The Salinity Effects of Deepening the Dredged Channels in the Chesapeake Bay.
Abstract
Recent tests on the Chesapeake Bay Model, the world's largest estuarine model, were used to assess the effects of increasing the approach channels to Baltimore from 13 meters to 15 meters. There are four sections of dredged channels comprising 55 kilometers of the 277 kilometer distance from the bay mouth to Baltimore. The increased depth of channel would extend the length of dredged channels to 79 kilometers. First, base tests using the existing 13-meter channels were conducted to determine the synoptic velocity, salinity, and tidal conditions at a number of locations throughout the bay but primarily in the dredged channels. To give meaningful results, a 2-1/2 year hydrographic period was simulated in the model to enhance the evaluation by adding the variable discharge as a parameter. Furthermore, a 12 constituent harmonic tide was used given a 28-lunar-day tidal sequence which simulating a lunar month was repeated throughout the test. The entire test was repeated but with the 15-meter channel installed. The primary result from the test is the comparison by location of the changes from base to plan of the salinity time histories which vividly show the effects of geometry, tidal and discharge changes. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1980
- Accession Number
- ADA095180
Entities
People
- David F. Bastian