Water movements in five harbour-models were assessed using (i) a Sontek-ADV
to measure the velocity distributions and (ii) fluorometers to determine t
he local solute-concentrations under both tidal and steady flows. The width
of the harbour entrance and the water-depth's amplitude influence signific
antly the flushing process for the narrow-entrance harbours. To achieve a h
igh rate of flushing, as required in harbours in order to reduce the pollut
ion concentration therein and the need for dredging, it is recommended that
as wide as is feasible entry into the harbour is used: if a separate entry
and exit are to be introduced, they should be well separated. Less expendi
tures of commercially-purchased energy will then be required for achieving
these aims. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.