Lisa S. Alter
Salinity in the Sound is less than that of the open ocean. The water with the highest salinity can be found at the Race. This is the area where Long Island Sound Lake met the ocean. This is the main area where saltwater flows into the Sound. The channel at the Race is 350 feet deep and very strong currents flow here. (Atkin, Bangser, Jacobson, Smith, Wade, Backer, 1991)
From personal experience, if the rest of the Sound is calm, the Race is still very choppy. Also, this area is great for bluefishing.
It is estimated that 470 cubic meters (120,000) gallons of fresh water enter the Sound every second. The Connecticut River accounts for 70% of this. (DEP, 1989)
Also, it is estimated that 19,000 cubic meters per second of saltwater enters the Sound at the Race. (DEP,1989)
Dissolved oxygen will be discussed in the pollution part of this unit.