A two-dimensional particle tracking model for pollution dispersion in A Coruna and Vigo Rias (NW Spain)

A two-dimensional hydrodynamic model coupled to a particle tracking model is applied to study the dispersion processes and residence time in two Galician rias (A Coruna and Vigo, NW Spain) under summer conditions. In A Coruna a long residence time was found in the harbour area due to the existence of a dock, and a short one in the river area. On the contrary, in Vigo, the residence time is smaller in the harbour area, due to the Rande Strait, beyond which the river effect is negligible.