Non-linear aspects of the tidal dynamics in the Sylt-Rømø Bight, south-eastern North Sea

This study is dedicated to the tidal dynamics in the Sylt-Rømø Bight with a focus on the non-linear processes. The FESOM-C model was used as the numerical tool, which works with triangular, rectangular or mixed grids and is equipped with a wetting/drying option. As the model's success at resolv...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Ocean science 2019-12, Vol.15 (6), p.1761-1782
Main Authors: Fofonova, Vera, Androsov, Alexey, Sander, Lasse, Kuznetsov, Ivan, Amorim, Felipe, Hass, H. Christian, Wiltshire, Karen H.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Asymmetry
Bathymetric data
Bed forms
Benchmarks
Boundary conditions
Circulation patterns
Current data
Drying
Energy balance
Energy conversion
Energy transformation
Fluxes
Gauges
Higher harmonics
Islands
Residual circulation
Sediment
Sediment dynamics
Sedimentary structures
Sediments
Simulation
Tidal circulation
Tidal cycles
Tidal dynamics
Tidal energy
Tidal power
Tide gauges
Tides
Turbulence models
Velocity
Wetting
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Summary:This study is dedicated to the tidal dynamics in the Sylt-Rømø Bight with a focus on the non-linear processes. The FESOM-C model was used as the numerical tool, which works with triangular, rectangular or mixed grids and is equipped with a wetting/drying option. As the model's success at resolving currents largely depends on the quality of the bathymetric data, we have created a new bathymetric map for an area based on recent studies of Lister Deep, Lister Ley, Højer Deep and Rømø Deep. This new bathymetric product made it feasible to work with high-resolution grids (up to 2 m in the wetting/drying zone). As a result, we were able to study the tidal energy transformation and the role of higher harmonics in the domain in detail. For the first time, the tidal ellipses, maximum tidally induced velocities, energy fluxes and residual circulation maps were constructed and analysed for the entire bight. Additionally, tidal asymmetry maps were introduced and constructed. The full analysis was performed on two grids with different structures and showed a convergence of the results as well as fulfilment of the energy balance. A great deal of attention has been paid to the selection of open-boundary conditions, model validation against tide gauges and recent in situ current data. The tidal residual circulation and asymmetric tidal cycles largely define the circulation pattern, transport and accumulation of sediment, and the distribution of bedforms in the bight; therefore, the results presented in the article are necessary and useful benchmarks for further studies in the area, including baroclinic and sediment dynamics investigations.
ISSN:1812-0792
1812-0784
1812-0792
DOI:10.5194/os-15-1761-2019