Circulation in Enewetak Atoll lagoon

Journal Article · Sun Nov 01 00:00:00 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
• DOE Contract Number: EY-77-S-08-1529
• OSTI ID: 5840888
• Journal Information: Limnol. Oceanogr.; (United States), Vol. 26:6
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

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