Residence Time of Smith Cove, Thames River Estuary, USA
Abstract
Smith Cove is a small partially enclosed estuarine embayment along the western shore of the Thames River estuary. The residence time in this cove was estimated using current meter data collected in October 2001 and March 2002. Results showed a weak outflow from the cove that was modulated by local winds. Strong westerly winds, usually associated with the passage of cold fronts, increased the non-tidal flow out of the cove and reduced the water level in the cove. Northerly and easterly winds had the opposite effect. The estimated residence time based on tidal flushing is 4 days. However, due to the temporal variability in wind speed and direction, the estimated residence time varied between 2 and 8 days. Drifter data collected throughout the cove over several tidal cycles also showed a large velocity shear between the shallow regions and main channel within the cove. This will cause additional spatial differences in the residence time. The periodic pulses of flow out of or into the cove may influence the transport of sediment and suspended material between the cove and the adjacent Thames River estuary.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2005
- Accession Number
- ADA573652
Entities
People
- Christopher D. Nolan
- Linda M. Huzzey
Organizations
- United States Coast Guard Academy