A Water-Quality Simulation Model for Well Mixed Estuaries and Coastal Seas

An assessment of the impact on water quality of a hurricane barrier across Rockaway Inlet, Jamaica Bay, New York. A numerical model simulated present conditions and conditions with the barrier plans. The main criteria used for assessing changes in water quality were the net circulation in the bay, distributions of coliform bacteria and distributions of chlorides and dissolved oxygen. From the simulations it was concluded that: (1) The barrier will cause slight and insignificant phase retardation of tidal propagation. (2) It will slightly decrease the counterclockwise net circulation of the eastern bay by approximately 3 percent. (3) It will have an insignificant influence on wind-induced circulation. (4) It will create no significant change in short-term dispersion and transport of pollutants discharged in the bay. (5) It will slightly reduce the counterclockwise net transport of chlorides and biochemical oxygen demand in the eastern bay. (6) It will induce only insignificant changes in chloride concentrations and distributions.