Re-Alignment of an Inlet Entrance Channel by Ebb-Tidal Eddies

Channels that are maintained through an inlet entrance often tend to realign at an angle from the inlet centerline. Through hydrodynamic numerical modeling combined with field monitoring, the authors have found that eddies created by the ebb-tidal jet are a contributing factor to channel realignment at Shinnecock Inlet, Long Island, New York. Eddy formation is a non-linear process associated with the advective terms in the hydrodynamic equations. Such eddies can grow and migrate over the ebb-tidal cycle, according to the phasing of the ocean tidal wave and the ebb flow. Interaction of. the eddies with, the ebb-tidal jet forces the jet to migrate and change shape. Because the strength of the ebb jet is sufficient to move sand during most of the ebb cycle, the jet will scour the bottom over the path that it traverses. This scouring action moves the entrance channel from its dredged position to the location of the ebb jet.

Language

  • English

Media Info

  • Media Type: Web
  • Pagination: pp 423-432
  • Monograph Title: Coastal Dynamics '01

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 01881264
  • Record Type: Publication
  • ISBN: 9780784405666
  • Files: TRIS, ASCE
  • Created Date: Apr 25 2023 4:33PM