A Three-Dimensional Model of the Northwest European Continental Shelf, with Application to the M 4 Tide

Abstract

Inst. Oceanogr. Sci., Bidston Obs., Birkenhead, Merseyside L43 7RA, UK J (Journal-Article) M (Marine) The solution of the fully nonlinear three-dimensional hydrodynamic equations in polar coordinates, for tides, is developed using a finite-difference grid in the horizontal and the Galerkin method in the vertical. Using this method a three-dimensional model of the northwest European continental shelf is used to investigate the spatial distribution of the M sub(4) tidal elevations and currents over the shelf. Computed M sub(4) currents are compared with observations and found to be in good agreement in the Celtic Sea, although there are significant errors in the North Sea. The reasons for these discrepancies and the spatial and depth variations in the M sub(4) currents are discussed in detail Ocean Technology, Policy and Non Living Resources (Q2) Atlantic-Northeast (ANE) 1801440 ---------------------------------------------------------...