Secondary circulation in a highly stratified estuary

Authors:
  • RCRobert J. Chant
    Robert J. Chant
  • RWRobert E. Wilson
    Robert E. Wilson
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Abstract
Observations from the Hudson River estuary are presented to discuss the interaction between secondary flows and stratification in the vicinity of a headland during highly stratified conditions. Analysis of the cross‐stream momentum balance suggests that centrifugal accelerations are in near balance with the cross‐stream baroclincity. Results emphasize that the interaction between stratification and secondary flows can set up a cross‐stream internal seiche. This results in a reduction and subsequent reversal of the secondary flows downstream of a headland. Simple scaling arguments suggest that the spin‐down time for tidally driven eddies is related to stratification.

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