On the calculation of the flux of materials through wetlands and estuaries under oscillatory motions

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-2015

Abstract

Material transport through wetlands and estuaries under oscillatory motions caused by tides and cold fronts is often calculated by the use of average concentration values and average flow velocity or transport (e.g. volume flux). This method appears to be used often, regardless of whether the flow is oscillatory or not. The reality is that the method works correctly for unidirectional flows only. When the flow is oscillatory, the flow has positive and negative values while concentration is always non-negative. The net material transport calculated by using the average flow (or net transport of water) and average concentration can be misleading. In this chapter, we explain this simple mathematics with an example. We demonstrate the correct and incorrect methods by comparing the results and explain the difference using the simple theory. Although the mathematics appears to be trivial, the incorrect method is, however, still used by some. This chapter is aimed at some clarification and an ending of the use of an incorrect method.

Publication Source (Journal or Book title)

Methods in Biogeochemistry of Wetlands

First Page

937

Last Page

947

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