OBSERVATIONS OF TURBULENT MIXING PROCESSES IN A TIDAL ESTUARY
Abstract
Three cruises were made to the Kennebec estuary in Maine to study the tubulent variations of velocity and temperature of the river. An instrument was devised for measuring the fluctuations in horizontal velocity and inclination of flow. The device operated by rectifying, smoothing, and recording (Speedowax) the pulsed voltage from an induction-coil-type propeller meter. The inclination of the flow to the vertical was measured with a vane rotating on a horizontal axis ahead of its leading edge; the vane was connected to a potentiometer. The instruments were either suspended in the river on a flexible cable or from a fixed vertical mast, or they were fixed to a tripod resting on the bottom of the river. Suspension from a flexible cable was generally used; in calm weather, no perceptible difference was noted in the records from the 3 suspension methods. No temperature fluctuations were present. The data indicated mean mixing constants of 0.67 and 1.9. The mixing and stability of an estuary are suggested to be somewhat linear; only a small part of the turbulence appears to transport the momentum and heat. High stresses were noted near the surface; further study of the surface and composite layers with several meters at different depths is recommended.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1953
- Accession Number
- AD0011289
Entities
People
- D. Parson Jr.
- H. G. Farmer
- H. Stommel
- J. R. Francis
Organizations
- Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution