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Bottom boundary layer in south San Francisco Bay, California

Journal of Coastal Research
By: , , and 

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Abstract

Detailed velocity distributions within the benthic turbulent boundary layer were measured by a Broad Band Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (BB-ADCP) in South San Francisco Bay, California. In "mode 5", the BB-ADCP was able to measure velocity in 5 cm increments. The validation of these measurements was achieved by comparing the BB-ADCP measurements with the velocities measured by a Narrow Band Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (NB-ADCP) in close proximity. There were thirty-three (33) velocity time-series measured by the BB-ADCP beginning at 7 cm above bed and extending to 175 cm in water column for about two weeks. The velocities from locations at 7 cm and 12 cm above the bed were determined to be of lower accuracy, and they were not used in estimates of friction velocity, u.. The values of u. at 95% confidence level were determined with relative error less than 20%. The time-series of u. varied with velocity outside of the boundary layer, and responded to spring-neap tidal variations. Attempts to use acoustic backscatterance echo intensity to measure suspended sediment concentration showed prom ise, and merit consideration in future studies.

Study Area

Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Bottom boundary layer in south San Francisco Bay, California
Series title Journal of Coastal Research
Volume Special Issue 25
Year Published 1997
Language English
Publisher Coastal Education & Research Foundation, Inc.
Contributing office(s) San Francisco Bay-Delta, Pacific Regional Director's Office
Description 14 p.
First page 49
Last page 62
Conference Title International Biennial Conference on Physics of Estuaries and Coastal Seas
Country United States
State California
Other Geospatial San Francisco Bay
Online Only (Y/N) N
Additional Online Files (Y/N) N
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