Tidal Heights in Hyper-Synchronous Estuaries

Abstract

Inconsistencies between datasets are examined with reference to flood tidal elevations in the Tamar River estuary, Tasmania Australia. Errors in a 30-year-old commonly cited dataset have been perpetuated in subsequent publications and datasets, and a clarification is herein provided. Elevation of the flood tidal wave as it propagates the estuary is evident in mean tide level and mean sea level, although the analysis is compromised by the temporal differences of the datasets. As sea levels rise due to global warming, the importance of accurate on-going sea level data in any estuary will become more acute.

A scenario-based approach to evaluating potential environmental impacts following a tidal barrage installation

“…The estuary, which is classified as a mesotidal drowned river valley (Edgar et al, 2000), although the upper reaches are better categorised as a coastal-plain estuary (Kidd et al, 2014). The estuary comprises three distinct waterways, the Tamar River estuary and two major tributaries, the North and South Esk Rivers.…”

“…In the lower North Esk the corresponding constituents are: M 2 (1.432 m), N 2 (0.300 m), K 1 (0.042), and S 2 (0.083). The combined M 4 and M 6 constituents amount to~0.2 m (Kidd et al, 2014); indicative of asymmetrical tidal velocities. Flood tides peak at 40 cm s À1 and ebb tides reach 30 cm s À1 (Foster et al, 1986).…”

Spatio-Temporal Variability in a Turbid and Dynamic Tidal Estuarine Environment (Tasmania, Australia): An Assessment of MODIS Band 1 Reflectance

“…The tidal wave becomes increasingly asymmetric as it propagates upstream, providing a mechanism for the dominant tide-induced transport of sediments in the upstream direction. This upstream transport and anthropogenically reduced (dams and water diversion) flow from the North and South Esk Rivers [11,12] have contributed to sedimentation of the upper estuary. During floods, the combination of high river flow and tidal action flushes sediment into the lower reaches of the estuary [33].…”