Effects of Construction of Liberty State Park on Hydraulic Characteristics of New York Harbor: Hydraulic Model Investigation

Source: https://erdc-library.erdc.dren.mil/jspui/ An existing comprehensive physical model that correctly reproduced tides, tidal currents, and density currents throughout the entire New York Harbor was used to determine the effects of constructing a proposed State park complex on the Jersey City waterfront, just west of Ellis and Liberty Islands. The study included tests in the model of seven different park configurations to define their effects on tidal heights, current velocities, surface current patterns, salinities, and flushing characteristics of a proposed Serpentine (a tidal-influenced canal west of the park area). Based on the results of the model tests, the following conclusions were reached: (A.) none of the plans tested would have any significant effects on tidal heights or tidal phasing in the study area; (B.) the plans tested would not significantly change the velocity regime of the area, except very locally and with magnitudes not thought to be hazardous to safe navigation or to increase the existing erosion potential of the area; (C.) the existing salinity regime of the area would not significantly change as a result of the plans tested; (D.) in plans 1, 4, and 7 which include the Serpentine, mass flow will occur through the Serpentine, and a small gyre rotating counterclockwise will develop at the approximate location of salinity and dye sta 2, indicating no through flow at this station, only rotational motion; and (E.) dye released at the westernmost end of Morris Canal Basin will move through the Serpentine and be flushed out the south end of the Serpentine, resulting in increased dye concentrations in the wildlife area and a lesser increase at the south entrance to the Serpentine._x000D_ _x000D_ NOTE: This file is large. Allow your browser several minutes to download the file.