Transverse dispersion in partially stratified tidal flow

The transverse mixing characteristics of a tidal open channel flow was investigated both for neutrally buoyant flow and a partially stratified flow. The effect of the geometry of the cross-section on lateral mixing was investigated by experiments made in uniform and nonuniform cross-sections. The first part deals with the influence of vertical density stratification on the rate of transverse dispersion without the presence of any transverse circulation. In the second part, the effect of nonuniformity of the cross-sectional area on transverse mixing is investigated; an effect of the nonuniformity is the creation of transverse density gradients and transverse circulation patterns.