[cmorjoe]

probably a dumb question but at 62 years of age I have always wondered when a river is flowing fast (like in the last couple of days) does the whole river move. I mean does the current flow just on the top or does it go all the way to the bottom? Like I said probably a dumb question but I figured you guys would know. thanks cmorjoe

[SeaDog1]

Hi cmorjoe!

"All rivers" will have flow from to top to bottom except near their mouths where tidal effect occurs and for a few miles up river.
There the tidal effect adds to the river causing the river to rise and fall.
Naturally when the tide is on the ebb -> higher current will occur

The Connecticut River has tidal effect all the way up to Windsor Locks.
Also the Federal (US) navigational channel extends from the mouth to Windsor.

SeaDog1

[cmorjoe]

always wondered about that. must be kind of tough on the fish if they can't find anything to break the current. cmorjoe

[SeaDog1]

Hi Joe!

Well for one there's no backflow.
The tidal effect pushes the water up but not back.
A tongue of saltwater (being heavier) will intrude under the freshwater.
Depending on the velocity of both colliding with each other you can get turbulent eddies.
Tidal effect will only reach as far inland till pressures reach a relative state of equlibrium.
This doesn't last very long because the tide changes direction.

There's always out going flow from a river to sea system.
When the tide ebbs, the out flow will increase.

SeaDog1