Numerical Modeling Studies Supporting Port of Anchorage Deepening and Expansion: Part III; Numerical Hydrodynamic Modeling

The US Army Engineer Alaska District is currently assessing hydrodynamic and port sedimentation issues associated with proposed expansion and deepening of Port of Anchorage. Port of Anchorage is located in lower Knik Arm of Cook inlet, Alaska. A series of numerical hydrodynamic simulations were performed to assess the impact of the proposed expansion configuration on circulation within the port. Critical to the understanding of the hydrodynamic transport processes within and around the port, is the formation, strength and evolutions of eddies formed during all phases of the tide. Initial comparisons of model predictions with field measures suggested the need to improve upon an existing grid and the lateral eddy viscosity formulations. Subsequent to these improvements, good agreement between the formation of the eddies and field measurements was achieved.