Tidal flows (silly question?)

[gravygraham]

In estuary's, creeks, rivermouths and the like is the tidal flow the same rate (at any given time) across the whole width and depth of the channel, notwithstanding any significant depth changes along it's length? I can't explain why but I'd expect it to be a tad slower in the shallower margins and faster in the voluminous deeper channels.

Graham

 

[sarabande]

you are right intuitively!

http://geographyfieldwork.com/River Discharge Methodology.htm

Table 1 explains it - well , sort of !

The flow rates are not uniform, and are especially affected by deviation from a straight flow to a bend. There are also many changes to that table when a river is e.g in spate and the water is turbulent above the mean level.

 

[Skysail]

You are right - the stream is faster where it is deeper, and slower at the shallow edges whre there is maximum drag.

A good example is the Solent - tidal streams are much slower on the shallow north shore. And on the Thames all the racing dinghies will be hugging the bank when going upstream in light winds, risking their rudders - or lifting them.

Its the same in a wind tunnel, at the edges the wind speed tends to zero.

 

[Searush]

Also, on winding & narrower estuaries, the channel will often folllow the outside of a bend (like in a river.)