engleski

Influence of density stratification on the effluent plume dynamics

In this study we have modeled sea temperature (T), salinity (S) and density fields dynamics using 3D numerical model applied to the Rijeka Bay (Croatia) in order to explore their effect on effluent plume dynamics in the vicinity of the four sewerage submarine outfalls during the bora wind (NE direction) occurrence. Vertical density stratification in the studied area is strongly related to the bora wind which significantly contributes to the deepening of the pycnocline depth through enhanced mixing along the vertical, giving a rise to changes in neutral buoyancy level. Near-field plume dynamics features were calculated with the use of the separate near-field numerical model, using information of the vertical density distribution previously calculated within 3D numerical model. Results of the numerical simulations and statistical analysis of the wind data indicate very low probability of complete water column homogenization and consequent effluent plume rise up to the sea surface under the bora wind influence in the period of intense tourist season (May-September).

numerical model; submarine outfall; density stratification

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