FVCOM-simulated hydrodynamic variables for Barataria Bay, Louisiana from 2016-12-07 to 2017-03-05

The Finite Volume Coastal Ocean Model (FVCOM) was utilized to simulate the estuarine hydrodynamics under different wind and outer-shelf conditions. The model solves the governing equations using the finite-volume method with sigma-stretched coordinate in the vertical direction. The system of governing equations consists of the momentum, continuity, temperature, salinity and density equations under the Boussinesq approximation and hydrostatic assumption. The computational domain consists of 72,324 cells and 35,052 nodes. The grid resolution varies from about 3,000 m on the continental shelf to 15 m in channels within the estuary. The FVCOM simulation period is from 2016-12-07 to 2017-03-05. Output file is in NETCDF (Network Common Data Form) format, which is a set of software libraries and self-describing, machine-independent data formats that support the creation, access, and sharing of array-oriented scientific data. Configuration and mesh files are also included in this dataset. The open boundary (southernmost part of the model domain) was a curve between the South West Pass of the Mississippi River and Port Fourchon. NOAA-observed water levels at both ends of the open boundary were used to force the open boundary. These data are publicly available at https://tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/ (SouthWest pass id#: 8760922; Port Fourchon id#: 8762075). Wind forcing: USGS 30-min wind observations from a meteorological station north of Barataria Bay (id#: 07380251), publicly available at USGS website: https://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis.