A three-dimensional simulation of the Hudson-Raritan Estuary. Part I: description of the model and model simulations.

Part I of this three part series presents a time dependent, three dimensional finite difference simulation of the Hudson/Raritan Estuary (a drowned river, partially mixed estuary). The model responds to tidal forcing, surface winds and heat and evaporative mass fluxes. Outlines how elevations and three dimensional velocity and density fields are obtained. Describes grid arrangement and treatment of boundary conditions. Computed tidal cycles shown patches of waters of different salinities which suggest shear dispersion processes occur. Shows some examples of subtidal wind response of velocity and salinity and discusses the formation of density advection instabilities. (C.J.U.)