Tidal variability of flow and water properties in pelorous sound, South Island, New Zealand

Abstract

Observations are presented from Pelorus Sound of temperature and salinity with depth over a tidal cycle at four stations and of current meter and current drogue measurements. Oscillation of the isohalines of larger amplitude than associated with a barotropic tide, differences in the phase of the flow at different depths, and larger tidal speeds than associated with a barotropic tide indicate the presence of an internal tidal response. Comparison of the phase in a simple two‐layered model of an internal tide with those observed indicate that an internal tidal wave is probably generated on the shallowing depth in Pelorus Sound near its confluence with its Kenepuru Arm.