Observations of Pockmark Flow Structure in Belfast Bay, Maine

TitleObservations of Pockmark Flow Structure in Belfast Bay, Maine
Publication TypeThesis
Year2013
AuthorsFandel, C
Degree and ProgramMaster of Science
DegreeEarth Sciences/Ocean Mapping
Number of Pages103
Date Published05/2013
UniversityUniversity of New Hampshire
LocationDurham, NH
Keywordsbelfast bay, pockmark flow structure

Vertical current and CTD profiles were acquired over a small, spherical pockmark and a larger, more elongated pockmark in Belfast Bay, Maine in July 2011. These observations showed evidence for mixing within the pockmarks, a rotational pattern that resembles open cavity flow, and incipient motion along the rims. Over the center of each pockmark, observations of uniform temperature properties below 12 m are indicative of mixing within the pockmark. The observed complex rotational structure over each pockmark shows significant rotation with depth and a greater degree of rotation during ebbing tide. These observations are qualitatively consistent with circulation patterns predicted by cavity flow models. Critical Shields parameters for cohesive sediment were estimated at the rim and center of each pockmark and were only exceeded along the rim. During the infrequently observed upwelling events, and in the absence of flocculation, suspended sediment would be unable to settle through the water column.