Simplified Numerical Model of the Wind-driven Circulation with Emphasis on Distribution of the Tuman River Solid Run-off

Supposed construction of a large port in the mouth of Tuman River requires careful examination of possible unfavorable ecological consequences for the Far Eastern Federal Marine Reserve. Since the Tuman River is the largest source of suspended material and possible contaminants flowing into the sea, and in order to understand how this material is allocated in the coastal zone, analyses are needed to check possible pathways of water transport and circulation system in the region. Linearized shallow water equations were used for numerical simulation of the wind-driven circulation to the north off the Tuman River mouth. The model results satisfactorily agreed with in situ data. The model circulation patterns are largely dependent on the wind direction and are conformed by the distribution of bottom sediments, and by the location of organic carbon and some pollutants accumulation zones. The most unfavorable situation for the Marine Reserve is the case of the southwesterly wind; even with quite moderate wind, the waters polluted by the run-off from the Tuman River can attain the south section of the Marine Reserve during the diurnal period.