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Freshwater runoff and salinity distribution in the Loxahatchee River estuary, southeastern Florida, 1980-82

Water-Resources Investigations Report 83-4244
Prepared in cooperation with the Florida Department of Environmental Regulation, South Florida Water Management District, Palm Beach County, Martin County, Jupiter Inlet District, Loxahatchee River Environmental Control District, Town of Jupiter, Village of Tequesta, Jupiter Inlet Colony, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
By:  and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/wri834244

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Abstract

Freshwater mixed with seawater over a distance of 5 to 10 river miles in the Loxahatchee River estuary during a recent study. Large freshwater inflows vertically stratified the estuary and shifted the mixing zone seaward. In the northwest fork of the estuary, the saltwater-freshwater interface moved daily about 0.5 to 1.5 river miles as a result of tides, and annually about 3 to 5 miles as a result of seasonal changes in freshwater inflow. In the southwest fork, saltwater movement upstream was blocked by a gate and dam structure in Canal-18, 4.7 miles upstream from the Atlantic Ocean. Although Canal-18 discharged about one-third of the total freshwater tributary inflow to the estuary, the effects of canal discharge on salinity were limited to relatively brief periods. Much of the time, no freshwater was discharged. (USGS)

Suggested Citation

Russell, G., McPherson, B.F., 1984, Freshwater runoff and salinity distribution in the Loxahatchee River estuary, southeastern Florida, 1980-82: U.S. Geological Survey Water-Resources Investigations Report 83-4244, vi, 36 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/wri834244.

Study Area

Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Freshwater runoff and salinity distribution in the Loxahatchee River estuary, southeastern Florida, 1980-82
Series title Water-Resources Investigations Report
Series number 83-4244
DOI 10.3133/wri834244
Year Published 1984
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) Caribbean-Florida Water Science Center
Description vi, 36 p.
Country United States
State Florida
Additional publication details