Hydrodynamic model of the Lower Hudson River estuarine system and its application for water quality management

In this paper a hydrodynamic model and associated post-processing tools for the Lower Hudson River (LHR) are presented. The model computes the two-dimensional (2D), depth-averaged Eulerian time-dependent velocity field in response to various external signals. The paper documents the mathematical background of the model, describes modeling logistics and provides the comparison of model results with observed data. As an example of the potential application, the scenario of managing sewage releases from two New York City water pollution treatment plants was investigated using this numerical model. The study was undertaken as part of research on the chaotic nature of the LHR estuarine system and pollutant dispersion characteristics.