The Influence of tidal straining and wind on suspended matter and phytoplankton dynamics in the Rhine outflow region

Joordens, J.C.A.; Souza, A.J.; Visser, A.. 2001 The Influence of tidal straining and wind on suspended matter and phytoplankton dynamics in the Rhine outflow region. Continental Shelf Research, 21 (3). 301-325. 10.1016/S0278-4343(00)00095-9

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Abstract/Summary

To study the short-term effects of the physical environment on phytoplankton dynamics in the Rhine out¯ow area, changes in salinity, beam attenuation and phytoplankton distribution were observed in a series of high resolution measurements. During periods of weak wind and neap tide (low turbulent kinetic energy, TKE), the system was dominated by tidal straining that resulted in semi-diurnal oscillations in stratification. Phytoplankton was kept in resuspension at about 10±15m depth. Subsequent strong wind and tidal mixing (high TKE) broke down strati®cation, enhanced horizontal gradients and suppressed estuarine transport. It is hypothesised that during low TKE, tidal straining and frontal circulation determined the phytoplankton distribution; and at high TKE, input by wind and tide enhanced conditions for growth, which resulted in a bloom in the surface layer of the Rhine Plume, where light and nutrients were available.

Item Type:	Publication - Article
Digital Object Identifier (DOI):	10.1016/S0278-4343(00)00095-9
Programmes:	Oceans 2025 > Shelf and coastal processes POL Programmes > Shallow coastal seas - function and impacts of change > Function of shallow sea systems at whole-shelf scale POL Programmes > Shallow coastal seas - function and impacts of change > Process experiments at small scale POL Programmes
ISSN:	0278-4343
Additional Keywords:	Tidal straining; Dutch coast; North Sea; Freshwater influence; Algal blooms; Suspended particulate matter
NORA Subject Terms:	Marine Sciences
Date made live:	18 Jul 2013 09:41 +0 (UTC)
URI:	https://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/502665

Item Type:

Publication - Article

Digital Object Identifier (DOI):

10.1016/S0278-4343(00)00095-9

Programmes:

Oceans 2025 > Shelf and coastal processes
POL Programmes > Shallow coastal seas - function and impacts of change > Function of shallow sea systems at whole-shelf scale
POL Programmes > Shallow coastal seas - function and impacts of change > Process experiments at small scale
POL Programmes

ISSN:

0278-4343

Additional Keywords:

Tidal straining; Dutch coast; North Sea; Freshwater influence; Algal blooms; Suspended particulate matter

NORA Subject Terms:

Marine Sciences