Numerical simulation of M2 tide in the Makassar Strait

Abstract

Because of the ITF system, Makassar Strait (MS) has an important role in the Indian Ocean and Indonesia seas. Tides, current, heat, and freshwater from the Pacific Ocean transferred to that ocean through the MS. By using a two-dimensional numerical model, this paper aims to observe the M2 patterns and their effect on the current circulation. For model validity, we compared the M2 tides with the assimilation data obtained from Geospatial Indonesian Agency (BIG tides). The model of amplitude and phases of Makassar Strait show good results. Amplitude is high in the southern bay of Kalimantan and the northeast of MS. The low amplitude can be seen at the south of MS. The phases are denser in the south of MS than in the center and north of MS. The M2 current circulation always moves to the south of MS during M2 periods (t=T/4, t=T/2, t=3T/4, and t=T). The currents are strong around Sulawesi Island. The results show that M2 has a great contribute to MS circulation and the ITF.