In the case with the M2, S2, N2, K1 and O1 tidal forcings, the residual current in the main channel of the Satilla River estuary is characterized by multiple eddy-like convergent and divergent zones. The figure on this page shows two eddy circulations, one is anti-cyclonic gyre, another is cyclonic. The FVCOM-predicted multiple eddy-like residual circulation cells in the Satilla River Estury were demonstrated by the towed ADCP measurements. They are very similar to the ADCP depth-averaged subtidal current vectors (on March 11, 1999, not shown here).

Fig. 2: Distribution of the ADCP-derived residual currents in the Satilla River Estuary. Figure was provided by scientists at Skidaway Institute of Oceanography. Click here to view the full size figure