The Three Dimensional Structure and Fate of a River Plume

University Of Connecticut, Storrs CT

Investigators

Abstract

0096551/O'Donnell Primarily observational in nature, this project is a study of the structure of the velocity and density fields along the frontal boundary of a freshwater river plume, together with measurements of mixing at the base of the plume during the reversal of the tide. The data from observations at the edge of the plume will be used to test the validity of predictions extrapolated from laboratory results, and to improve the parameterization of lateral mixing in a numerical model of a freshwater plume. Estimates of mixing across the base of the plume will be derived from a study of the salt budget in a 100,000 square meter box, together with microstructure profiles within the box. These estimates will be used to test the hypothesis that small river plumes are mixed away vertically, shortly after the turn of the tide, as a result of the build up of strong vertical shear at the base of the plume.