Effect of cross channel salinity imbalance due to freshwater influence in a narrow estuary

Abstract

[author abstract] Nootka Sound is a group of narrow and deep fjord-like inlets on the west coast of Vancouver Island. This understudied estuarine system was the focus of an 11 December to 21 December 2014 University of Washington’s School of Oceanography Senior Cruise, in part, looking for insights in to questions of cross channel density structure effects on circulation in narrow basins. In particular, the study looked at the contributions of high freshwater input, a ubiquitous condition from heavy rains during the winter months in this area, and its effect on the transverse density structure. We examined the zonal density imbalance that could lead to the development of geostrophic currents in river fed sub-basins during the season of highest precipitation.