PIE-FVCOM 3D Model

Work has begun on developing FVCOM for PIE. FVCOM is a 3D, primitive-equation, finite-volume hydrodynamic model developed by Changsheng Chen at UMass Dartmouth (see FVCOM).

This page contains some preliminary results.

Here is a simulation showing velocity field and flooding and drying of the marsh platform. The marsh topography data were obtained from a LIDAR flyover. Bathymetry data are based on GPS surveys of tidal creeks combined NGDC bathymetry surveys. Click image below to download AVI file. If you have problems playing movie, try installing these Microsoft codecs: wmpcdcs8.exe.

The following simulations explore the connection between Plum Island Sound and the Merrimac River that are connected via the Plum Island River.

This simulation shows particles released at various locations within PIE and the Merrimac River at maximum flood velocity. Note the particles leaving the Merrimac River can be entrained into the Sound, and particles in the Sound can be exported to the Merrimac via the Plum Island River.

The simulation below shows the salinity profile and tidal elevation along the Parker River and through the Sound.

The simulation below shows velocity and salinity in a cross section taken at the southern mouth of Plum Island Sound. The perspective is from the Gulf of Maine looking into the Sound.