Harmonic Analysis of Currents within Humboldt Bay

Presentation Year

2025

College or Department

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Short Description of your Research or Creative Project (700 characters or less)

Multiyear time series of current data measured by 2 horizontal SonTek/YSI ADCPs placed mid-depth in the water column at 2 different locations in Humboldt Bay, CA, a shallow, tidally-driven estuary in northern California, were analyzed to determine the contributions of different harmonic frequencies within the bay. Spectral analysis of the time series revealed that the currents are dominated by several tidal harmonics. The 3 dominant frequencies include M2, K1, and O1, but their contribution varies spatially between the two station locations. Additional frequencies in the data indicate overtides, as well as potential interference with topography and the more variable wind-induced currents.

Permission to Publish Work

Yes

Primary Contact: First Name

Caitlin

Primary Contact: Last Name

Williams

Primary Contact: Email

cw321@humboldt.edu

Primary Contact: I am a

Undergraduate Student

Primary Contact: Phone Number

5705947597