Tidal and wind-driven transport between Indian River and Mosquito Lagoon, Florida

Observations of current speed and direction are combined with wind measurements to describe flow through Haulover Canal, connecting Mosquito Lagoon with Indian River lagoon. During a 73-day study period in late smmer and autumn, 1989, the instantaneous flow varied from about +30 to -30cm sˉ¹ and reversed in response to both tidal and wind forcing. The mean flow at the study site was about 4 cm sˉ¹ into Indian River lagoon. Assuming logarithmic and parabolic current profiles in the vertical and across the canal, respectively, measurements are translated into a mean volume transport of about 20 m³ sˉ¹. The tide induced volume transport alone was 0.06 m³ sˉ¹. Tidal currents carried water the full length of the canal on each half tidal cycle, except under neap tide conditions. Wind forcing over time scales on the order of one week was the most effective inter-lagoon exchange mechanism. Spectral analysis suggests that under normal seasonal wind conditions the net transport is from Mosquito Lagoon to Indian River lagoon during spring and summer months and back into Mosquito Lagoon during fall and winter months.