Average Volume Of Bay Over Tidal Cycle Given Residence Time Calculator

Formula Used:

\[ V = \frac{T_r \times \varepsilon \times P}{T} \]

Residence Time (T_r):

Year

Fraction of New Water entering the Bay (ε):

(0 to 1)

Tidal Prism Filling Bay (P):

Cubic Meter

Tidal Duration (T):

Year

Average Volume of Bay over Tidal Cycle (V):

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1. What is the Average Volume of Bay over Tidal Cycle?

The Average Volume of Bay over Tidal Cycle represents the typical water volume in a bay throughout a complete tidal cycle. It depends on residence time, fraction of new water entering the bay, tidal prism filling the bay, and tidal duration.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

\[ V = \frac{T_r \times \varepsilon \times P}{T} \]

Where:

\( V \) — Average Volume of Bay over Tidal Cycle (Cubic Meter per Hour)
\( T_r \) — Residence Time (Year)
\( \varepsilon \) — Fraction of New Water entering the Bay (0 to 1)
\( P \) — Tidal Prism Filling Bay (Cubic Meter)
\( T \) — Tidal Duration (Year)

Explanation: This formula calculates the average water volume by considering the residence time, proportion of new water, tidal prism volume, and tidal period duration.

3. Importance of Volume Calculation

Details: Accurate volume estimation is crucial for understanding tidal dynamics, water exchange rates, sediment transport, and ecological processes in coastal bay systems.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter residence time in years, fraction of new water (0-1), tidal prism in cubic meters, and tidal duration in years. All values must be valid positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is residence time in coastal hydrology?
A: Residence time is defined as the average time for a water particle to enter and then leave the basin, based on multiple particle tracking.

Q2: How is tidal prism measured?
A: Tidal prism is the volume of water between mean high tide and mean low tide levels, or the volume of water leaving an estuary at ebb tide.

Q3: Why is fraction of new water important?
A: This fraction indicates the continuous ratio of freshwater influx to total water volume, affecting water quality and salinity distribution.

Q4: What are typical tidal duration values?
A: Tidal duration varies by location but typically ranges from hours to days, converted to years for calculation purposes.

Q5: How accurate is this calculation method?
A: This method provides a good estimation for average conditions but may need adjustment for complex bay geometries or extreme tidal conditions.