Local energy exchanges in a shallow, coastal lagoon: Summer conditions

Abstract

Abstract Meteorological and hydrographic data from the Indian River lagoon on the Atlantic coast of South Florida are used to describe the magnitude and relative importance of local heat flux processes in a bar‐built estuary for summer conditions. Over a 72‐day period in 1979, the energy gain by absorbed net insolation, averaging 316 W m‐2 is very nearly balanced by the energy loss due to net long‐wave radiation (‐61 W m‐2), sensible heat loss (‐54 W m‐2) and evaporation (‐194 W m‐2). Day‐to‐day imbalances, however, result in cycles of heating and cooling over time scales on the order of 4–6 days. Water temperatures fluctuate only ±0.5–1.0°C about the seasonal normal, reflecting relatively stable meteorological conditions. Heat energy stored in these estuarine waters in summer months is most highly correlated with the absorption of net insolation.