Comparison of two- and three-dimensional model simulation of the effect of a tidal barrier on the Gulf of Maine tides

Abstract

Two-dimensional and three-dimensional tide models were used to simulate the M2 tide in the Gulf of Maine. Model estimates of changes to the tide caused by a tidal barrier in the upper Bay of Fundy were made and compared. Tidal amplitudes in the presence of a barrier increased 30-50 cm for both models. The three-dimensional model uniformly produced postbarrier elevations of 3.5 cm less than the two-dimensional model. Root-mean-square errors of M2 tidal amplitude and phase at 45 locations in the Gulf of Maine were 7.9 cm and 6° for the two-dimensional model and 5.7 cm and 7° for the three-dimensional model. -from Authors