3D water quality modelling of Deep Bay

Deep Bay, a large shallow bay on the east bank of the Pearl Estuary, was designated by the Hong Kong - Guangdong Environmental Protection Liaison Group (HKGEPLG) in 1990 as the highest priority study area requiring protective conservation action. To protect the environment of Deep Bay and control the impact arising from the rapid developments on both sides of the bay, the HKGEPLG endorsed in December 1993 a recommendation from its Technical Subgroup (TSG) to carry out a study on Deep Bay's capacity to assimilate and disperse pollutants. This paper focuses on the set up and application of the computer modelling system Delft3D, which was used to improve understanding of the dispersive and assimilative capacity of the bay and to evaluate strategic management options to protect the water quality in the bay from further deterioration.