Detailed hydrography and 3-D modelling of a tidal intrusion fronts

People: Mark Pritchard, Alan Gadian

Description:
Tidal intrusion fronts form (frontogenesis) through convergence between tidal inflow and buoyant riverine outflows inside the confines of an estuary basin.

The Dart estuary, Dartmouth, Devon U.K. presents an interesting example of bathymetrically arrested intrusion front where the front is held stationary for 2-3 hours at the constriction of the estuary mouth.

This study aims is through using a combination of high resolution measurements, 2-D and 3-D numerical modelling to investigate the impact of frontal dynamics and internal wave fields on mixing inside estuary basins.

In collaboration with Britannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth, Devon and University of Plymouth.