Impact of Extreme Wind and Freshwater Runoff on the Salinity Patterns of a Mesotidal Coastal Lagoon

The interaction between tide, river runoff, and wind in coastal lagoons induces complex salinity gradients, which are remarkable when the meteorological forcing is exacerbated. This work aims to characterize structure under extreme freshwater events Ria de Aveiro lagoon (Portugal). Delft3D model was implemented validated 3D mode used perform simulations forced with scenarios. Results show that conditions determine stratification intensity location. Generally, increases as increases, while intrusion moves downstream. Extreme tends destroy but fails promote full-depth mixing, also dependent on direction, shown for Espinheiro channel. impacted by events, being NW storms responsible an upstream salt transport along Mira channel a downstream channel, SW displacement of São Jacinto Finally, it observed advection plume from Vouga River into middle high scenarios causes unusual local pattern. can either be pushed or prevented entering depending direction.