Tidal recirculation of a marina: a case study in Kuwait Bay

Astronomical tides and tidal currents are the principal hydrographic agents affecting the circulation of water masses into and out of the marinas located on the southern coast of Kuwait Bay. This study explores the tidal recirculation characteristics of the Shaab Yacht Club marina as a typical case, using a numerical model. Simulations carried out under conservative tidal conditions suggest that the tidal recirculation or flushing of the waters within the marina basin is generally quite efficient. The flushing efficiency tends to increase somewhat if the water depths are designed to increase linearly toward the marina entrances. Further, the sedimentation of suspended matter in the marina appears to be associated with the effluents discharged from the sewage-wastewater outlets located near the marina site. These results are indicative of similar conditions at several other marinas in the bay area.