Work

Salinity-induced stratification impacts tides in estuaries

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Salinity-induced stratification is common in estuaries, yet its effect on tidal propagation is not systematically quantified and depth-averaged models generally neglect it. Using idealized numerical simulations across well-mixed, partially mixed, and salt-wedge regimes, we show that stratification suppresses turbulence and reduces effective bed friction, weakening tidal damping and allowing tides to penetrate farther upstream. Stratification-induced partial reflection at the landward salt-intrusion limit further amplifies tides, locally increasing tidal ranges by ∼ 30% in salt-wedge estuaries. Depth-averaged models can reproduce these effects through reduced roughness. Results highlight the critical link between salt dynamics and tidal water levels with implications for flood risk management.

Source: Advances in Water Resources

DOI: 10.1016/j.advwatres.2026.105388

Authors: R.W.A. Siemes, S.J.M.H. Hulscher

Institutions: HKV (Netherlands), University of Twente

Language: English

Topic: Oceanographic and Atmospheric Processes

Subfield: Oceanography

Field: Earth and Planetary Sciences

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,840

Funders: Toegepaste en Technische Wetenschappen, NWO, Nederlandse Organisatie voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek