Modeling the Effect of Inlet Geomorphic Changes on the Circulation
Dynamics in a Semi-enclosed Coastal Estuary
Abstract
Eutrophication-induced hypoxia in a coastal estuarine system results in
the deterioration of water quality, which is a growing issue worldwide.
In early August 2016, an anoxic event caused the mortality of up to 75
percent of cultured oysters in aquaculture leases of northern Tracadie
Bay, New Brunswick (TNB). Field observations revealed that, although the
occurrence of summer hypoxia in north TNB is linked with anthropogenic
stressors, changes in the geomorphology of one of the bay’s inlet are
likely to play a significant role in escalating the eutrophic
conditions. However, adequate information on the circulation dynamics of
TNB estuarine system was lacking. To address this knowledge gap, a
high-resolution spatially-explicit hydrodynamic model was developed for
TNB to evaluate the possible physical processes involved in generation
of hypoxia leading to oyster mortality. The model showed high skill
(0.93) in south TNB in simulating water level elevations and slightly
lower skill (0.85) in north TNB. Findings from modeling scenarios based
on past, present and future inlet geomorphology suggest that it has
strong consequences on intricate circulation patterns, renewal of water
and transport. Further, the model is coupled with a volume
advection-dispersion tracer module to track the dissemination of
effluent and identify areas at risk of hypoxia. Residual flow estimates
revealed poorly-circulated stagnant areas, consistent with hot spots in
sediment organic matter content. Outcomes from this study will be of
relevance for the management of water quality and aquaculture practices.