Analysis of Hydrodynamic Patterns and Suspended Sediment Transport in the Virrilá Estuary-Peru

P. Yoch, F. Christian, G. Emanuel, G. Leo, A. C. Carlos, D. A. Jorge

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

As of today the Virrilá Estuary located in Piura, Peru, is polluted with high nitrate and chlorine concentrations. Because of that the mariculture activity of the towns and cities located in that estuary are significantly affected (which is the basis of their economy). Recent field measurements indicate that the nitrate concentrations are related to the suspended sediment concentrations whereas the chlorine distribution is directly associated with the flow recirculation patterns. In order to shed light on the transport dynamics of these contaminants a two-dimensional shallow water equations numerical model that can predict suspended sediment transport and flow recirculation was developed. Field data measurements were used as input to the numerical model and comprised the pollutants concentration, tides data, wind speed and direction, suspended sediment concentration, inflow discharges, and bathymetry. The results of the numerical model showed that the flow patterns of the estuary are mainly driven by the variation on water levels alone and that the interaction of suspended sediment concentrations occurs only in areas near the mouth of the Virrilá Estuary.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationWorld Environmental and Water Resources Congress 2018
Subtitle of host publicationGroundwater, Sustainability, and Hydro-Climate/Climate Change - Selected Papers from the World Environmental and Water Resources Congress 2018
EditorsSri Kamojjala
PublisherAmerican Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
Pages81-91
Number of pages11
ISBN (Electronic)9780784481417
DOIs
StatePublished - 2018
Event18th World Environmental and Water Resources Congress 2018: Groundwater, Sustainability, and Hydro-Climate/Climate Change - Minneapolis, United States
Duration: 3 Jun 20187 Jun 2018

Publication series

NameWorld Environmental and Water Resources Congress 2018: Groundwater, Sustainability, and Hydro-Climate/Climate Change - Selected Papers from the World Environmental and Water Resources Congress 2018

Conference

Conference18th World Environmental and Water Resources Congress 2018: Groundwater, Sustainability, and Hydro-Climate/Climate Change
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityMinneapolis
Period3/06/187/06/18

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