Subtidal secondary circulation induced by eddy viscosity-velocity shear covariance in a predominantly well-mixed tidal inlet

The secondary circulation in a predominantly well-mixed estuarine tidal inlet is examined with three-dimensional numerical simulations of the currents and density field German Bight. Simulations analyze two complete neap spring cycles, inspired by cross-section measurements inlet, focus on subtidal time scales. study scrutinizes lateral momentum balance quantifies individual forces that drive residual flow cross-section. Forces (per unit mass) from covariance between eddy viscosity vertical shear (ESCO) play role budget. During tide, ESCO-driven weak. Accelerations driven advection dominate circulation, which shows an anti-clockwise rotation. ESCO acceleration, together baroclinicity centrifugal drives clockwise (looking seaward). This structure counteracts advection-induced flow, leading to reversal circulation. decomposition term contributors reveals difference tides attributed change currents, are maximum near bottom tide. findings highlight tidally varying shears mechanism.