Assessing the Impact of Channel Deepening in Delaware Bay Through Numerical Modeling

Kim, K. W.; Johnson, B. H.; Gebert, J.; ,

Assessing the Impact of Channel Deepening in Delaware Bay Through Numerical Modeling

by K. W. Kim, (M.ASCE), US Army Engineer Waterways, Experiment Station, Vicksburg, United States,
B. H. Johnson, (M.ASCE), US Army Engineer Waterways, Experiment Station, Vicksburg, United States,
J. Gebert, US Army Engineer Waterways, Experiment Station, Vicksburg, United States,

Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Estuarine and Coastal Modeling

Abstract:

A three-dimensional numerical hydrodynamic model of Delaware Bay is being developed to assess the impact of deepening the navigation channel from near the mouth of Delaware Bay to the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Camden, New Jersey, harbors. Since previous studies have shown that a substantial fraction of the subtidal volume exchange in the Delaware estuary is associated with the exchange through the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal (C&D Canal), the numerical model includes not only Delaware Bay but also the C&D Canal and upper Chesapeake Bay from Annapolis, Maryland, northward. An ongoing field data collection program will provide the necessary data for model verification. These data include water-surface elevation, velocity, salinity, and temperature at three depths at several long-term stations. In addition, two different two-week surveys will provide similar data at multiple locations across several ranges. A discussion of particular features of the numerical model, e.g., boundary-fitted coordinates in the horizontal plane, and preliminary model results are presented. These include results from sensitivity testing to assess the effect of channel deepening on conditions at the mouth of Delaware Bay as well as results illustrating the impact of channel deepening on salinity intrusion and circulation in the Delaware bay.

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