Storm and tidal energy in long island sound

This chapter provides an overview of the storm and tidal energy in Long Island Sound (LIS) and addresses the problem of determining the temporal variation of the power supplied for LIS. The LIS is a large estuary that receives fresh water principally from the Connecticut River. The tide is the principal source of the power used in the estuarine processes of mixing and sediment transport in LIS. In the western half of LIS, the work is done by the water on the moon. Power not used in lunar work and in mixing fresh and salt water is dissipated by friction and results in a large damping of the tidal oscillation. During the stormy period, water velocities near the Sound floor are observed to be greater than the normal tidal velocities for only brief intervals of time. Maps of Long Island and Block Island Sounds showing the locations of tide gauges, anemometers, and current meters are illustrated in the chapter. The power required for the mixing of surface and bottom water in the western half of LIS, estimated by the method of McLellan is explained. Tidal power characteristics of western LIS averaged over the spring-neap period are also described.