New Haven Harbor Numerical Model Study

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New Haven Harbor Numerical Model Study

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Richards, David R.

This report presents the results from a numerical model study of the impacts of deepening and widening the approach channels and inner turning basin in New Haven Harbor, CT. Results from the study were intended to determine changes in circulation, which might affect valuable oyster resources, and to form the current fields needed to provide a detailed ship simulation study of the navigation improvement project. The US Army Corps of Engineers numerical modeling system, TABS-2, was used to predict the changes that might occur to circulation patterns in New Haven Harbor and portions of Long Island Sound. Currents were predicted in the navigation channel as well as in distant shallow regions where there is a significant shellfish fishery. Results from the numerical model study indicated that there were perceptible changes in the circulation patterns but that the magnitude of the changes was very small. In most cases, base-minus-plan differences in the currents were less than 0.1 fps. The largest differences occurred in the deepened channels, away from the shallow oyster bed areas. No tide differences were detected between base and plan.