Measurements of turbulent fluctuations of the horizontal and vertical components of velocity and salinity have been made in four estuaries. The turbulence parameters generally show regular temporal trends for partially mixed conditions. The values of relative intensity for velocity are not a strong function of the Richardson number, whereas the intensity of the salinity fluctuations increases with the absolute value of the density gradient. The correlation coefficients for the vertical momentum and solute transport decrease with increasing Richardson number but the coefficient for horizontal solute transport increases. For some flood tide conditions and for highly stratified conditions internal wave motions become a significant feature of the velocity and density fields.

Turbulence in partially mixed estuaries shows regular temporal trends, with salinity fluctuations increasing with density gradient, and internal wave motions becoming significant in highly stratified conditions.

The Structure of Turbulence in Partially Mixed Estuaries

Key Takeaway: Turbulence in partially mixed estuaries shows regular temporal trends, with salinity fluctuations increasing with density gradient, and internal wave motions becoming significant in highly stratified conditions.