Author(s): Ian Sehested Hansen; Jacob Steen M. Ller; Angelos N. Findikakis
Linked Author(s): Angelos N. Findikakis
Keywords: 3D modeling; Salt intrusions; Semi-enclosed seas; Estuarine circulation; Maracaibo; Stratification
Abstract: This paper presents a 3D hydrodynamic model established for the Maracaibo system, including Lake Maracaibo, Maracaibo Strait, Tablazo Bay and the Gulf of Venezuela. The model represents in detail the important features of the complicated system: the tide; wind set-up; the strongly stratified conditions in the Tablazo Bay, especially in the dredged narrow navigational channel connecting the Lake and the Gulf; and the weakly stratified Lake with a counter-clockwise circulation. The modeling periods using this system model made up a total of 16 months. Furthermore, a 10-year Lake simulation was performed to analyze the effect of interannual variations in the run-off to the Lake. A description of the processes governing the salt intrusions is given based on the simulations.
Year: 2001