Marine Science Faculty Publications
Alteration of Residual Circulation Due to Large-Scale Infrastructure in a Coastal Plain Estuary
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
3-2014
Keywords
Estuary, Residual circulation, Bathymetry, Fluid–structure interaction Infrastructure, Exchange flow
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12237-013-9691-3
Abstract
Large-scale human-built infrastructure is shown to alter the salinity and subtidal residual flow in a realistic numerical simulation of hydrodynamic circulation in a coastal plain estuary (Tampa Bay). Two model scenarios are considered. The first uses a modern bathymetry and boundary conditions from the years 2001–2003. The second is identical to the first except that the bathymetry is based on depth soundings from the pre-construction year 1879. Differences between the models' output can only result from changes in bay morphology, in particular built infrastructure such as bridges, causeways, and dredging of the shipping channel. Thirty-day means of model output are calculated to remove the dominant tidal signals and allow examination of the subtidal dynamics. Infrastructure is found to steepen the mean axial salinity gradient ∂s¯¯¯/dx by ~40% when there is low freshwater input but flatten ∂s¯¯¯/dx by ~25% under more typical conditions during moderate freshwater inflow to the estuary. Deepening of the shipping channel also increases the magnitude of the residual Eulerian circulation, allowing for larger up-estuary salt transport. Local bathymetry and morphology are important. Some regions within the estuary show little change in residual circulation due to infrastructure. In others, the residual circulation can vary by a factor of 4 or more. Major features of the circulation and changes due to infrastructure can be partially accounted for with linear theory.
Was this content written or created while at USF?
Yes
Citation / Publisher Attribution
Estuaries and Coasts, v. 37, issue 2, p. 493-507
Scholar Commons Citation
Meyers, Steven D.; Linville, Amanda J.; and Luther, Mark E., "Alteration of Residual Circulation Due to Large-Scale Infrastructure in a Coastal Plain Estuary" (2014). Marine Science Faculty Publications. 520.
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/msc_facpub/520
