Tidal mixing fronts are maintained by competition between vertical distribution of solar energy causing stratification and vertical turbulent mixing generated by tidal stresses at the seabed. Shallow and/or tidally energetic regions remain vertically mixed throughout the year. In deeper and/or less tidally energetic regions the tidal stirring is not able to counter the effects of surface heating in summer, ant the water column will stratify. Tidal mixing fronts mark the boundaries between these different regions. The located tidal mixing front is expected to be found between our deepest and shallowest sampled stations.

Tidal Mixing Fronts