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The role of climate in estuarine variability

Journal Article · · American Scientist; (United States)
OSTI ID:6726392
This article examines the complex causes for variations in estuary systems, focusing on that of San Francisco Bay. A wide variety of climatic and human influences act on estuaries. For example diversion of water from the Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers for human needs greatly reduces freshwater inflows to San Francisco Bay is linked to fluctuations in salinity and health of the bay. However, fluctuations in climate would also cause freshwater inflow to the bay to vary dramatically from year to year. Estuarine salinities, atmospheric circulation coupled with geophysical processes of estuarine areas, oceanic circulation including ENSO events, and long term trends in salinity are discussed. 14 refs., 10 figs.
OSTI ID:
6726392
Journal Information:
American Scientist; (United States), Journal Name: American Scientist; (United States) Vol. 83:1; ISSN AMSCAC; ISSN 0003-0996
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English