Tidal Propagation Signals from Two Bay Systems

The Upper Chesapeake bay has a dynamic environment of physical characteristics due to receiving tidal fluctuations from the Delaware Bay through the C&D canal and the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay. Because of the difference of the geometry between the two bays, and the difference of travel distance from the mouth, the tidal propagation signals from the two bay systems are a function of most of the Upper bay area. In addition the high volume flow might cause some water level change. Although, the local effects also are important factors, this study will focus on non-local mechanisms. In order to understand the energy transport due to tidal forcing and combined river runoff, it is useful to develop a multiple transfer function model which can be used to indicate the dominated forcing and from which direction for a specified area. Three important frequency bands, semidiurnal, diurnal and 3-20 days, are used to perform this investigation from the hourly sea level readings. This model uses tidal signals from both bays and River flow as inputs and one Upper Bay location as output.