Hydrodynamic variability along the outlet channel of Kolleru lake, India

Abstract

Hydrodynamic parameters like Salinity intrusion, circulation and mixing properties, flushing characteristics, Total salt etc., along outlet channel of Kolleru Lake have been studied during May 2010-April 2011. The observations reveal that the channel had lost 94.2% of Total Salt during May-November 2010 and regained upto 94.0% by April 2011. Flushing time has been varied from 1.81 to 5.61 tidal cycles. The Diffusion Coefficient (Kx) varied randomly between 0.0032 x 105 and 5.6 x 105 m2/s during July-August 2010. The yearly mean Kx ranges between 0.0095 x 105 and 2.1 x 105 m2/s. The seasonal variation of depth mean salinity along the axis of the channel shows a wide range. During periods of very high discharge, salt wedge has been formed near the confluence and extended few kilometers upstream. For moderate discharge, the channel has become partially mixed with a high degree of stratification.