Diagnostic modeling of residence times in estuaries

Anabela Oliveira, Antonio M. Baptista

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    75 Scopus citations

    Abstract

    The variability of estuarine residence times is elucidated through accurate, diagnostic numerical tracking of a large number of particles, complemented with statistical analysis. Residence times are shown to have strong spatial and temporal variability, which is accentuated by exchanges between the estuary and the coastal ocean due to chaotic stirring at the mouth. The concept of a single residence time per estuary, while convenient from both ecological and engineering viewpoints, is therefore shown to be an oversimplification. Maps of residence times and cumulative histograms are examined as alternatives. The former are attractive only for once-through tracers, while the latter appear useful over a broader range of tracer characteristics.

    Original languageEnglish (US)
    Pages (from-to)1935-1946
    Number of pages12
    JournalWater Resources Research
    Volume33
    Issue number8
    DOIs
    StatePublished - Aug 1997

    ASJC Scopus subject areas

    • Water Science and Technology

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