C & D Canal Effect on Salinity of Delaware Estuary

Analysis of the effect of C & D Canal on the salinity intrusion in the Delaware Estuary is described. Two separate mathematical models are used: MIT-Dynamic Network Model and MIT-Transient Salinity Intrusion Model. Emphasis is put on the investigation of simulated responses in the Delaware, rather than the Canal. The primary objective of the study is the investigation of salinity distribution in the Delaware under different forcing functions. MIT-DNM application reveals the behavior of a coupled Canal/Delaware system under natural boundary conditions specified at the Chesapeake Bay, Capes May and Henlopen and at the head of tide at Trenton. MIT-TSIM application shows temporal and spatial salt distribution in the Delaware with salt and net flow condition specifications in the Canal. The results of these simulations indicate that salinity in the Delaware Estuary is appreciably affected by the dynamics of the Canal. However, the Canal has little discernible effect on the hydrodynamics of the Delaware.