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Simulation of tidal flow and circulation patterns in the Loxahatchee River Estuary, southeastern Florida

Water-Resources Investigations Report 87-4201
Prepared in cooperation with the Florida Department of Environmental Regulation, South Florida Water Management District, Palm Beach County, Martin County, Jupiter Inlet District, Loxahatchee River Environmental Control District, Town of Jupiter, Village of Tequesta, Jupiter Inlet Colony, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
By:  and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/wri874201

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Abstract

Results of a two-dimensional, vertically averaged, computer simulation model of the Loxahatchee River estuary show that under typical low freshwater inflow and vertically well mixed conditions, water circulation is dominated by freshwater inflow rather than by tidal influence. The model can simulate tidal flow and circulation in the Loxahatchee River estuary under typical low freshwater inflow and vertically well mixed conditions, but is limited, however, to low-flow and well mixed conditions. Computed patterns of residual water transport show a consistent seaward flow from the northwest fork through the central embayment and out Jupiter Inlet to the Atlantic Ocean. A large residual seaward flow was computed from the North Intracoastal Waterway to the inlet channel. Although the tide produces large flood and ebb flows in the estuary, tide-induced residual transport rates are low in comparison with freshwater-induced residual transport. Model investigations of partly mixed or stratified conditions in the estuary need to await development of systems capable of simulating three-dimensional flow patterns. (Author 's abstract)

Suggested Citation

Russell, G.M., Goodwin, C., 1987, Simulation of tidal flow and circulation patterns in the Loxahatchee River Estuary, southeastern Florida: U.S. Geological Survey Water-Resources Investigations Report 87-4201, v, 32 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/wri874201.

Study Area

Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Simulation of tidal flow and circulation patterns in the Loxahatchee River Estuary, southeastern Florida
Series title Water-Resources Investigations Report
Series number 87-4201
DOI 10.3133/wri874201
Year Published 1987
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) Caribbean-Florida Water Science Center
Description v, 32 p.
Country United States
State Florida
Other Geospatial Loxahatchee River estuary
Additional publication details