Model-Based Study of Near-Surface Transport in and around Cape Cod Bay, Its Seasonal Variability, and Response to Wind

Abstract

Output from a high-resolution numerical model is used to study near-surface transport in and around Cape Cod Bay using a Lagrangian approach. Key questions include the following: What are the dominant transport pathways? How do they vary in time on seasonal-to-interannual scales? What is the role of wind in driving this variability? Application to a possible release of wastewater into Cape Cod Bay from the recently closed Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station is discussed. Analysis reveals a seasonality in Cape Cod Bay transport patterns, with shorter residence times throughout the bay and an increased probability of outflow waters exiting the bay during spring and summer. Wind-induced Ekman currents are identified as a dominant driver of this variability.