Tidal flow dynamics in the Pechora River delta during summer low water

The results of a hydrological expedition of August 2020 to the Pechora River estuary make it possible to rethink the flow dynamics in the microtidal delta of the largest river in the Western sector of the Russian Arctic. Previously unknown features of cyclic changes in hydraulic parameters of the delta branches caused by tidal fluctuations in the sea level were discovered. The uneven change in water levels along the delta sea border, as the tidal wave moves westward along the shallow inlet of the Korovinskaya Guba Bay, caused the reverse currents and significant changes in the runoff distribution between the Pechora River main channel and principal delta branches. Under the total runoff of 1,9–2,0 thousand m³/s and the tide height of 1,0 m at the cape Bolvansky Nos the reverse currents occurred at the mouth of the Pechora River main channel with maximum flow of 4,76 thousand m³/s at low sea and 4,11 thousand m³/s towards the river at full tide. At the same time, no inflow of brackish water into the river was recorded. The main runoff redistribution in the delta occurs through reverse currents via the Mesino Straight near the Andeg village, where the Tundrovy Shar and Sredny Shar arms branch off the Malaya Pechora River to the left side. During the tidal cycle the flow distribution and current dynamics in this node are extremely complex being the key factor of watering for the western part of the Pechora River delta. Depending on the tidal phase the river flow through the Malaya Pechora branch from the delta apex to the Andeg village exceeds the main navigation way of the Bolshaya Pechora branch by 10– 18%. There was no transit flow in the right-bank Golubkovskiy Shar and Gorodetskiy Shar branches. The tidal level and discharge fluctuations were observed up to the Oksino gauge located 141 km upstream the mouth.

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