Dynamics Of Stratification And Turbulent Mixing In A Mediterranean Coastal Bay
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Estuaries and coastal bays are directly connected to the open sea, making them particularly vulnerable to rising sea levels, erosion, saltwater intrusion, freshwater consumption, and variations in river discharge. These challenges are especially relevant for the highly stratified, microtidal bays of the Ebro Delta (NW Mediterranean). This contribution aims to quantify the turbulent dynamics governing mixing and momentum transport in Fangar Bay, key factors in understanding estuarine circulation. The bay’s hydrodynamics are primarily driven by local wind events and modulated by water column stratification, which is influenced by freshwater inputs and oscillatory motions. The research investigate the relative contributions of wind-induced entrainment from the surface layer and shear-driven turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) production at the pycnocline as key mechanisms of vertical mixing. Additionally, we examine whether strong stratification suppresses turbulence and limits TKE generation or how turbulence evolves during highly energetic episodes. By analyzing velocity and density profiles, this study provides insights into the role of stratification in modulating turbulence near the pycnocline, contributing to a better understanding of mixing processes in stratified coastal environments. These findings are valuable for improving monitoring strategies of estuarine-coastal aquifer interactions and understand the physical process that occurs in the groundwater-seawater exchange.