Accession Number:

AD0773595

Title:

Development of the Turbidity Maximum in a Coastal Plain Estuary.

Descriptive Note:

Final rept.,

Corporate Author:

VIRGINIA INST OF MARINE SCIENCE GLOUCESTER POINT

Personal Author(s):

• Nichols,Maynard M.
• Thompson,Galen

Report Date:

1973-07-01

Pagination or Media Count:

55.0

Abstract:

A study of the turbidity maximum in the Rappahannock Estuary, Virginia was conducted to determine how high concentrations of suspended sediment accumulate to form a maximum. Time-series observations of current velocity, salinity and suspended sediment over 8 to 18 tidal cycles reveal that the maximum forms in a convergence of bottom residual currents near the transition between fresh and salty water. Sediment supplied mainly by the river, is transported into the convergence by density currents and accumulates since velocity is nearly zero and settling exceeds upward mixing. Modified author abstract

Descriptors:

• *Estuaries
• *Turbidity
• Circulation
• Dispersions
• Sedimentation
• Mixing
• Tides
• Virginia

Subject Categories:

• Physical and Dynamic Oceanography

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE