The Seine-Aval scientific programme

2 - 2 - Currents, Waves and Tides

Water circulation in the Seine estuary is controlled by physical forcings (tide, wind, waves and fresh water input) and bottom morphology. Effects of these forcings are successively reviewed. Characterized by a long high water slack at the mouth, the tide is increasingly distorted as it propagates upstream, and associated currents are strongly asymmetric, with flood predominating. Wind is likely to alter tidal currents in shallow waters downstream of the estuary, as well as changing the water level. The more significant waves originate from winds over the Baie de Seine. The influence of the water level and tidal currents on waves is highlighted. Lastly, the mixing of fresh and marine waters is described, with respect to the river flow regime, and consequences on effluent dispersion are considered.