A plume often results when a river discharges fresh water into the nearshore waters. This thesis combines both hydrographic data and idealized numerical simulations to examine how ambient currents and winds influence the transport and mixing of plume waters. The alongshore transport of freshwater is studied using a numerical model. In the absence of ambient currents, the downstream coastal curr...

Outbreaks of the coral-eating crown-of-thorns seastar (Acanthaster cf. solaris) threaten coral reefs of the Indo-Pacific. Movement patterns may play an important role in the spread of outbreak populations, but studies investigating adult movement behavior are scarce. It remains unknown if Acanthaster cf. solaris orientates in inter-reef areas using chemical, visual, or mechanical cues (e.g., wa...

We analyze tidal currents under ice in a shallow channel located near the tip of Van Mijen Fjord Spitsbergen. During flood cycle tide seawater flows and strongly freezes channel. ebb salinity outflowing water is greater than that inflowing water. Salt balance estimated. high-water tide, salt seeps through cracks to surface, which increases snow mixture.