Transport time scales as physical descriptors to characterize heavily modified water bodies near ports in coastal zones

•FT is a suitable physical descriptor to characterize HMWB.•An exponential function from numerical models is an appropriate method to estimate the FT.•A mean annual regime of wind should be considered to estimate the FT.•The FT should be calculated by taking into account a real tidal range.•The simulation should start during a spring tide with a flood tide.

Physical descriptors that characterize Heavily Modified Water Bodies (HMWB) based on the presence of ports should assess the degree of water exchange. The main goal of this study is to determine the optimal procedure for estimating Transport Time Scales (TTS) as physical descriptors in order to characterize and manage HMWB near ports in coastal zones. Flushing Time (FT) and Residence Time (RT), using different approaches—analytical and exponential function methods—and different hydrodynamic scenarios, were computed using numerical models. El Musel (Port of Gijon) was selected to test different transport time scales (FT and RT), methods (analytical and exponential function methods) and hydrodynamic conditions (wind and tidal forcings). FT, estimated by the exponential function method while taking into account a real tidal wave and a mean annual regime of wind as hydrodynamic forcing, was determined to be the optimal physical descriptor to characterize HMWB.

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