Hydrodynamics of a multiple tidal inlet system : Katama Bay, Martha’s Vineyard, MA
Hydrodynamics of a multiple tidal inlet system : Katama Bay, Martha’s Vineyard, MA
Date
2015-09
Authors
Orescanin, Mara M.
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Location
Katama Bay, Martha’s Vineyard, MA
DOI
10.1575/1912/7525
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Abstract
Observations, theoretical models, and a numerical model (ADCIRC) are used to investigate
the effects of tides, waves, bay bathymetry, and changing inlet geometry on the hydrodynamics
of the multiple-inlet Katama system, Martha’s Vineyard, MA. Momentum fluxes
from breaking waves drive water into the inlet, nearly stopping the 2 m/s ebb currents
during a hurricane. The evolving morphology of Katama Inlet has a dominant effect on
tidal distortion and bay circulation. As Katama inlet lengthened, narrowed, and shoaled
between 2011 and 2014, the relative effects of friction (observed and simulated) increased
greatly, resulting in reduced circulation energy, an increase in the M6 tidal constituent, and
changes in velocity asymmetries that are consistent with an evolution from flood to ebb
dominance. The effects of changing inlet parameters (e.g., inlet geometry, bay bathymetry,
friction, tidal forcing) are quantified via a lumped element model that accounts for the presence
of a shallow flood shoal that limits flow from the ocean into the bay. As the difference
in depth between inlet and flood shoal increases, the amplitude and phase of the incoming
tide are increasingly modified from predictions without a flood shoal, and flows into the bay
are further hindered.
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Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution September 2015
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Citation
Orescanin, M. M. (2015). Hydrodynamics of a multiple tidal inlet system : Katama Bay, Martha's Vineyard, MA [Doctoral thesis, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution]. Woods Hole Open Access Server. https://doi.org/10.1575/1912/7525