VI-142 



an estuary would still be extremely valuable. Adequate methods of 

 quickly determining flushing are imperative before any other studies 

 can be meaningfully undertaken, because all estuarine characteristics 

 are regulated to some extent by flushing. 



This approach leads naturally to a classification of estuaries by 

 type describing flushing rates as a definition of salinity patterns, 

 mixing rates, and extent of salt water intrusion. The true value 

 of all this would be to develop predictive capability of estuary 

 flushing which, in turn, will yield understanding of what will hap- 

 pen to introduced wastes and of the assimilative capacity of the 

 receiving waters. Such predictions, if reliable, are important in 

 an estuarial water quality management program. Further investiga- 

 tion of the feasibility of this should be encouraged. 



Mixing and Transport Processes 



Mixing and transport processes are important aspects of estuarine 

 hydraulics. A considerable amount of research on diffusion and dis- 

 persion of wastes has been done and a body of knowledge appears in 

 the literature. Many feel that research in these areas has generally 

 fallen into two classes. It has either been too descriptive to per- 

 mit the transfer of specific knowledge to other estuarine areas or it 

 has consisted of a highly complex and idealized mathematical solution tjiat 



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