Abstract
The effect of bifurcation at the estuary mouth was studied on the measurements of salinity, current and tidal depth in a shallow estuary during spring and neap tides of two different seasons. There was a considerable variation of salinity at the observed stations during the seasons. At the shallowest location of the estuary, salinity, as high as 37 ppt, was observed during the period of zero fresh water discharge. The flushing time of the estuary was higher at its western side compared to the eastern one. The diffusion coefficient was reached by using an advection-diffusion equation. The estuary was classified using a circulation/stratification diagram. Well mixed conditions persisted during pre monsoon and post monsoon in the Muthupet estuary. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.erem.61.3.2041
Highlights
In estuaries chemical, geological and biological transfers are dependent on their physical processes
Kumari & Rao 2009 reported the influence of fresh water flow on a diffusion coefficient where the latter was lower during the low fresh water discharge in the Godavary estuary
It was pointed out that a tidal prism method could be applied to estuaries with a smaller fresh water flow, while a fraction of the fresh water method could be used for estuaries with substantial flow
Summary
Geological and biological transfers are dependent on their physical processes Major processes such as mixing, circulation and transfer of materials are controlled by riverine fresh water flow, oceanic saline water flow, wind, waves, evaporation and rainfall, as the case may be. Kumari & Rao 2009 reported the influence of fresh water flow on a diffusion coefficient where the latter was lower during the low fresh water discharge in the Godavary estuary. Dinesh & Sarma 1991 observed that the flushing time recorded by means of a classical tidal prism method was lower than that obtained using a modified one. Jyothi et al 2000 observed seasonal fluctuation in the flushing time mainly due to the variation in the fresh water flow and topography of the Gauthami Godavari estuary. Estuary geomorphology has an impact on flushing time and salinity intrusion into it
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