Computer Simulations of Wind-induced Estuarine Circulation Patterns and Estuary-shelf Exchange Processes: The Potential Role of Wind Forcing on Larval Transport

Wind and density (salinity) driven circulation patterns in the Croatan-Albemarle-Pamlico Estuarine System (CAPES), North Carolina and its interaction with shelf waters via inlets were investigated using the three-dimensional Princeton Ocean Model (POM). This study examines the sensitivity of three-dimensional flow within the CAPES and the exchange of water mass between the CAPES and continental shelf to eight different wind directions. The results indicate that stochastic wind forcing could interact with the topography of coastline and the geographic locations of inlet sources of larvae, to produce spatiotemporal variation in larval supply to potential estuarine nursery habitats. Larval transport between Pamlico, Croatan and Albemarle Sounds, and exchange between estuary and shelf can have horizontal and vertical variations. Thus, three dimensional models coupled with information on larval vertical migration behavior, are required to explain inshore migration and settlement patterns of estuarine-dependent finfish and crustaceans.