords: morphological, estuarine, erosion, depression, receptacle, receptacle, wet.

1218 J. Chem. Bio. Phy. Sci. Sec. D, August 2016 October 2016; Vol.6, No.4; 1218-1228
Cartographie Bi Kassia Francis KOFFI et al.

INTRODUCTION

Les lagunes sont des tendues deau sale comprises entre la terre ferme et un cordon littoral, dont
l'origine peut tre sdimentaire, organique ou mme structurale 1- 3, gnralement perc de passes 1, 2, 4.
Les lagunes apparaissent comme des systmes littoraux hautement volutifs sous la dpendance de
multiples facteurs naturels et anthropiques. Elles rvlent une grande variabilit des conditions
hydrodynamiques et sdimentaires, une rapidit dvolution de leur cadre morphologique, une grande
vulnrabilit ainsi quune densit considrable dans les cosystmes quelles abritent.
Leur dgradation est un problme inluctable de porte nationale et internationale. Le spectre de
variabilit spatiale et temporelle tant complexe, on ne peut suivre et comprendre ces variations quen
disposant des observations systmatiques pour sparer les diffrentes chelles despace et de temps, et
en apprhender les processus de transformation et leurs causes, quelles soient dorigine naturelle ou
humaine. Le suivi, le devenir et la protection de ces zones dimportance capitale 5, 6 constituent
aujourdhui un enjeu de gestion durable.
Il est dun intrt certain de comprendre et de tenter dexpliquer les processus morphologiques qui sy
droulent pour mieux les grer. La connaissance de la dynamique sdimentaire dans les estuaires permet
d'apprhender les processus d'envasement et de colmatage dont ces milieux sont trs souvent le sige.La
lagune Ouladine Grand-Bassam (Cte dIvoire) constitue avec le fleuve Como un complexe
estuarien. Espace naturel vari avec une forte richesse cologique et conomiques (pche, levage,
tourisme), le complexe estuarien de Grand-Bassam, par sa dynamique hydro-sdimentaire, a son
embouchure soumis un comblement acclr. Suite cette fermeture et son impacte sur cet
cosystme, nous avons entrepris travers cette prsente tude, de mener des travaux permettant de
faire une caractrisation morphologique de cet estuaire. Cela va nous permettre de faire un suivi et
dapporter une certaine lisibilit la morphologie du fond.
Aussi cette tude va permettre dapprhender les zones denvasement, de colmatage et de creusement
dont ces milieux sont le sige. A la fin de notre tude, nous tablirons une carte des fonds de cet
hydrosystme.

MATERIEL ET METHODES

Localisation de la zone dtude : La lagune Ouladine Grand-Bassam (au Sud-est de la Cte dIvoire)
est situ dans la zone 30N entre les longitudes 408645 m E et 421166 m E et les latitudes 57376 m N
et 577315 m N (fig.1) avec une superficie de 8,271 km2. Ce domaine se trouve sur le bassin sdimentaire
limage des autres embouchures sauf les embouchures du fleuve Sassandra et du Cavally qui se
trouvent sur le socle prcambrien. Elle est dispose de manire longitudinale, parallle au cordon littoral
meuble qui lisole de la mer comme les autres lagunes Ouest-africaine7. Elle est relie lOcan
Atlantique par un estuaire pisodiquement ferm sous leffet de la drive littorale.
Qute et traitement des donnes bathymtriques : Les levs bathymtriques se sont raliss laide
dun chosondeur Lowrance Elite 4 avec un GPS intgr de prcision allant jusquaux millimtres pour
les profondeurs et jusquaux centimtres pour les positions gographiques. Les levs se sont faits
suivant une srie de radiales en crneaux (figure 2). Aprs lacquisition des donnes de terrain, les
points de sonde sont traits et corrigs. Linterpolation par la mthode des voisins naturels a t faite
laide du logiciel ArcGis version 10.1.

1219 J. Chem. Bio. Phy. Sci. Sec. D, August 2016 October 2016; Vol.6, No.4; 1218-1228
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Figure 1 : Localisation de la zone dtude

1220 J. Chem. Bio. Phy. Sci. Sec. D, August 2016 October 2016; Vol.6, No.4; 1218-1228
Cartographie Bi Kassia Francis KOFFI et al.

Lagoon Comoe riv

Ebri

Figure 2 : Plan dchantillonnage des sondes bathymtriques

RESULTATS

Morphologie du fond de la lagune Ouladine : Lanalyse dtaille du fond lagunaire (fig. 3), nous
rvle des profondeurs qui varient entre 0 et 13,71 m, soit une moyenne denviron 6,85 m. Ce fond
lagunaire nous montre trois portions suivant les profondeurs.
Les grandes profondeurs de 5 13,7 m se localisent lentre du fleuve Como et de la lagune Ebri,
le long du bras Ouest de lle Bout, aux environs du quartier Mossou jusqu' 750 m de lembouchure
ferm. A ce niveau, les pentes sont abruptes du ct de la rive droite due la forte turbulence engendre
lors des crues de la Como.
Les profondeurs intermdiaires de 2,5 5 m se trouvent dans la zone Ouest de la lagune, du quartier
Modest jusquaprs le village dAzuretti.
Les faibles profondeurs se trouvent localises de la zone aprs lle dAzuretti jusquaprs le pont du
quartier France o on observe une zone de dpression allant jusqu 7,2 m.
Sur toute la superficie de la lagune nous observons deux chenaux perpendiculaires, lun de direction
ouest-est et lautre de direction nord-sud :
Le chenal principal, de direction Ouest-est de forme irrgulire et dissymtrique de 2 5m de
profondeur, se trouve aux environs de la rive nord, de Modest jusquaprs le village dAzuretti.
Lautre chenal de direction Nord-sud, aussi dissymtrique, de 5 13,7 m de profondeur se localise aux
environs de la rive droite pour tre centrer dans le voisinage de lembouchure ferm en perdant de
profondeur de lamont vers laval.

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Figure 3: Carte bathymtrique par interpolation de la lagune Ouladine.

Analyse des profils bathymtriques de la lagune Ouladine : Lvolution spatio-latrale des fonds de
la lagune Ouladine a t tudie partir des radiales R1, R2,R7 (fig. 4) pour mieux comprendre la
forme de la cuvette qui conditionne le fonctionnement des systmes de par son impact sur la
disponibilit des habitats et son influence sur lhydrologie 8. Ainsi des diffrents profils excitants, nous
avons pu regrouper en trois types le fond lagunaire, en fonction de la morphologie, du niveau de leau,
du courant moyen et de la granulomtrie de fond 9.

Figure 4: Les diffrentes sections du chenal de la lagune Ouladine et les radiales

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Facies assimilables des mouilles ou profil de type " V " (radiales 3, 6 et 7) : Ce sont des zones
caractrises par une forte hauteur d'eau et une forte vitesse par rapport au reste du segment et qui
prsentent une concavit en forme de pic. Il s'agit gnralement d'aires de surcreusement, d'rosion
active, dues la convergence en crue des flux hydriques10, l'nergie cintique ainsi renforce se dissipe
dans l'affouillement et l'arrachement des lments du substrat. Ce sont donc des formes labores un
stade de dbit lev 9. Ces units morphologiques observes (fig. 5) sont reprsentes par la radial R3
sur la section I et R6, R7 sur la section III (fig. 4). Dans la zone de la radiale R3, la rive nord prsente
des pentes de 5 % en moyenne, quant la rive sud, celle du ct du littoral prsente deux sections :
Une semblable la rive nord, avec une pente moyenne de 3,12% sur une longueur de prs de 160 mtres,
lautre section, avec des pentes faibles et monotones de 0,4%, se traine une profondeur de 1,5 m pour
atteindre la cte 0 de la rive.
Ce mme type morphologique est observ sur le long du segment lentre de la lagune Ebri jusque
vers lembouchure ferm (R6 et R7). Dans ces cas de figure, les convergences de flux et les courants
secondaires dans les concavits des coudes provoquent le dveloppement des classiques, mouilles de
concavit 9. Le profil en travers typiquement dissymtrique de ces mouilles nous oblige y associer un
facis conjoint hauteur d'eau dcroissante vers l'intrieur de la courbe; le banc de convexit dont tout
ou partie peut d'ailleurs tre merg l'tiage (fig.5).

Figure 5: Profils de type V et mouille de concavit et banc de convexit

Facies assimilables un chenal lentique ou profil de type "U" : Sous leffet de phnomnes
drosion des berges et transport-dpt, les profils, mouille de concavit, se transforment
progressivement pour adopter le profil de type chenal lentique ou profil en "U" 10 (fig. 6), exemple de
la radiale R1 et R2.Le profil en "U" est un profil dquilibre daction entre les agents daccumulation et
les agents drosion 11 . Mais une nouvelle action rosive peut reprendre et recommencer le travail de
creusement. On parle alors daction cyclique 11. Pour ces cas de figures, les pentes sont faibles, en
moyenne 3,2 % sur les deux flancs. Ils sont localiss dans la zone de Modest jusqu une distance de
500 m de lle dazuretti o la transition entre les facis lentiques et mouille de concavit est nettement
marque. Les profondeurs varient de 2,5m 4,5m sur des sections de longueur allant de 250 m 650
m.

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Figure 6 : profil en traverse dun chenal lentique

Profile de type intermdiaire : Les profils intermdiaires (fig. 7), exemple de la radiales R4 et R5, du
point de vue morphologique sont considrs comme des profils de transition, des profiles nayant pas
encore atteint leur forme dquilibre. Laction des agents daccumulation et celle des agents drosion
ne sont pas en quilibrent. Les agents drosion ont une action plus intense que celle des agents
daccumulation 11.

Figure 7 : profils de type intermdiaire

Analyse des profils transversaux : De par leur morphologie et leur orientation, nous avons scind le
chenal en trois sections (fig.4). Les figures 8; 9 et 10 montrent les diffrentes sections du chenal de la
lagune Ouladine jusqu la confluence fleuve Como-lagune Ebri. La premire section (fig. 8) part du
bout Ouest de la lagune du ct Modest jusqu lle de mangrove Azuretti sur une distance de 5,4 km
soit entre les longitudes 409000 m E et 414000 m E. Ce chenal prsente une morphologie moins
accidente dont la base se trouve une profondeur de 4,5 m. Par contre, de la longitude 412250 m E
lle dAzuretti, il prsente un relief accident o on observe une dpression de 4,5 m et deux hauts
fonds. Un 1,5 m et lautre 2,5 m de profondeur.

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Figure 8 : Section I du chenal longitudinal de la lagune Ouladine

La deuxime section (fig.9) se situe entre les longitudes 414000 m E et 419400 m E. Sur ce profil, de
lOuest la longitude E418250 m, le chenal prsente une allure moins accident avec quelques
irrgularits peu marquantes. De la longitude 418250 m, au niveau du pont qui mne au quartier
colonial jusqu la section nord-sud de ce rseau hydrographique, le chenal est entaill par une
dpression de profondeur 7,2 m et dun haut fond moins de 1 m de profondeur.

Figure 9 : Section II du chenal longitudinal de la lagune Ouladine

La troisime section (fig.10) de direction Nord-sud, part du pont de Moossou pour aboutir aux environs
de lembouchure ferme. Cette section du chenal est trs accidente avec la prsence de dpressions et
de hauts fonds. Ainsi aux ctes de distance 400 m, 700 m, 1150 m, 3200 m, 3300 m et 3550 m du Nord
au Sud, on observe des dpressions dont la plus importante est une profondeur de 11 m. Des hauts
fonds intercals entre ces dpressions se situent aux ctes de distance 200 m, 600 m, 800 m, 3300 m et
3400 m, dont la plus haute se trouve une profondeur de 1 m.

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Figure 10 : Section III du chenal longitudinal de la lagune Ouladine de direction Nord-sud

(D: depression ; HF: haut fond)

DISCUSION

Depuis la fermeture de lestuaire de Grand-bassam, le bilan hydrique dans la lagune Ouladine est
essentiellement contrl par les apports deau issu de la como, du systme lagunaire Ebri ( Ebri,
Potou et Adjin) et des eaux saisonnires de la pluviomtrie. Lestuaire reoit directement les
prcipitations qui reprsentent 5% des apports continentaux. Les moyennes annuelles enregistres pour
la priode de 1950 1998 sont de 1 890 mm. Cette moyenne marque une diminution du volume des
prcipitations depuis 1950, qui est passe de 2 359 mm entre 1949 et 1958 1 513 mm entre 1989 et
1998 12. La morphologie du fond de la lagune lentre du fleuve Como et de la lagune Ebri, est
beaucoup faonne par le courant pendant la saison des pluies et de crue de la Como avec une
profondeur maximale de 13,7 m. On remarque, comparativement aux tudes bathymtriques dAdopo
13
, que les profondeurs ont trs peu varies. Une diffrence de 0,3 m la confluence fleuve Como-
lagune Ebri dmontre globalement un engraissement de la zone. Ces mesures sinscrivent dans une
dynamique de comblement puisque les valeurs enregistres en 1979 taient de 18 m 14. De ce fait, le
complexe estuarien, depuis la fermeture de lembouchure du fleuve Como se comporte comme un
rceptacle de sdiments. Sur la section parallle au cordon littoral, la lagune Ouladine prsente plusieurs
dpressions de direction majeure SE-NW. Elles sont sub-parallles la faille des lagunes dite
Accident majeur de Cte dIvoire. Selon Droz 15, la faille des lagunes est un prolongement de la
fracture ocanique Saint Paul. Celle-ci serait la base de la mise en place des dpressions de la lagune
Ouladine. Les profondeurs de cette section voluent peu. Cela sexpliquerait dune part par la faiblesse
des apports en provenance de la Como d aux lots qui constituent des barrires la dynamique
sdimentaire16. Et dautre part par la vgtation qui rduit lrosion des berges. Seule, la dpression au
niveau du pont qui rejoint le quartier colonial observe une variation de profondeur. Les travaux de
Coulibaly 17 ont mesur cette fosse 5,5 m tandis que nos travaux mesurent cette dpression 7,2 m de
profondeur, soit une diffrence de 1,7 m. Cette zone est soumise un mouvement tourbillonnaire qui
favorise lrosion des fonds. A ces mouvements, il faut ajouter les mcanismes gnrateurs de courants
lagunaires qui seraient les forces thermo halines cest--dire lies la temprature et la salinit. Ces
analyses sharmonisent avec les travaux dAllenbach 18 qui montrent que lorsque deux grandes masses
deau de densit diffrentes (temprature diffrente et salinit diffrente) sont en prsence, elles ont
tendance ne pas se mlanger sauf trs partiellement au niveau de leur zone de contact. Il en rsulte

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Cartographie Bi Kassia Francis KOFFI et al.

que celle dont la densit est la plus forte tendance passer en-dessous de celle qui est la moins dense,
ce qui engendre un courant.

CONCLUSION

Ltude morphologique effectue sur le complexe estuarien de la lagune Ouladine-fleuve Como a

rvle diffrents caractristiques de cet hydrosystme.
Sur le plan morphologique, les travaux bathymtriques nous rvlent des profondeurs qui varient entre
0 et 13,71 m soit une moyenne denviron 6,85 m. Les grandes profondeurs se localisent lentre du
fleuve Como et de la lagune Ebri. La moiti Ouest de la lagune est moins profonde avec des
maximales de 5 m. On observe des chenaux de direction Ouest-est et Nord-sud qui sont entaills de
dpressions et de hauts-fonds. Avec la fermeture de lembouchure, les profondeurs sur la section Nord-
sud dcroissent de lamont vers laval pour constituer un bassin de rception pour les sdiments qui y
transitent.

REMERCIEMENTS

Nous tenons remercier le le PASRES (Prograamme dAppui Strategique a la Recherche Scientifique)

et le Centre Suisse de Recherche Scientifique pour son appui matriel, financier et technique la
ralisation de ces travaux

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Corresponding author: Bi Kassia Francis KOFFI

Universit Flix Houphout Boigny de Cocody ; UFR des Sciences de la Terre et des Ressources
Minires

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