Physical characteristics of Claromeco estuary, Argentina

CARBONE, M.E.; PICCOLO, M.C.; PERILLO, G.M.E.

Mar del Plata

Congreso; 2001. IAPSO -IABO Meeting. The 2001 Ocean Odyssey; 2001

IAPSO -IABO

The Claromeco Estuary is located in the South East of Buenos Aires Province, Argentina associated to an important resort city. The main physical characteristics of the estuary are described. Measurements were made in a cross- section along a tidal cycle. Three station were established on the cross section in order to cover the most important morphological features and pattern circulation of the study area. At each station, vertical profiles of velocity, salinity, water temperature and suspended sediment were made. Meteorological parameters were obtained from station located at 2 km of Claromeco Estuary mouth. Sea level was registered at the tidal gauge, located 1 km of the study sector. There corded tides show a micro tidal behaviour with a mean range of 1.3m. The mean water temperature was 21.5º C with vertical temperatures gradients of 0.88ºC/m in the north station. The salinity oscillated between 4 and23. The vertical gradients reach 11/m in the centre station. During the ebb, a strong river influence was detected. The transport of sediment by the river is important.