Turbidity in Torres Strait
Abstract
The turbidity in the eastern half of Torres Strait, along with other relevant variables, was investigated in two oceanographic cruises in early 1988. Turbidity was high and variable and a regression equation has been developed relating Secchi disc depth (and thence underwater visibility range) to water depth and wind speed. This equation covered 71% of the rms variation in Secchi disc depth. Turbidity was approximately constant with depth in weakly stratified waters, except when they were particularly turbid (attenuation coefficient > 1. 0/m) and then turbidity generally increased with depth with, in some cases, maxima or minima occurring within the water column. Where the temperature and salinity varied markedly with depth a more turbid lower layer was also present. On the second cruise there was a significant correlation between salinity and turbidity in the central waters of eastern Torres strait which had low salinity, and the possible origin of this low salinity water body is discussed. Keywords: Physical oceanography; Optical properties; Turbidity; Naval mine detection; Australia.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1989
- Accession Number
- ADA223447
Entities
People
- P. J. Mulhearn