Lateral Circulation in a Partially Stratified Tidal Inlet

Using a three-dimensional, hydrostatic, primitive-equations ocean model, the study investigates the dynamics of lateral circulation in a partially stratified tidal inlet in Barataria Bay over a 25.6-hour tidal cycle. The pattern of lateral circulation exhibits the characteristics similar to that induced by differential advection, i.e., lateral flow is convergent (divergent) at the surface and divergent (convergent) at the bottom during flood (ebb) tides. The analysis of momentum balance further verifies that the differential advection is the dominant factor. The asymmetry in lateral circulation during flood tides is opposite to that induced by the Ekman forcing, indicating that Coriolis force is insignificant in this tidal inlet. This asymmetry is more likely due to the freshwater from the coastal ocean, which enhances the advection around the eastern shoal.