Turbulent Stresses and Secondary Currents in a Tidal-Forced Channel with Significant Curvature and Asymmetric Bed Forms
Publication: Journal of Hydraulic Engineering
Volume 135, Issue 3
Abstract
Acoustic Doppler current profilers are deployed to measure both the mean flow and turbulent properties in a channel with significant curvature. Direct measurements of the Reynolds stress show a significant asymmetry over the tidal cycle where stresses are enhanced during the flood tide and less prominent over the ebb tide. This asymmetry is corroborated by logarithmic fits using averaged velocity data. A smaller yet similar tendency asymmetry in drag coefficient is inferred by fitting the velocity and estimated large-scale pressure gradient to a one-dimensional along-channel momentum balance. This smaller asymmetry is consistent with recent modeling work simulating regional flows in the vicinity of the study site. The asymmetry in drag suggests the importance of previously reported bed forms for this channel and demonstrates spatial and temporarily variations in bed stress. Secondary circulation patterns observed in a relatively straight section of channel appear driven by local curvature rather than being remotely forced by the regions of significant curvature only a few hundred meters from the measurement site.
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Acknowledgments
This work was generously funded by the Calfed Ecosystem Restoration Program (4600001955). Discussions with Jeff DeGeorge, Jim Hench, Michael MacWilliams, Richard Rachiele, and Matt Reidenbach were helpful in preparing this manuscript. The data collection relied heavily on the skills and talents of the USGS Sacramento Team: Jay Cuetara, Jim George, and Jon Yokomizo and EFML Field team. The first writer also acknowledges Aaron Blake’s assistance in obtaining the original CTD data at the 3MS boundaries as well as the assistance of Nancy Monsen and Lisa Lucas in generating the Delta map shown. The third writer would like to acknowledge the UPS Foundation for his visiting professorship during the development and preparation of the manuscript.
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Information
Published In
Journal of Hydraulic Engineering
Volume 135 • Issue 3 • March 2009
Pages: 198 - 208
Copyright
© 2009 ASCE.
History
Received: Jul 6, 2007
Accepted: Aug 13, 2008
Published online: Mar 1, 2009
Published in print: Mar 2009
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