Tidal modelling in the Gulf of Khambhat based on a numerical and analytical approach

Abstract

<span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:" times="" new="" roman";="" mso-fareast-font-family:"times="" roman";mso-bidi-font-family:mangal;="" letter-spacing:-.1pt;mso-ansi-language:en-in;mso-fareast-language:en-in;="" mso-bidi-language:hi"="">In this study, a two-dimensional numerical model of the Gulf of Khambat has been implemented based on the Delft3D code to study the tidal propagation in the basin. The model has been calibrated and validated versus tidal measurements. Moreover, an analytical model for tidal propagation in converging estuary has been implemented based on the analytical work of Van Rijn (2011a). The two models show a good agreement, also with respect to observations. Moreover, the use of an analytical model with very low computational time, in support to a more sophisticated but computational time consuming numerical model, allows for an easy understanding of the different geometrical parameters (e.g. convergence length, water depth) and physical processes (e.g. damping due to bottom friction, tidal shoaling due to funnelling shape, tidal reflection) affecting the system and for an interpretation of the results of the more complex Delft3D numerical model. The effects of external changes on the physical system (e.g. impact of sea level rise) can also be easily accessed by means of a simple analytical model.</span>