The wind effect on river water quality was illustrated by means of thermohaline measurements carried out in the Tiber River in May 2012. The survey was carried out using a boat, in stations located in the two Tiber branches: Fiumara Grande and Traiano Canal. Thermohaline variables (salinity and temperature) were used to describe the water-type patterns and to define the saltwedge position. Although the river flow rate was rather high, saltwater intrusion happened. Wind data suggested that the more probable cause of salt-wedge intrusion was the wind action. Especially wind speeds higher than 4 m/s are able to dominate the sea current at surface layers, determining an increase in the sea level. Therefore, westerly winds determined a seawater inflow in the river mouths.
Manca, F., Capelli, G., LA VIGNA, F., Mazza, R., Pascarella, A. (2014). Wind-induced salt-wedge intrusion in the Tiber river mouth (Rome–Central Italy). ENVIRONMENTAL EARTH SCIENCES, 72(4), 1083-1095 [10.1007/s12665-013-3024-5].
Wind-induced salt-wedge intrusion in the Tiber river mouth (Rome–Central Italy)
MAZZA, Roberto;
2014-01-01
Abstract
The wind effect on river water quality was illustrated by means of thermohaline measurements carried out in the Tiber River in May 2012. The survey was carried out using a boat, in stations located in the two Tiber branches: Fiumara Grande and Traiano Canal. Thermohaline variables (salinity and temperature) were used to describe the water-type patterns and to define the saltwedge position. Although the river flow rate was rather high, saltwater intrusion happened. Wind data suggested that the more probable cause of salt-wedge intrusion was the wind action. Especially wind speeds higher than 4 m/s are able to dominate the sea current at surface layers, determining an increase in the sea level. Therefore, westerly winds determined a seawater inflow in the river mouths.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.