Sensitivity of the Fraser River Plume to Winds, Tides and Freshwater Flux
Presentation Abstract
The Fraser River plume is the brackish surface layer formed by discharge of the Fraser River into the Strait of Georgia. The dynamics of the plume, which includes its response to river discharge, tides and winds, determines surface currents in the region. We have developed a three-dimensional baroclinic model of the Salish Sea which produces daily nowcasts and forecasts for salinity, temperature, currents and sea surface height. Modelled surface flows in the plume are considerably improved with an extended and deepened river channel, reduced minimum vertical eddy viscosity and diffusivity. To better understand the dynamics of the Fraser River plume in this model, we investigate the effects of different forcings factors, such as tides, winds, river discharge and the Coriolis force, on the salinity of the plume and the surface currents by performing a series of sensitivity experiments and further comparing with observations. The impact and relative importance of each forcing on the plume will be illustrated in detail.
Session Title
Salish Sea Estuarine Circulation
Conference Track
Habitat
Conference Name
Salish Sea Ecosystem Conference (2016 : Vancouver, B.C.)
Document Type
Event
Start Date
2016 12:00 AM
End Date
2016 12:00 AM
Location
2016SSEC
Type of Presentation
Oral
Genre/Form
conference proceedings; presentations (communicative events)
Contributing Repository
Digital content made available by University Archives, Heritage Resources, Western Libraries, Western Washington University.
Subjects – Topical (LCSH)
Plumes (Fluid dynamics); Stream measurements--British Columbia--Fraser River
Geographic Coverage
Salish Sea (B.C. and Wash.); Fraser River (B.C.)--Environmental conditions
Rights
This resource is displayed for educational purposes only and may be subject to U.S. and international copyright laws. For more information about rights or obtaining copies of this resource, please contact University Archives, Heritage Resources, Western Libraries, Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA 98225-9103, USA (360-650-7534; heritage.resources@wwu.edu) and refer to the collection name and identifier. Any materials cited must be attributed to the Salish Sea Ecosystem Conference Records, University Archives, Heritage Resources, Western Libraries, Western Washington University.
Type
Text
Language
English
Format
application/pdf
Sensitivity of the Fraser River Plume to Winds, Tides and Freshwater Flux
2016SSEC
The Fraser River plume is the brackish surface layer formed by discharge of the Fraser River into the Strait of Georgia. The dynamics of the plume, which includes its response to river discharge, tides and winds, determines surface currents in the region. We have developed a three-dimensional baroclinic model of the Salish Sea which produces daily nowcasts and forecasts for salinity, temperature, currents and sea surface height. Modelled surface flows in the plume are considerably improved with an extended and deepened river channel, reduced minimum vertical eddy viscosity and diffusivity. To better understand the dynamics of the Fraser River plume in this model, we investigate the effects of different forcings factors, such as tides, winds, river discharge and the Coriolis force, on the salinity of the plume and the surface currents by performing a series of sensitivity experiments and further comparing with observations. The impact and relative importance of each forcing on the plume will be illustrated in detail.
