Establishment of operational guidelines Texas for coastal zone management. Interim report on estuarine modeling.

Date

1973

Authors

Murfee, G.W.
Masch, F.D., Jr.
Fruh, E.G.

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

University of Texas at Austin

Abstract

The estuarine modeling effort for this study has concentrated on the application of tidal hydrodynamic and water quality transport models to Corpus Christi Bay, Texas. The initial simulation work utilized existing hydrodynamic and salinity transport models of a system which included not only Corpus Christi but also Aransas and Copano Bays. For the purposes of this study, this larger model was modified to include only the bay waters of the primary study area. This modification required establishment of the boundary conditions at the point the original model was cut off. Sensitivity tests also were performed using the hydrodynamic and salinity transport models. In the hydrodynamic model, the response of tidal amplitudes and flows were determined for changes in roughness, wind stress coefficients, and evaporation rate. The sensitivity of the salinity transport model was determined for dispersion coefficients and evaporation rates. Verifications of both the hydrodynamic and salinity transport models has continued using data collected during 1972-73 in Corpus Christi Bay. This information together with other necessary hydrologic, meteorologic and water quality data have been compiled into data packages. Water quality transport models which simulate the spatial distribution of Biochemical Oxygen Demand; Dissolved Oxygen; Total Phosphorus; Organic, Ammonia, Nitrite, and Nitrate Nitrogen are also under development. Preliminary models are now operational and have been run for two data packages. However, work is continuing on further refinements and calibrations of these models.

Description

55 p.

Keywords

coastal zone management, modeling, models, estuaries, water quality, hydrodynamics

Citation