Hydrodynamics and Morphodynamics of Tidal Channels

Abstract

The long-term goals of this project are to measure, model, and understand the dynamics of currents, waves, and sediment transport over tidal flats, with particular emphasis on the interactions between water flows and bathymetry. The specific objectives of this study are as follows: (1) to measure water flows and bathymetric evolution within and around the tidal channels of Skagit Bay, and (2) to explain the observed interactions between hydrodynamics and bathymetry. We have used dense arrays of instruments, especially Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers (ADCPs), to measure flow fields within and near tidal channels. Multi-month deployments of fixed instruments measured the persistent flows responsible for bathymetric evolution. Repeated GPS surveys also measured bathymetric evolution. Brief, intensive deployments of mobile current meters, CTDs, and drifters resolved hydrodynamic flow fields in greater detail.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 2009
Accession Number
ADA527202

Entities

People

  • Stephen M. Henderson

Organizations

  • Washington State University Vancouver

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Materials and Manufacturing Processes

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Bathymetry
  • Channel Flow
  • Control Theory
  • Deployment
  • Flow
  • Flow Fields
  • Fungi
  • Hydrodynamics
  • Measurement
  • Personal Information Managers
  • Remote Detectors
  • Remote Sensing
  • Sedimentation
  • Sediments
  • Transport Ships
  • Underwater Acoustics
  • Water Flow

Fields of Study

  • Environmental science

Readers

  • Coastal Oceanography

Technology Areas

  • Space