1-7 



Wind-speed and direction instrumentation were in operation at 

 Tweed New Haven Airport through 1969, although data were not recorded 

 for full 24-hour periods. Continuous wind speed and direction readings 

 are also obtained by The United Illuminating Company at the English 

 Station, but the exposure of the instrument is poor for west to north- 

 west winds. Comparison of concurrent New Haven data from the meteorolo- 

 gical tower at New Haven Harbor Station and Bridgeport data indicated 

 good agreement, and therefore, 10 years of continuous wind speed and 

 direction data from Bridgeport were used to describe patterns of wind 

 speed and direction after the meteorological station closed at Tweed New 

 Haven Airport. Winter wind patterns showed strong flow from the north- 

 west, characteristic of a post-frontal situation. The summer pattern 

 showed the characteristic southwesterly flow that may be reinforced by 

 the sea breeze. 



Patterns of precipitation and temperature are presented in 

 detail in Section 3.0; in general south-central Connecticut annually 

 experiences about 45 inches of precipitation and has an annual mean 

 temperature of approximately 50 °F. 



Extremes of meteorological conditions in the harbor area, such 

 as extended drought or heavy precipitation, storm winds (hurricanes) or 

 extremes of temperature are reflected in the harbor waters as salinity, 

 wave, turbidity, and temperature effects. These effects were considered 

 as they directly alter the harbor's hydrography and secondarily as they 

 may have affected the biota. Specific occurrences are considered within 

 individual discussion sections. 



Harbor Usage 



New Haven Harbor is visibly modified by its roles in commerce. 

 The harbor waters serve as a reservoir for cooling water for several 

 industrial and power-generating facilities, and a disposal ground for 

 municipal and industrial wastes. Because the harbor serves as a major 

 port (USACE, 1973a), it is subject to chronic, low level and occasional 

 major oil spills, as well as impacts associated with maintenance dredging. 



