Tidal Pumping Effects in Coastal Loop Canals

by B. A. Christensen, Univ of Florida, Gainesville, United States,
R. M. Snyder, Univ of Florida, Gainesville, United States,
K. Echternacht, Univ of Florida, Gainesville, United States,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Coastal Engineering Considerations in Coastal Zone Management

Abstract:

During the last half century the world's coastal zones have been rapidly developed and urbanized, especially in the industrialized world. The coastline of the State of Florida is a typical example. Such practices have resulted in very poor water quality, not only in the constructed canal systems and marinas but also in the wetlands that receive water from such systems that too often were constructed with profit rather than proper flushing and environmental control in mind. Rational methods for evaluation of flushing of new and old canals and basins by astronomical tides and wind are now being developed and put to good use by coastal engineers and environmentalists. One such method is developed in the present paper. It is explaining, and to a certain degree quantifying, the sometimes observed tidal pumping effect in loop canals where both entrances are exposed to the same tidal elevation at all times during the tidal cycle. This effect, although of a secondary nature, will contribute to the reduction of the canals pollutant concentration due to a catastrophic spill or a continuous inflow of polluted stormwater.

Subject Headings: Tides | Canals | Water quality | Water pollution | Flushing | Pumps | Wind engineering | Florida | United States

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