Modeling how a hurricane barrier in New Bedford Harbor, Massachusetts, affects the hydrodynamics and residence times

Two-dimensional hydrodynamic and transport models were used to simulate tidal and subtidal circulation, residence times, and the longitudinal distributions of conservative constituents in New Bedford Harbor, Massachusetts, before and after a hurricane barrier was constructed. The results indicated that the barrier altered circulation patterns in its immediate vicinity and enhanced mixing up to 1.5 km to its north and south. Although the barrier did not significantly affect the longitudinal distributions of conservative constituents, it increased their average residence times in the harbor by up to 30% and their local residence times by 5% to 180%.