Simulation of unsteady flow in the Milwaukee Harbor Estuary at Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Water-Resources Investigations Report 86-4050
Prepared in cooperation with the Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission
By:

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Abstract

This report describes the application and results of an unsteady-flow model for the Milwaukee Harbor Estuary. The model simulates unsteady and upstream flow occurring in the estuary as a result of Lake Michigan Seiche. The discharge computed by the model indicates that upstream flow occurs throughout the estuary during periods of lake seiche. Flow conditions are extremely unsteady and major flow reversals may occur within 1 hr. The simulated discharge indicates that both upstream and downstream flows four times greater than the average daily discharge can occur during the same day. An estimate of 5- or 15-minute average discharge was required during selected runoff events and at various locations in the estuary as part of the Milwaukee Harbor Estuary study. The model provides a method to estimate 5-minute average discharges at selected cross sections in the estuary. The U.S. Geological Survey 's Branch Network Model was used to simulate stage and discharge. A finite difference computation scheme is used to solve the one-dimensional flow equations. Model input requirements include channel geometry data, discharge at the upstream tributaries, and stage data at the estuary mouth. The model was used to simulate the flow during six selected time periods in 1982-84 using a 5- or 15-minute computation interval. (Author 's abstract)

Study Area

Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Simulation of unsteady flow in the Milwaukee Harbor Estuary at Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Series title Water-Resources Investigations Report
Series number 86-4050
DOI 10.3133/wri864050
Year Published 1987
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Contributing office(s) Wisconsin Water Science Center
Description Report: iv, 19 p.; 1 Plate: 19.00 x 25.00 inches
Country United States
State Wisconsin
County Milwaukee County
City Milwaukee
Other Geospatial Milwaukee Harbor
Online Only (Y/N) N
Additional Online Files (Y/N) Y
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
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