A time dependent, two-layer frontal model of buoyant plume dynamics

Abstract

The dynamics of buoyant plumes, such as those observed at the mouths of the Mississippi and Connecticut Rivers is investigated by considering the one dimensional, time dependent behavior of a two-layer, frontal model. The equations governing the flow in the main body of the plume are the long wave equations. The flow at the frontal boundary is modeled using jump conditions which incorporate the important dissipative processes. These equations are solved numerically using a shock patching technique that is accurate to second order in the long wave region and to first order at the front. The solutions demonstrate the controlling influence of the inlet on the flow field and the importance of time-dependent processes for the dynamics of buoyant plumes.