The Circulation and Salinity Distribution of the Upper Potomac Estuary

Abstract

Salinity and current data from the Upper Potomac estuary have been analyzed to determine the intensity of the internal circulation. One set of data, collected during the fall of 1973, suggested that a reverse flow existed as far upstream as Maryland Point. Data taken during other periods indicated that an estuarine circulation, with a reverse flow in the lower layer, was not well developed above Morgantown. However, the net seaward flow did decrease significantly with depth at all stations below Douglas Point causing vertical shear in the mean profiles and, although there was no direct observational evidence from the measurements, it is possible that a return flow existed close to the bottom at some of the stations.