Far-field prediction of the dispersion of thermal effluents in a shallow coastal sea region using the CORMIX system

Abstract

Thermal behaviors of buoyant surface discharges in a shallow coastal sea region have been analyzed using CORMIX with emphasis on far-field temperature rise. Calculations show that the temperature rise along the centerline of the plume decays exponentially, yielding very slow decay after initial mixing. It is indicated that, in addition to lack of information on temporal and spatial variations in ambient temperature rise over large distance may be a major hindrance to the assessment of the position of 1degree (in Celsius) temperature rise through field surveys.