Article (Scientific journals)
Hydrodynamics and sedimentary processes in the modern Rion strait (Greece): Interplay between tidal currents and internal tides
Rubi, Romain; Hubert, Aurelia; Fakiris, Elias et al.
2022In Marine Geology, 446, p. 106771
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Keywords :
Bathymetry; Corinth rift; Internal wave; Patras basin; Pool and Crest; SST; Tidal current; Depositional models; High resolution; Hydrodynamic process; Internal tides; Internal waves; Patra basin; Pool and crest; Seafloors; Tidal currents; Oceanography; Geology; Geochemistry and Petrology
Abstract :
[en] Straits are crossed by marine currents that are amplified due to constrictions. These nearshore high-velocity flows are problematic for offshore infrastructures (bridge pillars, cables, pipelines, etc), but constitute an interesting carbon-free energy source. Many modern straits are dominated by tidal currents which flow axially, with reversal directions and phase difference between the two interlinked basins. These tidal currents interplay with: sediment sources (including in situ carbonate production and deltas), tectonic activity, and inherited lowstand features, all shaping the seafloor into complex geomorphologies. Previous studies have highlighted a common tidal strait depositional model with a strait-center zone in erosion and on each side a dune-bedded strait zone with 3D and 2D tidal dunes and tidal ripples. Even if the internal waves associated with and generated by the straits are widely documented, the effects of the internal waves on the seafloor need to be further investigated. The aim of this study is to unravel the combined effects of the tidal currents and the internal tides on current pattern and on the morphosedimentary features. We present a strait example based on an interdisciplinary approach using high-resolution geophysical and oceanographical data to better constrain the hydrodynamics and the processes acting on the seafloor. We focus on the Rion Strait in Greece which controls the connection between the Corinth Gulf and the Mediterranean Sea. Based on high-resolution multibeam bathymetry (MBES) over an area of 211 km2, we identify and quantify different morphologies by extracting bathymetric swath profiles. These results are integrated with currents data (ADCP) and CTD profiles. In addition, we use high-resolution chirp sub-bottom profiles and sparker seismic reflection profiles to document the morphology and internal architectures of the sedimentary deposits and the erosional features in the strait bottom. To complete this dataset, we analyzed Sea Surface Temperatures (SST) from satellite sensors. The Rion Strait displays complex bathymetric features without tidal dunes. At the excepted depositional location of tidal dunes, we identify an erosive area with a pool and crest morphology. This new example completes the tidal strait depositional model by a re-localization of erosion, bypass and deposition in an asymmetric strait swept by baroclinic currents. This example illustrates the key role of internal tides in straits located between a confined deep basin and an open sea.
Disciplines :
Earth sciences & physical geography
Author, co-author :
Rubi, Romain ;  Université de Liège - ULiège > Département de géographie > Géomorphologie et Géologie du Quaternaire ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Sphères
Hubert, Aurelia  ;  Université de Liège - ULiège > Sphères ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Département de géographie > Géomorphologie et Géologie du Quaternaire
Fakiris, Elias;  Laboratory of Marine Geology and Physical Oceanography, Geology Department, University of Patras, Greece
Christodoulou, Dimitris;  Laboratory of Marine Geology and Physical Oceanography, Geology Department, University of Patras, Greece
Dimas, Xenophon;  Laboratory of Marine Geology and Physical Oceanography, Geology Department, University of Patras, Greece
Geraga, Maria;  Laboratory of Marine Geology and Physical Oceanography, Geology Department, University of Patras, Greece
Papatheodorou, George;  Laboratory of Marine Geology and Physical Oceanography, Geology Department, University of Patras, Greece
Caterina, Basile  ;  Université de Liège - ULiège > Sphères ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Département de géographie > Géomorphologie et Géologie du Quaternaire
Language :
English
Title :
Hydrodynamics and sedimentary processes in the modern Rion strait (Greece): Interplay between tidal currents and internal tides
Publication date :
April 2022
Journal title :
Marine Geology
ISSN :
0025-3227
eISSN :
1872-6151
Publisher :
Elsevier B.V.
Volume :
446
Pages :
106771
Peer reviewed :
Peer Reviewed verified by ORBi
Funders :
F.R.S.-FNRS - Fonds de la Recherche Scientifique
Funding text :
We are grateful to Jean Marie Beckers and Pascal Bernard. They provided useful advises to understand the current circulations. We also thank Sarah Robinet for advising commentaries and observations. We thank Sergio Longhitano for the very helpful reviews and comments that improved the paper. This work has been funded within the FNRS grant PDR T.0123.19.
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since 30 April 2022

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