Ocean Forcing of San Francisco Bay: Intrusion of Upwelled Water

This project examines the degree to which the intrusion of deep, upwelled water into San Francisco Bay affects the bay’s nitrate, oxygen and pH levels and thus contributes to eutrophication, hypoxia and acidification. The research, which will combine new and existing field data, will address basic questions about when and why upwelled water is sometimes but not always delivered into the bay; the origins of this dense water; its reach into the bay and the processes (e.g. tidal flows) that enhance or minimize mixing of water masses. Findings will be shared with state and local agencies involved with reducing nutrient pollution into the bay and understanding and preparing for climate change.