10 



MARINE FISHERIES OF NORTH CAROLINA 



influences were not determined simultaneously prevent a comprehensive 

 analysis of circulation. Winslow's (1889) observations * are the most complete 

 in terms of area represented and, as with those offered by the other authors, 

 they do at least corroborate the effects expected from the considerations 

 offered below. 



The net effect of the currents and much of the over-all circulation might 

 be revealed by adequate simultaneous current records taken in the inlets, 

 especially if a full account of modifying factors accompanied these. Table 2, 

 referring to Oregon Inlet, presents one of the few such tidal prisms that have 

 been made. Being of such short duration and without simultaneous records 

 at other inlets, it merely offers a few clues as to circulation. It shows that 

 wind currents may direct volumes of water away from such an inlet to the 

 extent that the expected net discharge to the ocean is reversed. It also gives 

 some idea of the general magnitude of circulation through such an inlet. This 

 flow must be considered relatively small, however, when compared with that 

 of Ocracoke Inlet which, from indirect evidence, seems to greatly exceed the 

 others in circulation (see the section below on Salinity and Nutrient Salts). 



TABLE 2 

 Volume of the Tidal Prism in Oregon Inlet * 



* As reported by Corps of Engineers, U. S. Army, in House Document No. 155, 74th Congress, 

 ist Session, 1935. 



Numerous authors have mentioned the wind currents of the sounds. All 

 agree that the wind effect is a direct one, with minor complexities including 

 lag, and that wind is in general the greatest current-producing force in the 

 sounds. Extensive records showing the wind current to be expected with any 



4. Winslow's paper merely gives descriptive, summarizing comments on the currents observed 

 in different areas. On page 122 he describes three charts of Pamlico Sound (not published with 

 his report) on which are entered the specific gravity of the water, the direction of the wind, 

 and the simultaneous direction of the current. Photostatic copes of these charts (the originals 

 have disintegrated) are in the Division of Tides and Currents, U. S. Coast and Geodetic Survey, 

 Washington, D. C. 



