Houston-Galveston Navigation Channels, Texas Project. Report 4, Three-dimensional numerical modeling of hydrodynamics and salinity.

Date

1995

Authors

Berger, R.C.
McAdory, R.T.
Schmidt, J.H.
Martin, W.D.
Hauck, L.H.

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

U.S. Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station

Abstract

The project was originally proposed for construction in two construction phases. In Phase I, the Houston Ship Cannel (HSC) will be enlarged to a depth of 45 ft and widened t a width of 530 ft., and the Galveston Channel to a depth of 45 ft and a width of 450 ft. In Phase II, both channels were to be deepened to 50 ft. and HSC widened to 600 ft. Current plans do not include the Phase II enlargement. Both channel depth conditions were analyzed before this decision was finalized and are thus included in this report. In the remainder of the report, the 45-ft-deep channel is designated as Phase I and the 50-ft-deep channel as Phase II. The study area is shown in Figure 1. There are several related objectives of this study: A. Develop an accurate, verified three-dimensional hydrodynamic and salinity model of Galveston Bay for the conditions existing in late 1990. B. Using this model, evaluate the effects of changes due to proposed channel deepening on circulation and salinity within the bay. C. Evaluate the effects of the channel deepening under several predicted future changes in freshwater inflow. D. Provide the output from these model runs as input to a comprehensive model for evaluating oyster population response to the changed conditions modeled.

Description

482 pgs. and 345 plates

Keywords

navigation channels, water currents, hydrodynamics, channels, hydraulic engineering, salinity, mathematical models

Citation