Tidal Currents and Glacial Discharge, Laguna San Rafael, Southern Chile

Authors

  • Denise J. Reed

Keywords:

Discharge asymmetry, tidewater glacier, tidal currents, Chile

Abstract

The interaction between meltwater from a tidewater glacier, San Rafael Glacier, and tidal currents in the Laguna San Rafael, southern Chile, were monitored during January 1986. Current measurements were taken adjacent to the lacier snout in the laguna and indicated localised influence of glacial meltwater on velocities. The laguna has one tidal input/output channel and detailed measurements of water level and velocities indicated a clear discharge asymmetry. Estimates of glacial discharge and iceberg melt account for this asymmetry and show that the glacier exerts a strong influence on tidal flows through the tidal channel connecting the laguna with the adjacent fjord.

Author Biography

Denise J. Reed

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Published

1988-01-30

Issue

Vol. 4 No. 1 (1988): Journal of Coastal Research

Section

Articles

License

Authorization for personal use is granted by the Coastal Education and Research Foundation [CERF]. By submitting a manuscript, the authors agree that the copyright for their article is transferred to the publisher if the article is accepted for publication. Assignment of copyright is not required, however, from authors who work for organizations which do not permit such assignment, The copyright covers the exclusive rights to reprduce and distribute the article, inclduing reprints, photographic reproductions, microform, or any other reproductions of a similar nature, and translations.