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Net drift in an atypical estuary, Long Island Sound

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Abstract

Long Island Sound is an estuary with two-layered flow at the eastern opening to the ocean and a salinity gradient of about 5 parts per thousand between the eastern and western extremes. Tidal currents, wind-driven circulation, and river inflow and fresh water influx are investigated as factors affecting the net drift. Current measurements in eastern Long Island Sound indicate that the tidal circulation features that predominate there do not normally affect the net drift at the New Haven dump site. Drifter returns and a numerical model indicate that seasonal prevailing winds seem to be the primary cause of the net drift in central Long Island Sound.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Naval Ocean Research and Development Activity, Office of Naval Research, 39529, Bay St. Louis, Mississippi

    David F. Paskausky

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  1. David F. Paskausky
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Paskausky, D.F. Net drift in an atypical estuary, Long Island Sound. Environmental Management 1, 331–342 (1977). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01865860

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