Water circulation and shelf waves in the northern Great Barrier Reef lagoon

Abstract

Currents and sea levels were measured at a number of locations in the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) lagoon from about 10 to 13º S., during the period October-December 1979. A strong non-tidal, low-frequency modulation of all sea-level and current data was found. The currents nearshore were driven northward by the wind, and then at least partially blocked by the dense network of reefs to the north of 10º s. The water then flowed southward in deeper water adjacent to the reef, driven by a longshore pressure gradient. The low- frequency sea-level data, though not the current records, showed northward phase propagation at speeds characteristic of a first-mode shelf wave trapped in the lagoon between the shore and the reef. Data are presented revealing the intrusion of low-salinity water, through Bligh Entrance, in the GBR lagoon, as a result of river discharges in the Gulf of Papua. It is suggested that low-frequency longshore currents may periodically flush these river plumes from the GBR lagoon and enhance interaction between reefs. In the Coral Sea in front of reef passages, the large horizontal velocities may result in forces upwelling by selective withdrawal and jet entrainment.