On the dynamics of tidal plume fronts in the Rhine Region of Freshwater Influence

Abstract

River plumes are the link between the river and the ocean, and therefore play an important role for the health of coastal and marine ecosystems. As a result of human activity in coastal areas, the freshwater discharge transports anthropogenic inputs into the ocean. It is therefore important to understand the processes controlling transport, dilution and dispersion in river plumes from the river mouth up to tens of kilometers and beyond. River plumes are buoyant bodies of brackish water overlaying saltier water created by freshwater outflow. This thesis focuses on an improved understanding of the dynamics in the Rhine River Plume, which is influenced by strong tidal currents and bottom friction due to a shallow shelf. In particular, we study the plume in two different regimes: 70 - 80 km north of the river mouth and close to the river mouth (within a radius of 20 km).