Nontidal Exchange Processes at the Chesapeake Bay Entrance

by David M. Goodrich, NOAA, Portland, OR, USA,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Hydraulic Engineering

Abstract:

Magnitudes of gravitational and meteorologically-driven exchange at the entrance to the Chesapeake Bay are compared using current measurements, numerical model runs and subtidal volume flux calculations for the period of spring 1982. The lateral mean current structure across the Bay entrance as observed from six current moorings in May-June 1982 was similar to that observed in June-July 1980, suggesting that mean flow features are relatively stable. Mean surface outflow estimated from the 1982 moorings was 5060 m**3/s, as compared to dynamic model estimates of 3700-5200 m**3/s. The wind-driven exchange, which is oscillatory in nature, is indicated by the subtidal volume flux record. Volume flux had an RMS value of 18,800 m**3/s during April-June and reached peak values of over 50,000 m**3/s.

Subject Headings: Numerical models | Bays | Wind engineering | Coastal processes | Volume measurement | Mooring | Estuaries

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