Effect of OTEC Thermal Effluent on the Kosrae Coastal Waters of the Micronesia

Abstract

Due to the effect of several factors such as tides, waves, winds, river discharges, thermal effluents etc., the mixing characteristics of OTEC thermal plume is much complicated. In this study we try to identify the mixing characteristics of Kosrae coastal waters to consider their physical properties using a field observation and a three-dimensional numerical modeling with EFDC (Environmental Fluid Dynamics Code). A EFDC and observed CTD data was used to predict the mixing behavior of Kosrae coastal waters. The elevation, current, temperature and salinity boundary conditions on the open boundary and thermal effluents at the specific boundary are considered in this study. And, multi-nested ocean circulation model was establish to understand and predict variability in the Kosrae coastal waters using FVCOM (Finite-Volume Coastal Ocean Model). These works illustrate the challenging nature of OTEC environmental studies. Kosrae coastal waters to consider their physical properties using a field observation and a three-dimensional numerical modeling with EFDC (Environmental Fluid Dynamics Code). A EFDC and observed CTD data was used to predict the mixing behavior of Kosrae coastal waters. The elevation, current, temperature and salinity boundary conditions on the open boundary and thermal effluents at the specific boundary are considered in this study. And, multi-nested ocean circulation model was establish to understand and predict variability in the Kosrae coastal waters using FVCOM (Finite-Volume Coastal Ocean Model). These works illustrate the challenging nature of OTEC environmental studies.