Two-dimensional modeling of current circulation and contaminant transport in surface waters

This paper briefly describes and evaluates three different applications of two-dimensional, depth-averaged, finite element hydrodynamics and transport models. Model evaluations are based on the ease and success of performing simulations, calibration, meaningful predictions, and CPU time. The models are used to simulate dynamic flow circulation and transport in three different water bodies to address flushing behavior, water residence time, salinity distribution, and origins of different water masses. Model performance was found to be generally reasonable.