Water Temperature Measurements - River Teign 2021-06-01

Sample Measurements

An up-and-back kayak trip, in two kayaks, was made on the Teign Esturay from Teignmouth to Newton Abbot and back. Breaks were taken at Newton Abbot Quay and at Combe Cellars. The return trip included a diversion along a blind creek in the marshes south of the racecourse.

The trip was undertaken between Spring and Neap tides (tidal coefficient 64) with a strong easterly breeze (F4).

Time Series

Temperature measurements were made from both kayaks.

The graph below shows a time series of temperature measurements (vertical axis) from one of the kayaks covering the whole period of the trip (horizontal axis). During the break at Newton Abbot Quay (B-C) this kayak was left in the water. During the Combe Cellars break (G-H) it was out of the water.

After setting off (with the incoming tide) the temperature in the lowest part of the estuary was mostly between 14 and 15°C, this fell to around 12.5°C in the narrow river at Newton Abbot (A-B). On returning the temperature rose during the excursion into the creek (E-F) and descending the estuary the temperature rose to 15 to 16°C.

    Click image below for full size graph

Mapping

By combining these temperature-time measurements with position-time information from a GPS the location of each temperature measurement can be determined. These values can then be plotted on an interactive map.

In the maps below measurements from both kayaks/sensors are presented as colour coded circles with whites and greens being cold, and reds and purples being warm. By clicking on a circle the actual measurements can be examined. One set of maps shows the measurements made travelling downstream, and the other set upstream.

• Up-stream trip - Teignmouth to Newton Abbot
  • Data overlaid on Interactive Map
  • Data overlaid on Interactive Satellite Image
• Down-stream trip - Newton Abbot to Teignmouth
  • Data overlaid on Interactive Map
  • Data overlaid on Interactive Satellite Image

Discussion

There are a number of 'spikes' in the measurements taken in the water. The larger of the spikes in the graph above were labelled (k-x). Given the time of each spike it is possible to locate the high temperature values on the interactive maps above. Below we show the satellite images in the region of each spike.

Spike k - 09:04:00 15.44°C

This broad spike is adjacent to the shallow water off Flow Point.

Spike l - 09:12:40 15.31°C

This spike occured over the shallow water alongside Combe Cellars.

Spike m - 09:25:00 14.88°C

This one was over shallow water adjacent to Netherton Point.

Spike n - 09:44:30 13.00°C

This small spike was adjacent to mudflats just beyond the A380 road bridge.

Spikes p and s - 10:52-10:54 15.88°C

This spikes were observed when paddling in a narrow creek in the reed beds. The temperature in the creek was more than 1°C warmer than the adjacent estuary and peaks of 2-3°C warmer were observed.

Spike r - 11:19:40 16.31°C

This spike was observed just downstream of the Buckland Sewage Works.

Spike u - 11:39:10 16.55°C

This spike was observed alongside the point just west of Combe Cellars.

Spike v - 12:37:50 16.62°C

This one was observed in the shallow bay by Combe Cellars.

Spike w - 13:00:40 16.69°C

This one was observed very close to the shore (whilst stopping for a drink).

Spike x - 13:09:00 17.75°C

This large spike, the largest observed (> 2.4°C), was alongside Gravel Point by the Devon Holiday Village.