The stationary circulation and salinity stratification in the southern region of Cananéia-Iguape Estuarine-lagoon System and Bertioga Channel are described. The models of Fisher el al. (1972), Prandle (1985) and Miranda (1998) were selected for the simulation of vertical profiles of the longitudinal component of velocity and salinity. The experimental data set used for the calibration of these models were sampled in 41 anchored stations, for one or two semidiurnal tidal cycles. For well mixed and partially mixed conditions, theoretical results and experimental data were in close agreement. The longitudinal density gradient and the river flow were the most important forcing for the stationary circulation and salt stratification. The wind stress had a secondary importance. According to the Stratification-circulation diagram of Hansen & Rattray (1966), the southern region of Cananéia estuarine system presented well-mixed conditions (Type la) and partially mixed conditions (Type 2b), before and after the destruction of the Valo Grande dam, respectively. The Bertioga Channel presented partially mixed conditions (Type 2b) next to the Itapanhaú River and well mixed conditions (Type lb) in other along-channel positions. The theoretical turbulent viscosity coefficients were similar to those calculated by Mesquita el al. (1992).
Partially mixed; Velocity; Salinity; Stratification-circulation parameters; Eddy viscosity and diffusion; Bertioga; Cananéia
