THE IMPACT OF ATMOSPHERIC CONDITIONS ON SURFACE CURRENTS IN THE FAL ESTUARY

The investigation of the impact of atmospheric conditions on surface currents in the Fal estuary was a project carried out as a cooperation between the University of Plymouth and the Falmouth Harbour Commissioners. It was designed as an oceanographic research with environmental implications responding to the need of better understanding of the dynamics of currents in and around Falmouth. Extensive bunkering operations and an oil terminal justify the need for professional oil spill simulations, which without the understanding of local motion dynamics are never accurate. The aim of the project was to collect independent surface currents information as well as meteorological data and compare in search for correlation. The majority of measurements were performed using two purpose-built monitoring buoys measuring a variety of oceanographic and atmospheric variables. Two locations were investigated for approximately a month each. The gathered information was processed and presented in a user-friendly manner. Data comparisons were undertaken qualitatively and discussed with reference to relevant publications and theories. Some relationships between local atmospheric conditions and water currents have been identified. Precipitation and wind have shown positive correlation at certain periods in time whereas the impact of atmospheric pressure has been found to be inconclusive. The variation of current velocity and direction throughout a water column did not support Ekman‟s theory. Significantly more data would be needed to be able to draw confident conclusions and to investigate the areas which do not support existing and approved theories.Faculty of Science; Falmouth Harbour Commissioner