A numerical study of the circulation in Saltfjorden, Saltstraumen and Skjerstadfjorden

A three dimensional σ-coordinate model has been implemented for simulating the circulation in Saltfjorden, Saltstraumen and Skjerstadfjorden. The model is run with atmospheric forcing, four components of the tide at open boundaries and river runoff. The general circulation in Saltfjorden and Skjerstadfjorden and the deepwater exchange through Saltstraumen are studied. A simplified two point model is used for investigating tidal phenomena seen in the three dimensional model. Variations in air temperature and wind are shown to be a possible explanation of observed fine scale structures in the temperature profile above the thermocline in Skjerstadfjorden.