Modeling tidal stress, circulation, and mixing in the Bristol Channel as a prerequisite for ecosystem studies
Uncles, R.J. (1983). Modeling tidal stress, circulation, and mixing in the Bristol Channel as a prerequisite for ecosystem studies. Can. J. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 40(1): 8-19
In: Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences = Journal canadien des sciences halieutiques et aquatiques. National Research Council Canada: Ottawa. ISSN 0706-652X; e-ISSN 1205-7533, more
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| Keywords |
Motion > Water motion > Circulation > Water circulation
Motion > Water motion > Water currents > Tidal currents
Physics > Mechanics > Fluid mechanics > Hydrodynamics
Properties > Chemical properties > Salinity
Transport > Sediment transport
Water mixing
Marine/Coastal; Brackish water |
| Abstract |
A depth-averaged hydrodynamical numerical model is used to evaluate tidal stresses, currents, and mixing in the Bristol Channel and Severn Estuary. Benthic macrofaunal associations and sediment bed types are shown to depend on the magnitude of the tidal stress, and the direction of sediment transport (as bed-load) in the central parts of the Channel is shown to be a consequence of ebb dominated stress. This asymmetry in the tidal stress is mainly caused by M4 currents, and computed M4 elevations and currents are compared with observed values at a number of stations. Residual flows and horizontal mixing are deduced from the hydrodynamical model, and used to construct transport relationships for an ecosystem model. Agreement between observed salinity over a number of years and that computed by the ecosystem model is generally good. |
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