Modelling of Darwin Harbour

Client: Various
Year: 1993-Ongoing
WRL Technical Report: Various

The Water Research Laboratory has had a long association with the Northern Territory Government regarding the numerical modelling of Darwin Harbour. Since 1993, WRL has been conducting hydrodynamic, sediment transport and water quality modelling of Darwin Harbour using the RMA Modelling Suite. However, this is not the limit of the Laboratory’s involvement with Darwin Harbour, with their experience extending as far back as the early 1970’s with WRL being responsible for thermal studies for various power stations, and hydraulic model and breakwater studies for the Darwin Patrol boat base.

More recently WRL has been involved in the modelling of Darwin Harbour using numerical modelling. Studies which WRL has completed include simulation of tidal currents for the Darwin Harbour Port redevelopments, sedimentation of dredge plumes, modelling of water quality due to effluent release, modelling the hydrodynamics of the East Arm Port redevelopment, modelling tidal circulations in Darwin Harbour, and hydrodynamic and water quality modelling due to effluent release.

In addition to working closely with Northern Territory Government staff, including Mr David Williams, WRL has provided expert training to other Northern Territory Government staff on how to operate the RMA model of Darwin Harbour. WRL has also provided training on interpreting model results in order to support the decision making process based on numerical model studies.

WRL’s capabilities extend far beyond numerical modelling of Darwin Harbour. WRL has undertaken several tide monitoring studies of Darwin Harbour using their extensive oceanographic equipment, and have also performed a physical model study of the Darwin Liquefied Natural Gas causeway.

Most recently WRL modelled Darwin Harbour to access the impact of various pollutant loads on water quality objectives in the harbour with a specific focus on accounting for seasonal affects in both pollutant loads and tidal movements.