Abstract
This paper presents combined conductivity-temperature-depth (CTD), thermistor chain, current meter, and acoustic backscatter observations of a tidal front observed in the Chesapeake Bay. The data were obtained from a moored platform as the front migrated past the platform. The thermistor chain and CTD data show an interface that slopes steeply down from the surface to an asymptotic depth of 6 m, marking the bottom of the light-water pool. The thermistor chain data show much higher activity levels within the light-water pool as compared to the dense-water pool. Current meter data taken at 3 m show a pronounced shear in the currents upon crossing the frontal boundary. The acoustic backscatter from a layer of copepods positioned on the interface shows episodic occurrences of overturning at the interface. This observation is borne out by the concurrent thermistor chain data, which also show the overturning events.
Similar content being viewed by others
Literature Cited
Brandt, A., C. C. Sarabun, H. H. Seliger, andM. A. Tyler. 1986. The effects of the broad spectrum of physical activity on the biological processes in the Chesapeake Bay, p. 361–384.In J. C. J. Nihoul (ed.), Marine Interface Hydrodynamics. Elsevier, Amsterdam.
Clancy, M. andC. E. Epifanio. 1989. Distribution of crab larvae in relation to tidal fronts in Delaware Bay, USA.Marine Ecology Progress Series 57:77–82.
Dubbel, D. C. 1982. The reduction in fine structure contamination of internal wave estimates from a towed thermistor chain.Johns Hopskin APL Technical Digest 6:186–193.
Epifanio, C. 1987. The role of tidal fronts in maintaining patches ofBrachyuran zoeae in estuarine waters.Journal of Crustacean Biology 7:513–517.
Garvine, R. W. 1974. Dynamics of small-scale oceanic fronts.Journal of Physical Oceanography 4:557–569.
Huzzy, L. M. 1982. The dynamics of a bathymetrically arrested estuarine front.Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science 15: 537–552.
Huzzy, L. M. andJ. M. Brubaker. 1988. The formation of longitudinal fronts in a coastal plain estuary.Journal of Geophysical Research 93:1329–1334.
Ingram, R. G. 1976. Characteristics of a tide-induced estuarine front.Journal of Geophysical Research 86:2017–2023.
Klemas, V. 1980. Remote sensing of coastal fronts and their effects on oil dispersion.International Journal of Remote Sensing 1:11–28.
Klemas, V. andD. F. Polis. 1977. A study of density fronts and their effects on coastal pollutants.Remote Sensing 6:95–126.
Kuo, A. K., R. J. Byrne, P. V. Hyer, E. P. Ruzecki, andJ. M. Brubaker. 1990. Practical application of theory for tidal intrusion fronts.Journal of Waterway, Port, Coastal and Ocean Engineering 116:341–361.
Kupferman, S. L., V. Klemas, D. F. Polis, andK. H. Szekielda. 1973. Dynamics of aquatic frontal systems in Delaware Bay.EOS 54:302.
Pinckney, J. andP. Dustan. 1990. Ebb-tidal fronts in Charleston Harbor, South Carolina: Physical and biological characteristics.Estuaries 13:1–7.
Sarabun, C. C. 1980. Structure and Formation of Delaware Bay Fronts. Ph.D. Dissertation. University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware. 229 p.
Sick, L. V., C. C. Johnson, andA. Engel. 1978. Trace metal enhancement in the biotic and abiotic components of an estuarine tidal front.Journal of Geophysical Research 83:4659–4667.
Simpson, J. H. andW. R. Turrell. 1986. Convergent fronts in the circulation of tidal estuaries, p. 139–152.In D. A. Wolfe (ed.), Estuarine Variability. Academic Press, New York.
Szekielda, K. H., S. L. Kupferman, V. Klemas, andD. F. Polis. 1972. Element enrichment in organic films and foam associated with aquatic frontal systems.Journal of Geophysical Research 77:5278–5282.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Sarabun, C.C. Observations of a Chesapeake Bay tidal front. Estuaries 16, 68–73 (1993). https://doi.org/10.2307/1352764
Received:
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.2307/1352764