Dynamics of a Massive Freshwater Influx in the Clyde Estuary

The Clyde Estuary catchment area received an immense amount of rainfall over a short period (9–11 December 1994) with an estimated return period of over 500 years. The average flow into the Estuary is 156 m3 s−1, and the total peak flow gauged during this event was about 2000 m3 s−1. The influx of this water was monitored daily over the following week for a single transect across the Largs Channel. A cruise was made around the Estuary at the peak of the influx on 16 December. Profiles of salinity, temperature and photosynthetically active radiation were taken at 38 stations, covering over 34 km. The daily and cruise data are presented against background data collected since September 1994 for a single station in the Largs Channel.