Which mechanism causes a stable fjord estuarine circulation when freshwater runoff surges in spring?

💡 Explanation

When freshwater runoff surges, density stratification occurs because less dense freshwater overlays denser saltwater, inhibiting vertical mixing and maintaining stable estuarine circulation. Therefore, density stratification occurs, rather than baroclinic instability, thermohaline convection or Ekman transport which rely on alternative density or wind forcing conditions.

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