A three-dimensional model of the water circulation around an island in shallow water
Deleersnijder, E.; Norro, A.; Wolanski, E. (1992). A three-dimensional model of the water circulation around an island in shallow water. Cont. Shelf Res. 12(7-8): 891-906
In: Continental Shelf Research. Pergamon Press: Oxford; New York. ISSN 0278-4343; e-ISSN 1873-6955, more
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| Keywords |
Dimensions
Models
Motion > Water motion > Circulation > Water circulation
Motion > Water motion > Water currents > Tidal currents
Water > Shallow water
Australia [Marine Regions]
Marine/Coastal |
| Abstract |
A three-dimensional model is applied to the study of the tidal flow in the shallow waters around Rattray Island, Great Barrier Reef, Australia. The model uses the sigma -coordinate system and the numerical procedure is based on the finite volume approach. Two counter-rotating eddies develop in the wake of the island. The shearing and veering of the horizontal velocity is predicted to be small, hence the vertical motions are negligible almost everywhere, with the exception of some small regions. In the center of the eddies important upwelling is found, which is in qualitative agreement with theory and observations. The model exhibits strong downswelling along the upstream side of the island. Overall, the magnitude of the computed vertical motion may be too small and it is hypothesized that this may be due to a lack of resolution of the model. Further improvements to the model are outlined. |
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