Author(s): Vivek Bheeroo; Mu-Jung Lee; Kuang-An Chang; Scott A. Socolofsky
Linked Author(s): Scott A. Socolofsky
Keywords: Jet; Ship wakes; UAS; Galveston Bay; Surface currents
Abstract: The frequent passage of ships, barges, and oil tankers along channels cut in otherwise shallow bays leads to the generation of free surface flow structures. These flows are a result of the combined interaction of the ship wake behind the stern of a moving ship and a submerged jet generated by the ship’s propellers that eventually impinges on the water surface. These flow structures persist at the ocean surface over a long time and have the propensity to modify the pattern of near-surface currents. This has implications for surface transport, including the transport of floating pollutants, such as spilled oil. Moreover, the water displaced from deep-cut channels may impact bay density stratification. Here, we observe the dynamics of the velocity field at the free surface behind the stern of ship traffic along the Houston ship channel in Galveston Bay, TX.
Year: 2025