Simulation of Hydrodynamics and Solute Transport in the Suwannee River Estuary, Florida

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Simulation of Hydrodynamics and Solute Transport
in the Suwannee River Estuary, Florida
Jerad Bales U.S. Geological Survey Raleigh, NC
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Study Objectives

• Characterize hydrologic and salinity conditions
  in Suwannee River Estuary
• Develop, calibrate, and document 3-dimensional
  unsteady flow and salt transport model.
• Provide tool for further applications in Suwannee
  River Estuary and offshore.

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Continuous Data Collection in Estuary
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Flows During Data-Collection Period
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Suwannee River Estuary Net Flows
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7/27/00 1040 1133
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7/27/00 1835 1954
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Suwannee River Estuary ModelA Salinity
Prediction Tool

• How can the effects of changes in river flow be
  separated from all of the other factors affecting
  salinity in the Suwannee?
• Data--no experiments
• --natural variability is great
• Statistical techniques--many factors
• Computer model--captures most relevant
• natural
  processes.

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Computational Grid and Boundaries
Tidal boundary Horseshoe Pt. Tides from Cedar
Key Estimated constant salinity
Upstream boundary AGR Measured flow, zero
salinity
Ocean boundary 20 km Tides from Cedar Key,
Salinity 35 psu Depth 8-9 meters
Tidal boundary Cedar Key Tides from Cedar
Key Estimated constant salinity
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Some Results
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Opportunities and Needs

• Opportunities with existing model
• Evaluate effects of flow changes on salinity
  distribution (time and space) in estuary and
  offshore.
• Simulate movement of neutrally buoyant material
  (perhaps larvae?)
• Needs
• Increased spatial resolution near shore,
  including tidal creeks, marshes, and offshore
  reefs.
• Ground water inputs.
• Better seaward salinity boundary condition
• Nutrient transport.

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For Additional Information Jerad
Bales U.S. Geological Survey jdbales_at_usgs.gov 919-
571-4048
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Data Collection

• Streamflow
• Wind
• Water Level

• Salinity
• Velocity
• Bathymetry

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Calculation of Net Freshwater Flow at East Pass
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Flow distribution on falling tide
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Flow distribution on rising tide
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EFDC--Rationale for Selection

• Scientifically robust.
• Public domain--available to SRWMD.
• Good documentation.
• Supported by EPA.
• Used successfully by SJRWMD and SFWMD.
• Water-quality simulation capabilities.