Search

Only show content I have access to (0)

Chapters (1)

Last 3 years (1)

From year:

To year:

Apply

Earth and Environmental Sciences (1)

Cambridge University Press (1)

1 results

12 - Classification of Semienclosed Basins, Based on Dynamics
Arnoldo Valle-Levinson, University of Florida
Book:

Introduction to Estuarine Hydrodynamics

Published online:

24 February 2022

Print publication:

03 March 2022, pp 190-202
- Chapter
- - Get access
    
    Check if you have access via personal or institutional login
    
    Log in Register
- Export citation
Summary

A classification of semienclosed basins is proposed in this chapter by following a tidally averaged momentum balance that compares drivers and modifiers of residual flow. Residual flow drivers are characterized by the nondimensional tidal Froude number, while balancing forces are typified by the Ekman number. Thus, the classification is contained in a parameteric space that considers estuaries, tidal rivers, vertically homogeneous lagoons, and frictionless tidal basins. The scheme can be regarded as the baroclinic tendencies shown by any basin, presented in the abscissa, versus the mixing tendencies, as represented in the ordinate. Also considered are situations in which wind stress competes with (a) density gradients and (b) tidal stress. This additional approach allows a dynamic description of basins where the dynamics are purely frictional, non-frictional (geostrophic), and Ekman-type. This classification includes semienclosed basins beyond estuaries.