The flush scenario

The flush begins with a wet, or anaerobic, phase. The height of the tide above the height of the marsh at its abutment to the dump determines the volume, V, of a flush, and the overall porosity or impedance of the top layer of marsh determines the duration of the wet phase, the wet time, T.

If the flush, or bolus of COC laden sea water, drains completely in less than the period of the tides (about 12 hours), then there follows a dry or aerobic phase, during which we assume that the COC reaction is inactive. Only the top 1-2 cm may drain. Then another flush occurs.

If the flush does not drain completely before the onset of the next flush, then we assume that the extant COC in the first flush is dumped into the bay.