Wind Effects on Near? and Midfield Mixing in Tidally Pulsed River Plumes

River plumes transport and mix land-based tracers into the ocean. In tidally pulsed river plumes, wind effects have long been considered negligible in modulating interfacial mixing energetic nearfield region. This research tests influence of variable, realistic winds on interior plume. A numerical model Merrimack plume-shelf system is utilized, with an application salinity variance approach employed to identify spatial temporal variation advection, straining, dissipation (mixing) vertical (stratification). Results indicate that moderate stresses (?0.5 Pa) a northward component countering downcoast rotation plume are most effective at decreasing stratification domain relative other conditions. Northward advect ambient shelf offshore, allowing water increase nearshore, which strengthens density gradient base. Straining increases enhancing offshore-directed surface velocities, leading increased shear Increased straining larger gradients base enhance near- midfield plume, remains enhanced if clear residual stratification. The smaller scales allow mechanisms occur tidal time direct response instantaneous winds. first study show scale wind-induced advection as controlling factors rates under