The Columbia River as a source of marine light-scattering particles

Abstract

The Columbia River plume region was investigated from June 20 to July 3, 1968, by light-scattering measurements and standard hydrographic station observations. The Columbia River plume was traced for 200 km by the light-scattering particles in the plume water. The scatterers are estimated to be contained in the plume water for at least 30 days. The observed distribution of particles indicates a northward deep current under the plume near the river mouth, a subsurface offshore flow near the bottom of the plume along the northern Oregon coast, and a major surface flow to the south and southwest.