TABS Model of the Lake Pontchartrain Estuary
Lake Pontchartrain Estuary, Louisiana
FTN modeled the Lake Pontchartrain and adjacent Gulf of Mexico estuary area using the TABS-MD modeling system (RMA-2 and RMA-4) for the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources. The purpose of hydrologic modeling study was to investigate methods to optimize salinities near Bayou LaLoutre for oyster production.Modeling included the investigation of several scenarios including:
- Three diversion scenarios from the Bonnet Carre Spillway,
- the placement of gates on the Mississippi River Gulf Outlet of the downstream end, and
- a diversion canal including channel design with gates near Violet Canal.
Each of the scenarios had to be checked to ensure velocities were not exceeded for safe navigation in the area. FTN accomplished the modeling of this system and these scenarios in the extremely short 24-day period required by the state, especially since simulation times themselves took 24 days. This required modification of the RMA-2 source code to eliminate screen updates and recompilation for optimization on FTN's workstations.Program output was displayed using the TABS-MD graphical routines including vector plots, concentration contours, and film loops of the plots and contours.
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