Analysis of patuxent estuarine currents in the vicinity of the Chalk Point Steam Electric Station. Final report

The tidal and nontidal flows in the Patuxent River, between Trueman Point and Benedict Bridge, are described, using time series analysis methods on continuously recording current meter data. The measurements were made in July and August 1978; the entire study area falls within the mesohaline region of the estuary. The results of the analyses indicate that currents in the study area are driven predominantly by semi-diurnal tidal forcing and by wind patterns. Freshwater input into the estuary accounts for the maintenance of vertical density gradients and shears, but it plays a relatively minor role in the estuarine transport processes.