Tracking a Pollutant in the Lower Fraser River: A Computer Simulation

Abstract

Abstract A one-dimensional numerical model of the tidal portion of the Fraser estuary has been adapted to simulate the path and residence time of contaminants released in any of the lower reaches of the river. A brief discussion of the model’s original development and purpose is followed by an assessment of its accuracy in predicting currents as compared to water surface elevations. Since the flow computations in this type of model are vertically and laterally integrated, they had to be corrected to represent transport in mid-channel. These correction factors were established by several time series and spot measurements along the river, taking into account the local topography. The results were verified by tracking surface floats during three representative discharges.