Time-dependent stratification in the Gauthami-Godavari estuary

The time-dependent salinity stratification in an environment of highly variable turbulence of Gauthami-Godavari estuary is described. From time series observations at three stations over two tidal cycles each in the winter (December 1989) and the dry (April 1990) seasons in the Gauthami-Godavari estuary, the development of stratification is correlated with periods of substantially reduced velocity shear. Stratification is observed to be greatest around the low water slacks and least around the high water slacks. The formation of stratification relaxes viscous constraints and a buoyancy circulation rapidly develops. The breakdown of stratification drastically modifies the circulation and largely removes the vertical shear associated with the density driven flow. Destratification occurs around the high water slacks in the lower reaches fairly close to the mouth of the estuary. The variations in the fields of mass will strongly affect the response of the velocity field.