Formation of thermal microstructure in a narrow embayment during flushing

Abstract

Thermal microstructure formations, coincident with the occurrence of flushing in a narrow Puget Sound embayment, have been observed and measured with a high-sensitivity probe. Accompanying the larger formations which extend horizontally for thousands of yards, a microstructure is shown to exist which consists of elongated layers extending hundreds of yards with temperature differences of less than 0.1°C. Two series of isothermal diagrams constructed from vertical temperature measurements taken in the area during winter and summer flushing are presented to show the manner in which such formations are developed.