Preprints
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2023-55
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2023-55
30 Jan 2023
 | 30 Jan 2023
Status: this preprint is open for discussion.

Extension of the general unit hydrograph theory for the spread of salinity in estuaries

Huayang Cai, Bo Li, Junhao Gu, Tongtiegang Zhao, and Erwan Garel

Abstract. From both practical and theoretical perspectives, it is essential to be able to express observed salinity distributions in terms of simplified theoretical models, which enable qualitative assessment to be made in many problems concerning water resources utilization (such as intake of fresh water) in estuaries. In this study, we propose a general and analytical salt intrusion model inspired by Guo’s general unit hydrograph theory for predictions of flood hydrograph in a watershed. To derive a simple, general and analytical model of salinity distribution, we first make four hypotheses on the longitudinal salinity gradient based on empirical observations; we then derive a general unit hydrograph for the longitudinal salinity distribution in estuaries of the partial to well mixed type. The newly developed model can be well calibrated using a minimum of three salinity measurements along the estuary axis and does converge towards zero when distance approaches infinity asymptotically. The theory has been successfully applied to reproduce the salt intrusion in 21 estuaries worldwide, which suggests that the proposed method can be a useful tool for quickly assessing the spread of salinity under a wide range of riverine and tidal conditions and for quantifying the potential impacts due to human-induced and natural changes.

Huayang Cai et al.

Status: open (until 27 Mar 2023)

Comment types: AC – author | RC – referee | CC – community | EC – editor | CEC – chief editor | : Report abuse
  • RC1: 'Comment on egusphere-2023-55', Anonymous Referee #1, 30 Jan 2023 reply
    • AC1: 'Reply on RC1', Garel Erwan, 02 Feb 2023 reply
  • RC2: 'Comment on egusphere-2023-55', Daniel Thewes, 08 Mar 2023 reply

Huayang Cai et al.

Viewed

Total article views: 234 (including HTML, PDF, and XML)
HTML PDF XML Total Supplement BibTeX EndNote
182 41 11 234 22 1 1
  • HTML: 182
  • PDF: 41
  • XML: 11
  • Total: 234
  • Supplement: 22
  • BibTeX: 1
  • EndNote: 1
Views and downloads (calculated since 30 Jan 2023)
Cumulative views and downloads (calculated since 30 Jan 2023)

Viewed (geographical distribution)

Total article views: 231 (including HTML, PDF, and XML) Thereof 231 with geography defined and 0 with unknown origin.
Country # Views %
  • 1
1
 
 
 
 
Latest update: 23 Mar 2023
Download
Short summary
For many problems concerning water resources utilization in estuaries, it is essential to be able to express observed salinity distributions based on simple theoretical models. In this study, we propose an analytical salt intrusion model inspired from a theory for predictions of flood hydrograph in watersheds. The newly developed model can be well calibrated using a minimum of three salinity measurements along the estuary and has been successfully applied in 21 estuaries worldwide.