Modeling tidal circulation in coastal seas

The two-dimensional vertically averaged hydrodynamic equations solved by Leenderstee’s multi-operational finite difference scheme, have been used to study tidal circulation in Long Island Sound, Block Island Sound, Rhode Island Sound, and Buzzards Bay (located along the southern New England coastline). Using data on tidal elevation along the model open boundaries as input, a series of simulations have been performed to calibrate the model by varying bottom friction and topography. Comparison of predicted tidal range, high and low tidal phase lag, and tidal currents to observed values shows excellent agreement and clearly illustrates the standing wave character of the tide in Long Island Sound. Significant improvements in predicting tidal dynamics in the study region require additional information on the frequency composition and shape of the tidal wave entering the area and refinement of the grid system at the entrance to Long Island Sound. © ASCE