Physical processes affecting water quality in Hamilton Harbour

Authors

  • Ram R. Yerubandi Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment Canada, Burlington, Ontario L7R 4A6, Canada
  • Leon Boegman Environmental Fluid Dynamics Laboratory, Deptartment of Civil Engineering, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario K7L 3N6, Canada
  • Hadiseh Bolkhari Environmental Fluid Dynamics Laboratory, Deptartment of Civil Engineering, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario K7L 3N6, Canada
  • Veronique Hiriart-Baer Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment Canada, Burlington, Ontario L7R 4A6, Canada

Keywords:

circulation, temperature, exchange flow

Abstract

This article presents an overview of selected physical processes and their effects on water quality in Hamilton Harbour. An understanding of circulation and mixing processes are essential to assess the fate and transport of water quality constituents in Hamilton Harbour. Water level measurements showed that in addition to harbour and lake seiches, the Helholtz mode, due to pumping action from Lake Ontario, is important in generating harbour water movements while the circulation patterns in the open waters of the harbour are influenced by prevailing winds. In general, the mean summer circulation consists of two counter-rotating gyres occupying the harbour. Hamilton Harbour physical processes are further characterized by substantial water exchanges with Lake Ontario. These exchange flows play a major role in determining the retention time of the harbour, thereby exerting a large influence on water quality, including hypolimnetic dissolved oxygen concentrations.

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Published

2016-04-02

Issue

Vol. 19 No. 2 (2016): State of Hamilton Harbour ecosystem, Part 1: Health, remediation & restoration

Section

Research article

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