The Rhone River Plume in Unsteady Conditions: Numerical and Experimental Results

Surface current maps obtained in the plume of the Rhome river by two VHF radars gave rise to comparisons with simulations produced by a primitive-equation model. Two situations were investigated: one in steady conditions, the other with a variable wind. The model gives a good estimation of current direction and velocity not only in the plume itself but also in the surrounding water. The model reveals the mechanisms involved in the plume dilution and more generally in the renewal of surface water near the coast when the wind changes direction. The sensitivity of the model results to the upper boundary condition for turbulent kinetic energy is also shown.