Sea level variability in the Bras d'Or Lakes

Abstract

An analysis of sea level variability during summer indicates that semi-diurnal and diurnal tidal components are rapidly attenuated as they propagate into the Bras d'Or Lakes. On the other hand, low frequency sea level fluctuations originating in Sydney Bight, immediately outside the Lakes, are only moderately affected. The fluctuations in Sydney Bight are predominantly the result of the isostatic adjustment of sea level to atmospheric pressure changes. The resulting sea level gradient drives flow into or out of the Lakes. A simple numerical model consisting of a balance of acceleration, pressure gradient and friction accounts for most of the observations. © 1999 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.