Numerical analysis on the Brisbane River plume in Moreton Bay due to Queensland floods 2010–2011

Abstract

During the Queensland floods in the summer of 2010-2011, a flood-driven Brisbane River plume extended into Moreton Bay, Queensland, Australia, and then seaward, travelling in a northward direction. It covered approximately 500km2. This paper presents a three- dimensional hydrodynamic numerical model investigation into the behaviour of the Brisbane River plume. The model was verified by using satellite observations and field measurement data. The present study concludes that the high river discharge was the primary factor determining the plume size and its seaward extensions. A notable finding was that the plume was a bottom-trapped type rather than a buoyant type. Further, the southerly winds were found to have moderately confined the alongshore extension of the plume, and had caused the plume to mix thoroughly with the ocean water.