Upstream extension of a bottom-advected plume and its mechanism: The case of the Yellow River

Abstract Hydrographic surveys have revealed that the Yellow River plume propagates in direction opposite to of a Kelvin wave (upstream) under low river discharge condition, but turns downstream as increases. A numerical model reproduced upstream extension condition and transition high confirmed summer wind is not necessary for plume. With discharge, also indicated dependence on tidal range: extending spring tide turning neap tide. The movement results from transport freshwater depends tide-induced residual current around mouth density-driven offshore front. cannot compete with downstream. Momentum analysis confirms important roles advection term viscosity shift Coriolis force-dominated system condition. An idealized study suggests dimensionless number changing specific ambient mouth.