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Abstract
Coastal and estuarine systems face increasing pressures from human activity, natural variability, and climate change, yet their dynamics remain incompletely understood. Estuarine Modeling Systems (EMS) integrate observations, three‑dimensional numerical models, and data products to improve understanding of circulation and transport processes. This work describes the development of a Rapid Deployment Forecasting System (RDFS) for the Coos Bay Estuary as a pathway toward a fully developed EMS, highlighting opportunities and challenges in this transition. Building on this framework, a Model‑based Estuarine Characterization and Classification System (MECCS) is introduced to compare estuarine behavior using dimensionless parameters related to stratification, circulation, and flushing.