%0 journal article
%@ 0278-4343
%A Floeser, G., Burchard, H., Riethmueller, R.

%D 2011
%J Continental Shelf Research
%N 16
%P 1633-1639 
%R doi:10.1016/j.csr.2011.03.014
%T Observational evidence for estuarine circulation in the German Wadden Sea
%U https://doi.org/10.1016/j.csr.2011.03.014
16 
%X Observational evidence is presented that corroborates the hypothesis of the general presence of estuarine circulation in the Wadden Sea as put forward in a previous study (Burchard et al., 2008). Current velocity data from moored ADCPs (in the Hörnum Deep south of Sylt Island, 2002-2009) and ship cruises (in several locations in the German Wadden Sea, 2000-2008) were analyzed. As a general result, the vertical current profiles above the benthic boundary layer are usually more homogeneous during flood than during ebb, with a pronounced dependence on the cross-shore horizontal density difference. This tidal asymmetry consequently must lead to a residual outflow of Wadden Sea waters in the upper part and a residual inflow of water in the lower part of the water column, thus giving a generic explanation for the obvious net import of suspended sediments from the German Bight into the Wadden Sea.