Skip to main content

IMIS

A new integrated search interface will become available in the next phase of marineinfo.org.
For the time being, please use IMIS to search available data

 

[ report an error in this record ]basket (0): add | show Print this page

Turbidity maxima in four macrotidal estuaries
Mitchell, S.B. (2013). Turbidity maxima in four macrotidal estuaries. Ocean Coast. Manag. 79: 62-69. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ocecoaman.2012.05.030
In: Ocean & Coastal Management. Elsevier Science: Barking. ISSN 0964-5691; e-ISSN 1873-524X, more
Peer reviewed article  

Available in  Author 

Author  Top 
  • Mitchell, S.B., more

Abstract
    Hydrodynamic and fine sediment transport characteristics of four major macrotidal Northern European estuaries are compared. The four estuaries (Weser, Seine, Scheldt, Humber) are amongst those key to navigation and shipping in that they are home to several major European ports (e.g. Hull, Antwerp, Le Havre). In particular, the characteristics and behaviour of the estuarine turbidity maximum are described for each system. While this is a complex topic that continues to benefit from ongoing research, some similarities exist between the estuaries in terms of the response of the turbidity maximum to changes in tidal range (during the neap–spring–neap cycle) and fresh water flow (due to seasonal variations in rainfall in the catchments). The hydrodynamics of the four estuaries are very similar, and are characterised by faster, shorter flood tide currents compared with longer, slower ebb tides. Under low fresh water flow conditions, the turbidity maximum is in each case moved upstream, while high fresh water flow conditions cause a net seaward movement of the turbidity maximum. While in general the concentrations of suspended sediment within turbidity maxima are no more than a few hundred milligrams per litre, the particular topography of the Humber estuary system leads to concentrations considerably higher than this.

All data in the Integrated Marine Information System (IMIS) is subject to the VLIZ privacy policy Top | Author