Data Sheet 1_Hurricane track–dependent controls on bay-ocean exchange and estuarine flushing in multi-inlet coastal systems.pdf

Helene generated a transition from landward intrusion to oceanward flushing, whereas Milton produced the opposite sequence, demonstrating that transport pathways are strongly dependent on storm trajectory. Momentum analysis indicate that inlet-scale exchange was controlled primarily by barotropic pressure-gradient forcing setup by winds, which was balanced by residual resistance. Hurricanes related winds influenced transport indirectly through water-level setup and setdown that generated strong pressure gradients across the inlet systems.

Charlotte Harbor–Pine Island Sound exhibited substantially larger exchange fluxes, stronger wind-driven exchange flux, and shorter residence times than Tampa Bay, reflecting greater hydrodynamic connectivity to the coastal ocean. Estimated surface-parcel residence times ranged from 10–37 days in Tampa Bay and from 3–11.5 days in the Charlotte Harbor–Pine Island Sound system. These findings demonstrate that hurricane-track-dependent wind forcing regulates pressure-gradient-driven exchange, flushing efficiency, and hydrologic connectivity in multi-inlet estuaries.

The results provide a physical framework for predicting hurricane impacts on bay-ocean exchanges, estuarine flushing, and water-quality resilience in hurricane-prone coastal environments.</p>