Observational evidence for estuarine circulation in the German Wadden Sea |
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Authors: | Götz Flöser Hans BurchardRolf Riethmüller |
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Institution: | a Institute for Coastal Research, Helmholtz Centre Geesthacht, Max-Planck-Straße 1, D-21502 Geesthacht, Germany b Leibniz Institute for Baltic Sea Research Warnemünde, Seestraße 15, D-18119 Rostock, Germany |
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Abstract: | Observational evidence is presented, which corroborates the hypothesis of the general presence of estuarine circulation in the Wadden Sea as put forward in a previous study (Burchard et al., 2008). Current velocity data from moored ADCPs (in the Hörnum Deep south of Sylt Island, 2002-2009) and ship cruises (in several locations in the German Wadden Sea, 2000-2008) were analysed. As a general result, the vertical current profiles above the benthic boundary layer are usually more homogeneous during flood than during ebb, with a pronounced dependence on the cross-shore horizontal density difference. This tidal asymmetry consequently must lead to a residual outflow of Wadden Sea waters in the upper part and a residual inflow of water in the lower part of the water column, thus giving a generic explanation for the obvious net import of suspended sediments from the German Bight into the Wadden Sea. |
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Keywords: | Estuarine circulation Velocity profiles Wadden Sea |
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