Circulation in Enewetak Atoll lagoon

Journal Article · Sat Oct 31 23:00:00 EST 1981 · Limnol. Oceanogr.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.4319/lo.1981.26.6.1074· OSTI ID:5840888

Atkinson, M; Smith, S V; Stroup, E D

Currents at Enewetak Atoll, Marshall Islands, were measured on the reef margins, in the channels, and in the lagoon. Lagoon circulation is dominated by wind-driven downwind surface flow and an upwind middepth return flow. This wind-driven flow has the characteristics of an Ekman spiral in an enclosed sea. Lagoon flushing is accomplished primarily by surf-driven water input over the windward (eastern) reefs and southerly drift out the South Channel. Mean water residence time is 1 month, while water entering the northern portion of the atoll takes about 4 months to exit.

• Research Organization: Univ. of Hawaii, Kaneohe
• OSTI ID: 5840888
• Journal Information: Limnol. Oceanogr.; (United States), Journal Name: Limnol. Oceanogr.; (United States) Vol. 26:6; ISSN LIOCA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

520500 -- Environment
Aquatic-- Site Resource & Use Studies-- (-1989)
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
58 GEOSCIENCES
580500* -- Oceanography-- (1980-1989)
CNIDARIA
CORALS
CURRENTS
ENIWETOK
HYDROLOGY
ISLANDS
LIMNOLOGY
MARSHALL ISLANDS
MICRONESIA
OCEANIA
OCEANOGRAPHY
SEAS
SURFACE WATERS
WATER CURRENTS
WATER WAVES
WIND