The Exchange Processes in the Patos Lagoon Estuarine Channel, Brazil

Abstract

Investigation of process controlling the estuarine-shelf interaction in the Patos Lagoon estuarine channel is accessed using a two-dimensional numerical model. Results obtained suggest this approximation provides good precision level to investigate the advective transport of oceanic waters near the estuarine mouth. The introduction of coastal waters in synoptic time scales is dominated by advection in sub-superficial layers. This process results from the competition between flood currents driven by remote wind effects and gravitational circulation controlled by the intensity of the freshwater discharge. The short term exchange processes follow one most energetic cycle of 8 days and intense flood events occur during periods of low continental discharge and higher intensity winds. Very stratified salinity profiles are found during periods of moderated freshwater discharge. The salt transport is inversely related to the freshwater discharge intensity. It presents a mean rate of the 105 kg.day-1 transported landward during flood events.