Story: Ocean currents and tides

Sediment plume

Sediment plume

The oceans are not well mixed. Bodies of water have different temperatures, salinity and clarity, and often do not mingle, but lie on top of one another. The plume of sediment in this photograph is flowing from the Waimakariri River into Pegasus Bay, north of Christchurch. The fresh water from the river mouth floats out on top of the denser sea water.

Using this item

NIWA – National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research
Photograph by Rob Bell

This item has been provided for private study purposes (such as school projects, family and local history research) and any published reproduction (print or electronic) may infringe copyright law. It is the responsibility of the user of any material to obtain clearance from the copyright holder.

All images & media in this story

How to cite this page:

Craig Stevens and Stephen Chiswell, 'Ocean currents and tides - Fiords, estuaries and river plumes', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/5938/sediment-plume (accessed 24 April 2024)

Story by Craig Stevens and Stephen Chiswell, published 12 Jun 2006