Modeling a hypersaline lagoon to evaluate salinity changes due to morphology of an ocean connection

ABSTRACT Araruama is a perennial hypersaline lagoon where seawater flows in through a narrow connection and spreads, where it is intensively evaporated. Although the inflow of seawater increases the salts load, a high inflow may reduce flushing time, decreasing salinity. Although reducing flushing time would improve water quality, the accompanying reduction in the salinity may change the ecological equilibrium. In the present research, a numeric hydrodynamic model was applied to Araruama Lagoon, to determine the maximum connection depth that promotes reduction of flushing time, however maintaining salinity. Five scenarios were executed in the hydrodynamic model SisBaHiA© with changing hydraulic area, including channel average depths of 2.5 m, 3.0 m, and 4.0 m. The salinity simulations outlined three segmented sectors, the first associated with the connection channel, but also affecting the proximal portion of the lagoon; the second is an intense evaporation area, with high salinity values, and the third, in the western portion of the lagoon where freshwater inputs can affect salinity. The tested channel bathymetry scenarios promoted a salinity increase with a channel depth of 3.0 meters. With a connection channel depth of 4.0 meters (highest hydraulic area), the threshold limit is attained, and salinities are reduced in the lagoon.