A numerical model to simulate the tidal dispersion of radionuclides in the English Channel

A numerical model to simulate the tide-induced dispersion of conservative radionuclides in the English Channel has been developed. The model solves the shallow-water hydrodynamic equations and, simultaneously, the advection diffusion dispersion equation. The hydrodynamic model has been tested by comparing measured and computed currents for medium, neap and spring tides over the Channel and the dispersion part of the model has been tested by comparing measured and computed concentrations of 125Sb, 99Tc and 137Cs in the Channel. These radionuclides are released from a nuclear fuel reprocessing plant. Model results are in good agreement with observations. The effect of wind on the dispersion patterns has also been studied.