Statistical Approach to Estuarine Behavior

Data analysis techniques used in a study of Charleston Harbor, South Carolina, show how spectral analysis can be used to characterize hydraulic interactions within the estuary. The technique was used to establish the water quality and hydraulic patterns existing during the field study period and to predict future water quality and hydraulic structure under conditions of greatly reduced river inflow. Methods of calculating cross-spectra and associated statistics are presented, and the use of these techniques in carrying out the data analysis is shown. Results of the study show that every strong vertical stratification exists at high river discharges, and that the stratification breaks up as river discharge decreases.