RIASSUNTO
ABSTRACT
Tidal flow hydrodynamics near coastlines can be very complex due to the presence of complicated bottom topographies and irregular boundaries. The model described in this paper has been developed for the prediction of tidal flows on a global scale to inform further detailed modeling on a local scale using 3-D methods. This work presents the numerical simulation of tidal flow in Loch Linnhe on the west coast of Scotland. The numerical model adopted solves the two-dimensional shallow water equations using a finite volume Godunov-type scheme directly applied to the complex, but idealized, flow hydrodynamics involved in the different regimes treated. The results are in good agreement with field measurements, which indicates that the model is able to represent the complex tidal conditions in this area convincingly.
INTRODUCTION
Researchers and engineers are interested in tidal flow hydrodynamics for many reasons. In recent years, tidal flow hydrodynamics has been studied for the mitigation of any adverse impacts on those people living near coastal areas. In fact, much of the world's shorelines are subject to severe coastal flooding and serious coastal erosion in the event of storm surges and extreme high tides (e.g. Wolf 2009; Ozer et al. 2000; Ding and Wang 2005). In the context of ongoing climate change, this type of extreme event is becoming more frequent. Another area of application involves the concept of sustainable fisheries, which has also revived the interest in artificial reefs as an alternative solution to marine ecosystem recovery. In the present instance, the authors are concerned with investigating the flow about artificial reefs that have been installed on the sea bed of Loch Linnhe off the West coast of Scotland. The model described in the following sections concerns the large scale prediction of tidal flows in Loch Linnhe. Further detailed study of the flow about the reefs will be described in a subsequent paper.