Abstract

Observations of salinity and current velocity taken in the James River estuary are used in this investigation. Time means are taken over several tidal cycles and the nonadvective motions and nonadvective salt flux are related to these means. The analysis shows that in the James River estuary the horizontal advective flux and the vertical nonadvective flux of salt are the most important factors in maintaining the salt balance. The vertical advective flux is of secondary importance but is still significant. The horizontal nonadvective flux of salt is small. In addition, the vertical nonadvective flux of salt is partly related to the magnitude of the oscillatory tidal currents.

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