Physical and Chemical Oceanography, and Physical Resources (eBook)

Front Cover 1
The North-West European Shelf Seas: The Sea Bed and the Sea in Motion II. Physical and Chemical Oceanography, and Physical Resources 4
Copyright Page 5
Contents 8
Contributing Authors 6
Chapter 9. Tides on the North-West European Continental Shelf 14
Introduction 14
Observations 14
Tidal propagation 23
Shallow water and estuarine tides 40
Abnormal tides: storm surges 45
Miscellaneous tidal phenomena 54
References 58
Supplementary references (M.B.C.) 63
Chapter 10. Wave Climatology of the U.K. Continental Shelf 66
Wave terminology 66
Introduction 67
Geographical distribution 67
Obtaining wave data 68
Relative wave severity of different areas 79
Wave activity at the sea bed 81
Future needs 81
References 81
Additional references 81
Chapter 11. Sediment Transport by Waves and Tides: Problems exemplified by a Study of Swansea Bay, Bristol Channel 82
Introduction 82
Tidal currents 86
Standing oscillations and surges 87
Current transport of sediments 88
Wave transport of sediments 91
The combined action of waves and unidirectional currents 95
Sediment distribution and transport paths 96
Summary conclusions 99
References 100
Chapter 12. Physical and Dynamical Oceanography of the Irish Sea 104
Introduction 104
Temperature, salinity and density 104
Currents and circulation 118
Dynamics of circulation and mixing 123
Mixing processes 124
References 125
Chapter 13. Physical Oceanography of the Celtic Sea and English Channel 128
Introduction 128
The geographical area 128
Weather conditions 128
Tides 133
Development of the seasonal thermocline (vertical structure) 139
Mean distributions of sea surface properties (horizontal structure) 154
Residual water movement and circulation patterns 166
Acknowledgements 173
References 175
Chapter 14. North Sea: Physical Oceanography 180
Introduction 180
Water masses 180
Currents 195
Hydrographical regions 200
References 204
Chapter 15. Trace Metals in the Shelf Seas of the British Isles 208
Introduction 208
Occurrence and distribution of trace metals 208
Pathways of input of trace metals in coastal waters 222
Bioaccumulation of trace metals 225
References 227
Chapter 16. Artificial Radioisotopes in the Marginal Seas of North-Western Europe 230
Introduction 230
Naturally occurring radioisotopes 232
Fallout from nuclear weapons 232
Nuclear power installations 232
Nuclear powered ships 240
Other sources of radioactive contamination 240
Behaviour of radioisotopes in sea water and sediments 241
Behaviour of radioisotopes in organisms 246
Radioecology of the north-east Atlantic 246
Acknowledgements 253
References (cited and additional) 253
Chapter 17. Introduction to the Economic and Social (Non-Biological) Resources of the Continental Shelf Seas of North- West Europe 256
Generalities 256
The classification of resources 257
References 258
Chapter 18. Sea-Bed Resources. Potential and Actual (excluding Hydrocarbons) 260
Introduction 260
Placer deposits 260
Carbonate accumulations 266
Quartz sands and gravels 267
Offshore exploitation: dredging 269
Beaches 271
Navigable channels 273
Spoil disposal 274
References 277
Chapter 19. Extraction of Inorganic Materials from Sea Water in North-West Europe 282
Introduction 282
Magnesium compounds and magnesium metal 282
Bromine 284
Water 285
Other materials 285
Acknowledgements 285
References 285
Chapter 20. Tidal Power 286
Introduction 286
Resonance effects and amplification of tidal range 286
Operating principles 288
Single pool schemes 288
Description of La Rance Scheme 289
Double basin schemes 291
Russian experience 291
Modern developments 291
Possible British schemes 292
References 293
Chapter 21. Socio-Economic Development and Management of Coastal Zones 296
Introduction 296
Industrial and commercial development 297
Land reclamation and barrages 298
Ports and shipping 303
Tourism, recreation and amenity use 305
Constraints and conflicts 308
References 309
Appendix 310
Institutes 310
Author lndex 312
Locality Index (other than major sea areas and submarine features) 322
Subject Index 328