Simulation of Oscillations in Lake Pontchartrain Induced by Hurricane Katrina

A numerical study is conducted to simulate the oscillations in Lake Pontchartrain induced by Hurricane Katrina. The physical mechanisms of the wind-induced oscillation in Lake Pontchartrain are modeled by the depth-averaged, non-linear shallow-water equations. Finite-volume method (FVM) is used in the model with the model results verified by the extensive field data compiled by IPET. The present model is further applied to investigate the oscillations in Lake Pontchartrain induced by two synthetic hurricanes scenarios within the time-span of 00:00 UTC August 29 to 00:00 UTC August 30, 2005. Scenario 1: Hurricane Katrina tracks on its original route under the condition if the dikes in several drainage canals are not breached. Scenario 2: Hurricane Katrina tracks on its original route with reduced forward speeds. It is found that much more severe damages in metro New Orleans and neighboring parishes could be expected if Hurricane Katrina passes through the regions nearby the east shore of Lake Pontchartrain with reduced forward speeds.