The Importance of Density Driven Circulation in Well Mixed Estuaries: The Tampa Bay Experience

by Boris Galperin, Univ of South Florida, St. Petersburg, United States,
Alan F. Blumberg, Univ of South Florida, St. Petersburg, United States,
Robert H. Weisberg, Univ of South Florida, St. Petersburg, United States,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Estuarine and Coastal Modeling

Abstract:

This paper addresses the importance of the effects of baroclinicity in subtidal dynamics of a well mixed estuary, Tampa Bay. The analysis is based upon numerical simulations using a three-dimensional, time-dependent ocean circulation model. A series of barotropic and baroclinic simulations was performed and resulting residual currents and salinity distributions were compared. The paper demonstrates that baroclinicity is a dominant factor for subtidal dynamics and should be considered as a primary driving force behind long term transport and dispersion processes in Tampa Bay.

Subject Headings: Bays | Water circulation | Estuaries | Three-dimensional models | Numerical models | Transport phenomena | Three-dimensional analysis | Tampa | Florida | United States

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