Horizontal density-gradient effects on simulation of flow and transport in the Potomac Estuary
By: Raymond W. Schaffranek and Robert A. Baltzer
Edited by: Chang Howard H.Hill Joseph C.
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Abstract
A two-dimensional, depth-integrated, hydrodynamic/transport model of the Potomac Estuary between Indian Head and Morgantown, Md., has been extended to include treatment of baroclinic forcing due to horizontal density gradients. The finite-difference model numerically integrates equations of mass and momentum conservation in conjunction with a transport equation for heat, salt, and constituent fluxes. Lateral and longitudinal density gradients are determined from salinity distributions computed from the convection-diffusion equation and an equation of state that expresses density as a function of temperature and salinity; thus, the hydrodynamic and transport computations are directly coupled. Horizontal density variations are shown to contribute significantly to momentum fluxes determined in the hydrodynamic computation. These fluxes lead to enchanced tidal pumping, and consequently greater dispersion, as is evidenced by numerical simulations. Density gradient effects on tidal propagation and transport behavior are discussed and demonstrated.
Suggested Citation
Schaffranek, R.W., Baltzer, R.A., 1990, Horizontal density-gradient effects on simulation of flow and transport in the Potomac Estuary, in Hydraulic Engineering - Proceedings of the 1990 National Conference, San Diego, CA, USA, 30 July 1990 through 31 July 1990, p. 1251-1256.
| Publication type | Conference Paper |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Conference Paper |
| Title | Horizontal density-gradient effects on simulation of flow and transport in the Potomac Estuary |
| ISBN | 0872627748 |
| Year Published | 1990 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | Publ by ASCE |
| Publisher location | Boston, MA, United States |
| Larger Work Title | Hydraulic Engineering - Proceedings of the 1990 National Conference |
| First page | 1251 |
| Last page | 1256 |
| Conference Title | Hydraulic Engineering - Proceedings of the 1990 National Conference |
| Conference Location | San Diego, CA, USA |
| Conference Date | 30 July 1990 through 31 July 1990 |