Physical Processes in Estuaries pp 239-254 | Cite as
Internal Waves and Mixing in Stratified Estuarine Flows
Abstract
This chapter describes echo-sounding surveys of a number of estuaries in which internal waves have been observed. The waves are typically generated by the interaction of the tidal flow with topography, and may travel either upstream or downstream before breaking and creating internal mixing. Periods of intense internal mixing have been observed on the ebbing tide in the Tees Estuary, preceded by internal wave activity. However, it is shown that the mixing periods were created by a series of closely spaced upstream bridges rather than by the internal waves. Internal waves and bridgelike structures, both commonly occurring in estuaries, produce mixing at different times and locations which may contribute significantly to the general mixing and circulation patterns, and are worthy of further study.
Mixing often appears to be represented by a distinctive interleaved structure in the echo-sounding recordings, and this may be useful in the interpretation of future surveys.
Keywords
Internal Wave Spring Tide Neap Tide Internal Solitary Wave Tamar EstuaryPreview
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