Estuarine characteristics of lower Krishna river

Abstract

Present study consist the spatial and temporal variations of depth, temperature and s<translator wordrecognize="Ali" w:st="on">alinity, currents, flushing times and classification of the Krishna estuary. Temperature exhibited a distinct seasonal variation with higher values in premonsoon (30.0±0.09°C) and monsoon (29.2±0.08°C) seasons compared to that of winter (26.6±0.06°C). Salinity and current pattrns shows distinct seasonal and spatial variations noticed. Changes in hydrodyn<translator wordrecognize="Ami" w:st="on">amic conditions infers that the river mouth as a positive type of estuary. Flushing times varied with seasons and locations due to changes in river discharges and circulation pattern. Considering the two dimensional Hansen and Rattray's stratification and circulation diagram, the estuary has been classified as partially mixed with no stratification type during postmonsoon and stratified during monsoon and premonsoon seasons. </translator></translator>