MODELING OF M2-TIDE IN THE WESTERN WATERS OF ACEH, INDONESIA

Abstract

The finite-difference 2D numerical model simulation was used to study the characteristics of currents, elevation, amplitude, and phase of M2-tide in the Western Waters of Aceh (WWA), Indonesia. The results show that the M2-tidal amplitude in WWA is between 14 cm and 17 cm. The lowest value is in the middle of the WWA, while the highest value is in the northwest (NW). In the southeast (SE), the amplitude is 15 cm. Phase values are in the range of 0 - 40 degrees. Contour lines indicate that M2-tidal waves move from SE to NW of WWA. Current ellipses show an anticlockwise rotation. The residual currents obtained from current ellipses move from SE to NW, and this is in line with the movement of the M2-tidal wave. Based on the M2-tidal amplitude, it was concluded that the M2-tidal wave had a weak impact on tidal currents at WWA. Semi-major amplitudes of current ellipses show relatively higher value in the western part of WWA compared to the eastern part of WWA. Also, residual currents are considerably strong in the shallows near the WWA coastline.