The Columbia River: a salt water wedge estuary

The Columbia River: a salt water wedge estuary

Today we continue our series about the Columbia River. Today’s topic: the fact that our lower river is called a “salt water wedge estuary.” We’ll talk about what that means, and why marine pilots consider it one of the river’s many quirks that they need to take into account with regard to ships.

More about the Columbia: Its massive riverflow packs a big punch

More about the Columbia: Its massive riverflow packs a big punch

This week we’re talking about the Columbia River, and focusing on a different aspect of the river each day. Today we’ll talk about all that water that flows by our doorsteps every day. We’ll do a few comparisons that may help you understand how massive and formidable the river truly is, and why it should be treated with great respect at all times..

Who’s on the river today? And, our change in the weather could include snow

Who’s on the river today? And, our change in the weather could include snow

We’ll take a look at ships traveling on the river today, talk about cargo and why some ships anchor at both ends instead of just at the bow. We’ll also talk a little about what might be in store, in terms of snow on the coast, over the next few days.

The USNS Guadalupe on the river

The USNS Guadalupe on the river

Today we have a USNS ship heading downriver, a not uncommon sight here on the Columbia. That offers a great opportunity to talk about the MIlitary Sealift Command, what they do, how they differ from regular Navy ships and a bit about today’s vessel in paticular, the USNS Guadalupe.

Photo courtesy US Navy: PHILIPPINE SEA (Feb. 4, 2022) Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Spruance (DDG 111) conducts replenishment-at-sea with fleet replenishment oiler USNS Guadalupe (T-AO 200). Abraham Lincoln Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability through alliances and partnerships while serving as a ready-response force in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Taylor Crenshaw)