Storm-driven sediment transport in Massachusetts Bay

Massachusetts Bay is a semi-enclosed embayment in the western Gulf of Maine about 50 km wide and 100 km long. Bottom sediment resuspension is controlled predominately by storm-induced surface waves and transport by the tidal- and wind-driven circulation. Because the Bay is open to the northeast, winds from the northeast (‘Northeasters’) generate the largest surface waves and are thus the most effective in resuspending sediments. The three-dimensional oceanographic circulation model Regional Ocean Modeling System (ROMS) is used to explore the resuspension, transport, and deposition of sediment caused by Northeasters. The model transports multiple sediment classes and tracks the evolution of a multilevel sediment bed. The surficial sediment characteristics of the bed are coupled to one of several bottom-boundary layer modules that calculate enhanced bottom roughness due to wave–current interaction. The wave field is calculated from the model Simulating WAves Nearshore (SWAN). Two idealized simulations were carried out to explore the effects of Northeasters on the transport and fate of sediments. In one simulation, an initially spatially uniform bed of mixed sediments exposed to a series of Northeasters evolved to a pattern similar to the existing surficial sediment distribution. A second set of simulations explored sediment-transport pathways caused by storms with winds from the northeast quadrant by simulating release of sediment at selected locations. Storms with winds from the north cause transport southward along the western shore of Massachusetts Bay, while storms with winds from the east and southeast drive northerly nearshore flow. The simulations show that Northeasters can effectively transport sediments from Boston Harbor and the area offshore of the harbor to the southeast into Cape Cod Bay and offshore into Stellwagen Basin. This transport pattern is consistent with Boston Harbor as the source of silver found in the surficial sediments of Cape Cod Bay and Stellwagen Basin.     

中美洲海域第二模态内孤立波的地震海洋学研究

以往利用地震海洋学方法发现的内孤立波大多是第一模态内孤立波,本文利用地震海洋学方法首次在中美洲太平洋沿岸海域发现了第二模态内孤立波群.通过叠前偏移观察该第二模态内孤立波群细结构的变化,发现位于陆坡上的第二模态内孤立波ISW4在大约50 s的采集过程中,出现反射同相轴分叉、合并以及密跃层中心深度变化.利用共偏移距道集叠前偏移剖面计算的这些第二模态内孤立波视相速度在0.5 m·s^-1左右,其视传播方向都是沿地震测线从SW到NE(44°N方向,0°指向北).通过对视相速度误差相对较小的三个第二模态内孤立波(ISW1、ISW3和ISW5)的视相速度进行分析,发现总体上第二模态内孤立波视相速度随着水深的增加而增加,另外一般情况下具有较大最大振幅的第二模态内孤立波的视相速度较大.     

Are toxic contaminants accumulating in Massachusetts coastal sediments following startup of the Massachusetts Bay outfall: a comprehensive comparison of baseline and post-diversion periods

The Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) conducts monitoring to address concerns related to the 2000 diversion of secondarily treated effluent discharge into Massachusetts Bay. Baseline data (1992-2000) showed multiple regions defined by physical and chemical composition. Near the Massachusetts Bay outfall, there is a series of heterogeneous sediments in relatively close proximity to the primary historic source of contaminants (Boston Harbor). Farfield sediments exhibited greater compositional definition from one another, which was attributed to the greater spatial separation of the sampling locations. Factors that influence contaminant variability include local and distributed sources, and are primarily related to gradients in depositional environments. Post-diversion sediment data suggest that 4 years of treated effluent discharge has not increased contaminant concentrations to the bay system. However, abundance of the sewage tracer, Clostridium perfringens, has increased variably in sediments located within 2 km of the outfall, providing a distinct effluent signal near the outfall.     

Silicones in Chesapeake Bay sediments

Sediment samples from the upper reaches to the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay were analysed for extractable organic silicon (silicone) content. Organic silicon in the sediments ranged from less than 0.2 to some 36 ppm, w/w. In general, silicone tended to accumulate in high depositional areas: the northern bay, and along the shores to the south. While present, anthropogenic inputs in terms of defined source were not clear. It appears that processes in the bay act to rapidly remove silicone from the water column, probably on a function of the flocculation/precipitation of seston, especially in the northern area.     

Volcanism offshore of Vesuvius Volcano in Naples Bay

 High-resolution seismic reflection data are used to identify structural features in Naples Bay near Vesuvius Volcano. Several buried seismic units with reflection-free interiors are probably volcanic deposits erupted during and since the formation of the breached crater of Monte Somma Volcano, which preceded the growth of Vesuvius. The presumed undersea volcanic deposits are limited in extent; thus, stratigraphic relationships cannot be established among them. Other features revealed by our data include (a) the warping of lowstand marine deposits by undersea cryptodomes located approximately 10 km from the summit of Vesuvius, (b) a succession of normal step faults that record seaward collapse of the volcano, and (c) a small undersea slump in the uppermost marine deposits of Naples Bay, which may be the result of nueé ardentes that entered the sea during a major eruption of Vesuvius in 1631. Detection of these undersea features illustrates some capabilities of making detailed seismic reflection profiles across undersea volcanoes. Received: 16 September 1997 / Accepted: 23 November 1997     

Distribution,fractionation, and contamination assessment of heavy metals in offshore surface sediments from western Xiamen Bay,China

Surface sediment samples were collected at 21 offshore sites in western Xiamen Bay, Southeast China.Total concentrations of Li, V, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Sr, Mn,Pb, Ba, Fe, and Ti were determined by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry; Hg was determined by atomic fluorescence spectrometry. A modified BCR sequential extraction procedure was used to extract fractions of the above elements. Concentrations of Pb, Cr, and Hg at most sites met the primary standard criteria of Marine Sediment Quality except site S12 for Pb and S7 for Cr, while concentrations of Zn at 17 sites and Cu at seven sites exceeded the criteria. The mean concentration of Hg was three times higher than the background, with a possible source being the Jiulong River. Fe, Ti, Ba, Co, V, and Li dominated the residual phase, mainly from terrestrial input.Ni, Cr, Pb, and Hg in the non-residual phase varied largely between sites. Sr, Mn, Cu, and Zn were mainly in the nonresidual fraction. Most sites showed considerable ecological risk; exceptions were site S7(very high) and sites S10,S11, and S14(moderate). Cu showed moderate-to-high pollution and Pb exhibited no-to-low pollution, while other metals had a non-pollution status according to their ratios of secondary phase to primary phase(RSP). Results of two assessment methods showed moderate pollution and a veryhigh ecological risk for Cu, Zn, Ni, and Cr at site S7, which might be due to the local sewage treatment plant.     

Heavy metal distribution in Newark Bay sediments

Bottom sediments have been analysed from Newark Bay, New Jersey, for zinc, lead, cadmium, and mercury. The bottom sediment analyses show that the bay sediments are enriched over background levels up to 65 times for zinc, 128 times for lead, 180 times for cadmium, and 155 times for mercury. Analyses of the metal distribution and of available tidal hydraulic data indicate the metal concentrations are due to a combination of source and tidal hydraulics. Dye tracer experiments gathering Lagrangiantype data appear to yield the best result in the investigation of metal trasport phenomena.     

Validation of SeaWiFS chlorophyll a in Massachusetts Bay

Massachusetts Bay, a semi-enclosed embayment (50×100 km) in the Northwest Atlantic, is the focus of a monitoring program designed to measure the effects of relocating the Boston Harbor sewage outfall to a site 15 km offshore in Massachusetts Bay. The Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) in situ monitoring program samples selected stations up to 17 times per year to observe seasonal changes in phytoplankton biomass and other water quality variables. We investigated the feasibility of augmenting the monitoring data with satellite ocean color data to increase the spatial and temporal resolution of quantitative phytoplankton measurements. In coastal regions such as Massachusetts Bay, ocean color remote sensing can be complicated by in-water constituents whose concentrations vary independently of phytoplankton and by inaccurate modeling of absorbing aerosols that tend to be concentrated near the coast. An evaluation of in situ and sea-viewing wide field-of-view sensor (SeaWiFS) measurements from 1998 to 2005 demonstrated that SeaWiFS overestimated chlorophyll a mainly due to atmospheric correction errors that were amplified by absorption from elevated concentrations of chlorophyll a and colored dissolved organic matter. Negative water-leaving radiances in the 412 nm band, an obvious artifact of inadequate atmospheric correction, were recorded in approximately 60–80% of the cloud-free images along the coast, while the remaining portions of the Bay only experience negative radiances 35–55% of the time with a clear nearshore to offshore decrease in frequency. Seasonally, the greatest occurrences of negative 412 nm radiances were in November and December and the lowest were recorded during the summer months. Concentrations of suspended solids in Massachusetts Bay were low compared with other coastal regions and did not have a significant impact on SeaWiFS chlorophyll a measurements. A regional empirical algorithm was developed to correct the SeaWiFS data to agree with in situ observations. Monthly SeaWiFS composites illustrated the spatial extent of a bimodal seasonal pattern, including prominent spring and fall phytoplankton blooms; and the approximate 115 cloud-free scenes per year revealed interannual variations in the timing, magnitude and duration of phytoplankton blooms. Despite known artifacts of SeaWiFS in coastal regions, this study provided a viable chlorophyll a product in Massachusetts Bay that significantly increased the spatial and temporal synoptic coverage of phytoplankton biomass, which can be used to gain a comprehensive ecosystem-wide understanding of phytoplankton dynamics at event, seasonal and interannual timescales.     

Cross-shelf transport into nearshore waters due to shoaling internal tides in San Pedro Bay, CA

In the summer of 2001, a coastal ocean measurement program in the southeastern portion of San Pedro Bay, CA, was designed and carried out. One aim of the program was to determine the strength and effectiveness of local cross-shelf transport processes. A particular objective was to assess the ability of semidiurnal internal tidal currents to move suspended material a net distance across the shelf. Hence, a dense array of moorings was deployed across the shelf to monitor the transport patterns associated with fluctuations in currents, temperature and salinity. An associated hydrographic program periodically monitored synoptic changes in the spatial patterns of temperature, salinity, nutrients and bacteria. This set of measurements show that a series of energetic internal tides can, but do not always, transport subthermocline water, dissolved and suspended material from the middle of the shelf into the surfzone. Effective cross-shelf transport occurs only when (1) internal tides at the shelf break are strong and (2) subtidal currents flow strongly downcoast. The subtidal downcoast flow causes isotherms to tilt upward toward the coast, which allows energetic, nonlinear internal tidal currents to carry subthermocline waters into the surfzone. During these events, which may last for several days, the transported water remains in the surfzone until the internal tidal current pulses and/or the downcoast subtidal currents disappear. This nonlinear internal tide cross-shelf transport process was capable of carrying water and the associated suspended or dissolved material from the mid-shelf into the surfzone, but there were no observation of transport from the shelf break into the surfzone. Dissolved nutrients and suspended particulates (such as phytoplankton) transported from the mid-shelf into the nearshore region by nonlinear internal tides may contribute to nearshore algal blooms, including harmful algal blooms that occur off local beaches.     

The effect of the new Massachusetts Bay sewage outfall on the concentrations of metals and bacterial spores in nearby bottom and suspended sediments

Since the new outfall for Boston's treated sewage effluent began operation on September 6, 2000, no change has been observed in concentrations of silver or Clostridium perfringens spores (an ecologically benign tracer of sewage), in bottom sediments at a site 2.5 km west of the outfall. In suspended sediment samples collected with a time-series sediment trap located 1.3 km south of the outfall, silver and C. perfringens spores increased by 38% and 103%, respectively, in post-outfall samples while chromium, copper, and zinc showed no change. All metal concentrations in sediments are <50% of warning levels established by the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority. An 11-year data set of bottom sediment characteristics collected three times per year prior to outfall startup provides perspective for the interpretation of post-outfall data. A greater than twofold increase in concentrations of sewage tracers (silver and C. perfringens) was observed in muddy sediments following the exceptional storm of December 11-16, 1992 that presumably moved contaminated inshore sediment offshore.     

Load spectra for slender offshore structures in waves and currents

The influence of currents on the wave induced dynamic response of offshore structures with slender members is assessed by deriving appropriate load spectra. The analysis permits the implications of the modified Morison equation to be examined, and suggests that methods of equivalent linearization commonly employed may yield unconservative results. An alternative formulation is proposed, in which the equations of motion are linear in the structural kinematics but the non-linear dependence of drag force on fluid particle motions is retained. This leads to a load spectral density matrix expressed as a sum of terms, involving convolutions of the wave kinematics spectra. Results are obtained for a plane frame idealization of an offshore jacket structure. These demonstrate the strong influence of current, and the importance of retaining in the loading terms up to the third power of wave particle velocity.     

Space-Time scales of internal waves

Abstract

We have contrived a model E(αω) α μ^?1ω^?p+1(ω ²?ω _i ²)^?+ for the distribution of internal wave energy in horizontal wavenumber, frequency-space, with wavenumber α extending to some upper limit μ(ω) α ω ^r-1 (ω ²?ω _i ²)^½, and frequency ω extending from the inertial frequency ω _i to the local Väisälä frequency n(y). The spectrum is portrayed as an equivalent continuum to which the modal structure (if it exists) is not vital. We assume horizontal isotropy, E(α, ω) = 2παE(α₁, α₂, ω), with α₁, α₂ designating components of α. Certain moments of E(α₁, α₂, ω) can be derived from observations. (i) Moored (or freely floating) devices measuring horizontal current u(t), vertical displacement η(t),…, yield the frequency spectra F _(u,η,…)(ω) = ∫∫ (U ², Z ²,…)E(α₁, ∞₂, ω) dα₁ dα₂, where U, Z,… are the appropriate wave functions. (ii) Similarly towed measurements give the wavenumber spectrum F _(…)(α1) = ∫∫… dα₂ dω. (iii) Moored measurements horizontally separated by X yield the coherence spectrum R(X, ω) which is related to the horizontal cosine transform ∫∫ E(α1, α2 ω) cos α₁ Xdα₁ dα₁. (iv) Moored measurements vertically separated by Y yield R(Y, ω) and (v) towed measurements vertically separated yield R(Y, α₁), and these are related to similar vertical Fourier transforms. Away from inertial frequencies, our model E(α, ω) α ω ^?p-r for α ≦ μ ω ω ^r, yields F(ω) ∞ ω ^?p, F(α₁) ∞ α₁ ^?q, with q = (p + r ? 1)/r. The observed moored and towed spectra suggest p and q between 5/3 and 2, yielding r between 2/3 and 3/2, inconsistent with a value of r = 2 derived from Webster's measurements of moored vertical coherence. We ascribe Webster's result to the oceanic fine-structure. Our choice (p, q, r) = (2, 2, 1) is then not inconsistent with existing evidence. The spectrum is E(∞, ω) ∞ ω ^?1(ω ²?ω _i ^{2 ?1}, and the α-bandwith μ ∞ (ω ²?ω _i ²)⁺ is equivalent to about 20 modes. Finally, we consider the frequency-of-encounter spectra F([sgrave]) at any towing speed S, approaching F(ω) as S ≦ S _o, and F(α₁) for α₁ = [sgrave]/S as S ≧ S _o, where S _o = 0(1 km/h) is the relevant Doppler velocity scale.     

On progressive internal waves in non-uniform depths

Summary An expansion technique is used to investigate effects of finite amplitude on three-dimensional progressive internal waves in continuously stratified fluid of variable depth. The results are illustrated for the case of uniform density gradients. Reflection is neglected in the perturbation scheme. In two dimensions, damping of long progressive waves is considered through energy dissipation in the bottom boundary layer.     

Nonlinear internal waves in ideal rotating basins

Abstract

Starting from Euler's equations of motion a nonlinear model for internal waves in fluids is developed by an appropriate scaling and a vertical integration over two layers of different but constant density. The model allows the barotropic and the first baroclinic mode to be calculated. In addition to the nonlinear advective terms dispersion and Coriolis force due to the Earth's rotation are taken into account. The model equations are solved numerically by an implicit finite difference scheme. In this paper we discuss the results for ideal basins: the effects of nonlinear terms, dispersion and Coriolis force, the mechanism of wind forcing, the evolution of Kelvin waves and the corresponding transport of particles and, finally, wave propagation over variable topography. First applications to Lake Constance are shown, but a detailed analysis is deferred to a second paper [Bauer et al. (1994)].     

Nonlinear internal waves in the upper atmosphere

To investigate the mechanism of mixing in oscillatory doubly diffusive (ODD) convection, we truncate the horizontal modal expansion of the Boussinesq equations to obtain a simplified model of the process. In the astrophysically interesting case with low Prandtl number (traditionally called semiconvection), large-scale shears are generated as in ordinary thermal convection. The interplay between the shear and the oscillatory convection produces intermittent overturning of the fluid with significant mixing. By contrast, in the parameter regime appropriate to sea water, large-scale flows are not generated by the convection. However, if such flows are imposed externally, intermittent overturning with enhanced mixing is observed.     

The distribution of trace metals in Florida Bay sediments

The distribution of trace metals based on surface sediments collected at 40 stations across Florida Bay was done in June, November and February 2000-2001. Concentrations of Sc, V, Ba, Cd, Cr, Co, Cu, Pb, Mn, Ni, Zn, Al and Mg were determined by ICP-MS, and the total Fe was determined by spectrophotometry. Organic carbon (OC), nitrogen (N), and calcium carbonate (CaCO3) were also measured. Eleven of 13 metals showed a similar distribution pattern for the various months studied. Maximum concentrations of metals were lower than those found in most estuarine systems and were concentrated in the north-central and western zones of the Bay. The Mn and Fe concentrations, unlike the other metals, gradually decreased from north (Everglades) to south (Florida Keys). Some metals (Ni, Zn, Cu, Cr, Pb and Ba) associated with petroleum use showed high concentrations at stations near the Tavernier marina. Florida Bay sediments are predominately CaCO3 (65.9-92.5%). The greatest value for OC (5.5%) and the lowest value of CaCO3 (65.9%) were found in the western zone. Trace metal distribution patterns are similar to the OC and N in the sediments. There was a strong correlation between most metals (V>Cu>Ni>Cr>Al>Co>Ba>Zn>Pb>Mg) and the percentage of OC. The maximum C/N values (9-12) were observed at the stations with the highest OC, where dense colonies of seagrass are found and most of the metals are concentrated. All metals except Mg, Mn and Co showed a strong correlation with Al and the fine fraction of the sediments (aluminosilicates) associated with continental input and river runoff.     

Fine-grained sediment transport in Chignecto Bay, Bay of Fundy, Canada

This paper describes measurements of suspended sediment fluxes at a total of 32 stations situated on four reference sections in the turbid estuary of Chignecto Bay, Bay of Fundy, Canada. The purpose of the study was to determine the sediment budget (sources, transport paths and sinks) and the seasonal variations in particulate fluxes. The major sources of sediment are the eroding cliffs surrounding the bay (1.0 × 10⁶ m³ y⁻¹) and the seabed (6 × 10⁶ m³ y⁻¹. There are no present-day sinks within the estuary; sediment is principally moved in suspension to the wider part of the Bay of Fundy. Residuals in sediment mass transport are strongly affected by storms. These disrupt the logarithmic longitudinal sediment concentration profile which is normally present, and cause sediment to be transported out of the estuary. Well-defined turbid ribbons occur which meander unpredictably through the sampling sites; estimates of sediment mass transport are thus dubious.     

On the atmospheric internal ship waves

The analytical solutions of the atmospheric internal ship waves induced by three-dimensional terrain are obtained by solving the atmospheric wave equation. The solutions show that the waves consist of the untrapped and trapped parts. The patterns of the diverging wave and transverse wave in the untrapped parts are mainly determined by the shape and orientation of the terrain. This kind of wave may transport the wave energy to the upper atmosphere. The patterns of trapped lee waves are decided by the atmospheric conditions such as stratification, mean wind speeds and wind shear.     

Sunglitter radiance modulation by internal waves

Summary Quantitative sunglitter radiance modulations at the ocean surface due to internal waves were calculated applying a simple first order theory. The results have been compared with the image data of internal wave signatures northeast of Nantucket Shoals off the coast of Massachusetts, U.S.A., taken by the Earth Terrain Camera (ETC) during the Skylab mission. The maximum magnitudes of sunglitter radiance modulations predicted by the theory are comparable to the satellite image data. The extreme values of calculated modulations depend only weakly on the wavelength of the internal wave signature. This is consistent with the analysed ETC data. On the other hand, the shapes of simulated and measured image intensity transects across an internal wave packet are different. This may possibly be explained by the assumed idealized sinusoidal type of thermocline used in the calculations. The theory predicts that sunglint signatures of internal waves are advected relative to positions of extreme slope regions of the thermocline due to currents.

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Strahldichtemodulation des Sonnenglitzerns durch interne Wellen

Zusammenfassung Quantitative Strahldichtemodulationen des Sonnenglitzerns an der Meeresoberfl?che durch interne Wellen werden unter Verwendung einer einfachen ersten Ordnungstheorie berechnet. Die Ergebnisse werden mit Bilddaten von internen Wellensignaturen nord?stlich von Nantucket Shoals vor der Küste von Massachusetts, U.S.A., verglichen, die w?hrend der Skylab-Mission von der Erdbeobachtungskamera (ETC) aufgenommen wurden. Die Werte der maximalen Strahldichtemodulation des Sonnenglitzerns, die von der Theorie vorhergesagt werden, sind mit den Satellitenbilddaten vergleichbar. Die Extremwerte der berechneten Modulationen h?ngen nur schwach von der Wellenl?nge der internen Wellensignaturen ab. Dieses stimmt mit den analysierten ETC Daten überein. Auf der anderen Seite sind die Kurvenverl?ufe zwischen den simulierten und gemessenen Bildintensit?tsprofilen entlang eines internen Wellenpaketes unterschiedlich. Dieses kann m?glicherweise durch den angenommenen idealisierten sinusf?rmigen Typ der Thermokline erkl?rt werden, der für die Berechnungen verwendet wurde. Die Theorie macht die Vorhersage, da? Signaturen des Sonnenglitzerns von internen Wellen durch Str?mungen advektiert werden relativ zu den Positionen der extremen Neigungsregionen der Thermokline.

     

On mass transport in deep water waves

Summary Various formulations of the mass-transport problem are compared for progressive waves in deep water. In order to calculate the mass-transport velocity as a function of depth in the main body of the fluid, it is necessary to include the effect of viscous wave attenuation. It is shown that the usual assumptions of periodicity in distance and attenuation with time or periodicity in time and attenuation with distance, are both physically unsatisfactory. The first does not specify a unique solution, and the second is incompatible with the assumption of zero surface stress. A certain critical constant tangential wind stress will maintain strictly time-periodic deep water waves. The corresponding attenuation with distance is then calculated to order ³. A constant tangential stress greater or less than the critical causes waves, necessarily decaying with distance, to grow or decay with time.