A one-dimensional mathematical model of tidal hydraulics and salt intrusion in estuarine rivers

A one-dimensional mathematical model has been developed as a practical way to analyze the tidal wave propagation and its interaction with freshwater runoff. The model approaches the problem both theoretically and numerically. To develop this model, the one-dimensional hydrodynamic and salt-balance e...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Lin, Fwu-Ding
Format: Others
Language:English
Published: W&M ScholarWorks 1975
Subjects:
Online Access:https://scholarworks.wm.edu/etd/1627407596
https://scholarworks.wm.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=7174&context=etd
Description
Summary:A one-dimensional mathematical model has been developed as a practical way to analyze the tidal wave propagation and its interaction with freshwater runoff. The model approaches the problem both theoretically and numerically. To develop this model, the one-dimensional hydrodynamic and salt-balance equations are derived by integrating the three-dimensional equations over the cross section. These differential equations are approximated with implicit finite difference forms and the tidal heights, currents and salinity distributions are solved by using digital computer CDC 6400. The model has been applied to the James River in two different cases: the normal case and hurricane case. Because of the lack of atmospheric pressure data, the longitudinal pressure gradient has not been considered· in these applications. In normal conditions, the model gives a good approximation of the currents and salinity distribution in the James River both qualitatively and quantitatively. During the hurricane, the neglection of the barometric effect causes the deviation between model and observed results. However, this quantitative difference diminishes after the passage of the hurricane. This dissertation is from the Joint Program Degree from the College of William & Mary and University of Virginia and awarded by the University of Virginia.