Low-Versus High-Resolution Finite Element Modeling Of Storm Surge In The Yellow River, Florida

In this study, select riverine parameters are adjusted in a shallow water equations model of the Yellow River (Florida Panhandle) for the purpose of examining the impact on simulated storm tide. The objective is to identify the physical attributes of the coastal riverine system that influence propagation of hurricane-driven storm tide. Low-and high-resolution unstructured finite element meshes are constructed for the Yellow River. Each model is set up to simulate shallow water flow forced by astronomic tides, river inflow and wind and pressure fields. Numerical experiments are conducted by modifying different combinations of forcings on several spatially varying mesh resolutions. Simulated storm tide is analyzed in terms of sensitivity of the model to adjustments in each of the channel parameters. Lastly, the model solutions are assessed in terms of mesh resolution (i.e. low- versus high-resolution). The findings are discussed in the context of meshing requirements for coastal riverine domains. © 2011 ASCE