Numerical Modeling

Using Delft3D, I modeled hydrodynamics and salinity in the Soài Rạp estuary. This animation was created from the model results which show how water moves and how salty it becomes in the Soài Rạp estuary. Because the land here is very flat, tides are the main force that pushes water in and out, changing salinity levels both vertically and horizontally within just a single tidal cycle. These changes can be dramatic, so marine life in the estuary must be highly adaptable and able to tolerate wide swings in salinity.

Hydrodynamic modeling is a useful way to study how warm water from a power plant’s cooling system spreads through rivers or coastal areas. By simulating different scenarios, it helps predict where temperature increases might occur, assess the risks to fish and aquatic life, and identify measures to reduce impacts. This makes it an important tool for protecting ecosystems while ensuring projects meet environmental standards.

The model shows how tidal cycles interact with warm water released from the cooling system, creating complex patterns of temperature change. Results revealed noticeable downstream impacts: water temperatures rose by more than 2 °C up to 2 km away, and increases of over 1 °C could still be detected more than 3 km downstream. By capturing these dynamics, the model provides valuable insights into how heat disperses in the environment and supports the design of effective measures to protect aquatic ecosystems.

The maximum values from the model highlight the potential footprint of thermal influence under the given conditions, helping us understand how far the impact could extend and what it might mean for the surrounding environment and ecosystems.