Studies on the dynamics of Cochin Estuary

Abstract

newline The thesis entitled Studies on the Dynamics of Cochin Estuary. This thesis is addressed newlineto an investigation on the tidal, seasonal and spatial variations of the hydrographic parameters, newlinecirculation and mixing processes of the Cochin estuary. The present programme of study is newlineaimed at obtaining a comprehensive picture of the tidal characteristics, hydrography, circulation newlineand mixing present in this estuarine system during different seasons. The studies have been newlinecarried out through field collection of data on salinity, temperature and water currents to get a newlinepicture of their spatial and temporal variations. The hydrographic data have been analysed in newlinerelation to tide, rainfall and river discharges. From the findings it is seen that at the Cochin inlet, newlinethe estuarine features vary annually. During July and August, the estuary is characterised as newlinealmost saltwedge type; during June, September, October, December and January it shows newlineappreciabie stratification, and during the rest of the months the estuary shows almost well mixed newlinenature. Seasonal variations are well reflected in water temperature in the Cochin estuary, where newlinethe temperature reaches its maximum during the dry pre monsoon period with very weak thermal gradients indicating strong vertical mixing.