Modèle mathématique de la rivière Koksoak

• Published in: Canadian Journal of Civil Engineering
• Main Authors: Ouellet, Yvon, Ropars, Yann
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: French
• Published: Canadian Science Publishing 1980
• Subjects: General Environmental Science; Civil and Structural Engineering; Ungava Bay; Kuujjuaq; Koksoak River
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1139/l80-056; http://www.nrcresearchpress.com/doi/pdf/10.1139/l80-056

It is the objective of the present study to determine the general behaviour of an estuary under the reduction of its freshwater discharge. A unidimensional mathematical model, using the finite differences method, has been set up for this purpose. Although this model is very simple and not costly, the output results are quite good. The influence of a reduction of the freshwater discharge upon the tide propagation and the salinity distribution within the estuary is studied. The Koksoak River (now called the Kuujjuaq), which flows into Ungava Bay, has served as model for the present work.One of the goals of the study was to verify if simple geometries, having linear and exponential variations along the river, could be used in the mathematical study of the Koksoak River. Although the present field data are not complete and precise enough to obtain satisfying results of the case under study, i.e., the Koksoak River, general trends are clearly put forward with respect to the comparison between the simulated canals and the river itself. Further field measurements are expected to improve results, which would then predict more accurately the behaviour of this estuary.