Theory 82/Coastal & Estuary/Estuarine turbidity
Turbidity Peaks on a Gradient
The claim
The estuarine turbidity maximum forms where the ratio of salinity gradient to tidal mixing exceeds a threshold, so a well-mixed estuary has no maximum.
01Mechanism
Particles concentrate where the gravitational circulation traps them; the ratio determines whether that circulation exists.
02Prediction
Maximum presence should track the ratio.
03Refutation
Presence tracking sediment supply would remove circulation.