Determination of flushing characteristics of the Irish Sea: A spatial approach

► Flushing of the Irish Sea is of highly complex nature. ► Flushing homogeneity curve (FHC) and flushing deviation index (FDI) have been devised. ► FHC and FDI are useful complements of classical flushing and residence time analysis. ► Spatial approach to analysing flushing reveals regions of distinct properties. ► Flushing of the Irish Sea is both spatially and seasonally highly variable.