Three-Dimensional Dynamics of Baroclinic Tides Over a Seamount

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vlasenko, Vasiliy; Stashchuk, Nataliya; Nimmo-Smith, W. Alex M.

2018-02-01

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology general circulation model is used for the analysis of baroclinic tides over Anton Dohrn Seamount (ADS), in the North Atlantic. The model output is validated against in situ data collected during the 136th cruise of the RRS "James Cook" in May-June 2016. The observational data set includes velocity time series recorded at two moorings as well as temperature, salinity, and velocity profiles collected at 22 hydrological stations. Synthesis of observational and model data enabled the reconstruction of the details of baroclinic tidal dynamics over ADS. It was found that the baroclinic tidal waves are generated in the form of tidal beams radiating from the ADS periphery to its center, focusing tidal energy in a surface layer over the seamount's summit. This energy focusing enhances subsurface water mixing and the local generation of internal waves. The tidal beams interacting with the seasonal pycnocline generate short-scale internal waves radiating from the ADS center. An important ecological outcome from this study concerns the pattern of residual currents generated by tides. The rectified flows over ADS have the form of a pair of dipoles, cyclonic and anticyclonic eddies located at the seamount's periphery. These eddies are potentially an important factor in local larvae dispersion and their escape from ADS.

Tidal residual current and its role in the mean flow on the Changjiang Bank

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Xuan, Jiliang; Yang, Zhaoqing; Huang, Daji

Tidal residual current may play an important role in the mean flow in the Changjiang Bank region, in addition to other residual currents, such as the Taiwan Warm Current, the Yellow Sea Coastal Current, and the Yellow Sea Warm Current. In this paper, a detailed structure of the tidal residual current, in particular the meso-scale eddies, in the Changjiang Bank region is observed from model simulations, and its role in the mean flow is quantified using the well-validated Finite Volume Coastal Ocean Model). The tidal residual current in the Changjiang Bank region consists of two components: an anticyclonic regional-scale tidalmore » residual circulation around the edge of the Changjiang Bank and some cyclonic meso-scale tidal residual eddies across the Changjiang Bank. The meso-scale tidal residual eddies occur across the Changjiang Bank and contribute to the regional-scale tidal residual circulation offshore at the northwest boundary and at the northeast edge of the Changjiang Bank, southeastward along the 50 m isobath. Tidal rectification is the major mechanism causing the tidal residual current to flow along the isobaths. Both components of the tidal residual current have significant effects on the mean flow. A comparison between the tidal residual current and the mean flow indicates that the contribution of the tidal residual current to the mean flow is greater than 50%.« less

A Multiscale Nested Modeling Framework to Simulate the Interaction of Surface Gravity Waves with Nonlinear Internal Gravity Waves

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-09-30

We aim at understanding the impact of tidal , seasonal, and mesoscale variability of the internal wave field and how it influences the surface waves ...Interaction of Surface Gravity Waves with Nonlinear Internal Gravity Waves Lian Shen St. Anthony Falls Laboratory and Department of Mechanical...on studying surface gravity wave evolution and spectrum in the presence of surface currents caused by strongly nonlinear internal solitary waves

On the Temporal Variability of Low-Mode Internal Tides in the Deep Ocean

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ray, Richard D.; Zaron, E. D.

2010-01-01

In situ measurements of internal tides are typically characterized by high temporal variability, with strong dependence on stratification, mesoscale eddies, and background currents commonly observed. Thus, it is surprising to find phase-locked internal tides detectable by satellite altimetry. An important question is how much tidal variability is missed by altimetry. We address this question in several ways. We subset the altimetry by season and find only very small changes -- an important exception being internal tides in the South China Sea where we observe strong seasonal dependence. A wavenumber-domain analysis confirms that throughout most of the global ocean there is little temporal variability in altimetric internal-tide signals, at least in the first baroclinic mode, which is the mode that dominates surface elevation. The analysis shows higher order modes to be significantly more variable. The results of this study have important practical implications for the anticipated SWOT wide-swath altimeter mission, for which removal of internal tide signals is critical for observing non-tidal submesoscale phenomena.

THE INFLUENCE OF ORBITAL ECCENTRICITY ON TIDAL RADII OF STAR CLUSTERS

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Webb, Jeremy J.; Harris, William E.; Sills, Alison

2013-02-20

We have performed N-body simulations of star clusters orbiting in a spherically symmetric smooth galactic potential. The model clusters cover a range of initial half-mass radii and orbital eccentricities in order to test the historical assumption that the tidal radius of a cluster is imposed at perigalacticon. The traditional assumption for globular clusters is that since the internal relaxation time is larger than its orbital period, the cluster is tidally stripped at perigalacticon. Instead, our simulations show that a cluster with an eccentric orbit does not need to fully relax in order to expand. After a perigalactic pass, a clustermore » recaptures previously unbound stars, and the tidal shock at perigalacticon has the effect of energizing inner region stars to larger orbits. Therefore, instead of the limiting radius being imposed at perigalacticon, it more nearly traces the instantaneous tidal radius of the cluster at any point in the orbit. We present a numerical correction factor to theoretical tidal radii calculated at perigalacticon which takes into consideration both the orbital eccentricity and current orbital phase of the cluster.« less

Statistical Analysis of Acoustic Signal Propagating Through the South China Sea Basin

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-03-01

internal tidal constituents are observed in both spectra, and the diurnal (D) and semidiurnal (SD) internal waves ’ energy are strong. The spectrum is...bandwidths were utilized during the frequency smoothing process to ensure the reliability of the spectra in the meso-, tidal and internal wave scale...mooring temperature sensors capture the internal waves ’ energy, and six high amplitude peaks are observed in the spectra in the internal tidal band

Resource Assessment of Tidal Current Energy in Hangzhou Bay Based on Long Term Measurement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Feng; Dai, Chun-Ni; Xu, Xue-Feng; Wang, Chuan-Kun; Ye, Qin

2017-05-01

Compared with other marine renewable energy, tidal current energy benefits a lot in high energy density and good predictability. Based on the measured tidal current data in Hangzhou Bay from Nov 2012 to Oct 2012, this paper analysed temporal and spatial changes of tidal current energy in the site. It is the first time measured data of such long time been taken in tidal current energy analysis. Occurrence frequency and duration of the current of different speed are given out in the paper. According to the analysis results, monthly average power density changed a lot in different month, and installation orientation of tidal current turbine significantly affected energy acquisition. Finally, the annual average power density of tidal current energy with coefficient Cp in the site was calculated, and final output of a tidal current plant was also estimated.

Airborne synthetic aperture radar tracking of internal waves in the Strait of Gibraltar

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Richez, Claude

As part of the International “Gibraltar Experiment”, we realized, on June 22 and 24, 1986, two surveys of the Strait of Gibraltar, on board an aircraft equipped with a Synthetic Aperture Radar. Our objective was to observe, at Spring tides, and during two twelve-hour tidal cycles, at 24 h interval, the generation of internal wave trains, linked to the hydraulic jump formed west of the sill during the westward phase of the tidal current, and their eastward propagation in the Strait. The speed of propagation of these waves and the effect of the diurnal component of the tide on their generation and propagation could then be determined. Our results suggest that two solitary waves of equal amplitude propagated eastwards in the strait on June 22 (the tidal coefficient being equal to 92), with a speed, relative to the ground, of 2.1 to 2.6 m s -1. 24 h later, during the second survey, on June 24 (tidal coefficient 90), we observed the propagation of a train of non-linear waves, the speed of the leading wave of which being about 1.9 ms -1. Our data show that other waves pass over the Camarinal Sill after the release of the bore, and “secondary” internal wave trains are shown to propagate eastwards from there. Although our SAR data show the appearance of waves west of the northern sill at about 4 h after High Water (HW), the mechanism leading to their generation is not clear. These waves could propagate eastwards, all along the strait, and/or northwestwards along the western Spanish coast. They could be responsible for the solitary-type events observed at the eastern entrance of the strait, at about 7 h after HW, by ZIEGENBEIN (1969, 1970). These events are noticeable in the hydrological parameters time series of ARMI and FARMER (1988) and in the high rate current data (2-min apart) from their April 1986 cruise. Besides these alongstrait waves, our SAR data show the existence of cross-strait waves, and give an idea of their wavelength and speed of propagation. Their presence leads to perturbations in the current, revealed by simultaneous current data, at the Camarinal Sill and north of Cape Cires.

How tides get dissipated in Saturn? A question probably answerable by Cassni

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Luan, Jing

2017-06-01

Tidal dissipation inside a giant planet is important in understanding the orbital evolutions of its natural satellites and perhaps some of the extrasolar giant planets. The tidal dissipation is conventionally parameterized by the tidal quality factor, Q. The corresponding tidal torque declines rapidly with distance adopting constant Q. However, the current fast migration rates of some Saturnian satellites reported by Lainey et al. (2015) conflict this conventional conceptual belief. Alternatively, resonance lock between a satellite and an internal oscillation mode or wave of Saturn, proposed by Fuller et al. (2016), could naturally match the observational migration rates. However, the question still remains to be answered what type of mode or wave is locked with each satellite. There are two candidates for resonance lock, one is gravity mode, and the other is inertial wave attractor. They generate very different gravity acceleration anomaly near the surface of Saturn, which may be distinguishable by the data to be collected by Cassini during its proximal orbits between April and September, 2017. Indicative information about the interior of Saturn may be extracted since the existence of both gravity mode and inertial wave attractor depends on the internal structure of Saturn.

Thermography of the New River Inlet plume and nearshore currents

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chickadel, C.; Jessup, A.

2012-12-01

As part of the DARLA and RIVET experiments, thermal imaging systems mounted on a tower and in an airplane captured water flow in the New River Inlet, NC, USA. Kilometer-scale, airborne thermal imagery of the inlet details the ebb flow of the estuarine plume water mixing with ocean water. Multiple fronts, corresponding to the preferred channels through the ebb tidal delta, are imaged in the aerial data. A series of internal fronts suggest discreet sources of the tidal plume that vary with time. Focused thermal measurements made from a tower on the south side of the inlet viewed an area within a radius of a few hundred meters. Sub-meter resolution video from the tower revealed fine-scale flow features and the interaction of tidal exchange and wave-forced surfzone currents. Using the tower and airborne thermal image data we plan to provide geophysical information to compare with numerical models and in situ measurements made by other investigators. From the overflights, we will map the spatial and temporal extent of the estuarine plume to correlate with tidal phase and local wind conditions. From the tower data, we will investigate the structure of the nearshore flow using a thermal particle image velocimetry (PIV) technique, which is based on tracking motion of the surface temperature patterns. Long term variability of the mean and turbulent two-dimensional PIV currents will be correlated to local wave, tidal, and wind forcing parameters.

Long-term, high-frequency current and temperature measurements along central California: Insights into upwelling/relaxation and internal waves on the inner shelf

USGS Publications Warehouse

Storlazzi, C.D.; McManus, M.A.; Figurski, J.D.

2003-01-01

Thermistor chains and acoustic Doppler current profilers were deployed at the northern and southern ends of Monterey Bay to examine the thermal and hydrodynamic structure of the inner (h ??? 20 m) shelf of central California. These instruments sampled temperature and current velocity at 2-min intervals over a 13-month period from June 2000 to July 2001. Time series of these data, in conjunction with SST imagery and CODAR sea surface current maps, helped to establish the basic hydrography for Monterey Bay. Analysis of time series data revealed that depth integrated flow at both sites was shore parallel (northwest-southeast) with net flows out of the Bay (northwest). The current and temperature records were dominated by semi-diurnal and diurnal tidal signals that lagged the surface tides by 3 h on average. Over the course of an internal tidal cycle these flows were asymmetric, with the flow during the flooding internal tide to the southeast typically lasting only one-third as long as the flow to the northwest during the ebbing internal tide. The transitions from ebb to flood were rapid and bore-like in nature; they were also marked by rapid increases in temperature and high shear. During the spring and summer, when thermal stratification was high, we observed almost 2000 high-frequency (Tp ??? 4-20 min) internal waves in packets of 8-10 following the heads of these bore-like features. Previous studies along the West Coast of the US have concluded that warm water bores and high-frequency internal waves may play a significant role in the onshore transport of larvae.

Topographic enhancement of tidal motion in the western Barents Sea

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kowalik, Z.; Proshutinsky, A. YU.

1995-01-01

A high-resolution numerical lattice is used to study a topographically trapped motion around islands and shallow banks of the western Barents Sea caused both by the semidiurnal and diurnal tidal waves. Observations and model computations in the vicinity of Bear Island show well-developed trapped motion with distinctive tidal oscillatory motion. Numerical investigations demonstrate that one source of the trapped motion is tidal current rectification over shallow topgraphy. Tidal motion supports residual currents of the order of 8 cm/s around Bear Island and shallow Spitsbergenbanken. The structures of enhanced tidal currents for the semidiurnal components are generated in the shallow areas due to topographic amplification. In the diurnal band of oscillations the maximum current is associated with the shelf wave occurrence. Residual currents due to diurnal tides occur at both the shallow areas and the shelf slope in regions of maximum topographic gradients. Surface manifestation of the diurnal current enhancement is the local maximum of tidal amplitude at the shelf break of the order of 5 to 10 cm. Tidal current enhancement and tidally generated residual currents in the Bear Island and Spitsbergenabanken regions cause an increased generation of ice leads, ridges and, trapped motion of the ice floes.

Earth Observations taken by the Expedition 13 crew

NASA Image and Video Library

2006-05-09

ISS013-E-16599 (9 May 2006) --- Wave sets and tidal currents in the Gulf of California are featured in this image photographed by an Expedition 13 crewmember on the International Space Station. In this image, sunglint off the Gulf of California gives the water a silver-gray appearance rather than the usual azure blue color. The sunglint allows us to see several active features which would not be visible otherwise. In this view of Punta Perihuete, Mexico we can see three major features: biological or man-made oils floating on the surface; the out-going tidal current; and complex wave patterns. The oils on the surface are recognizable as light grey, curved and variable-width streamers shaped by the local winds and currents. Plankton, fish, natural oil seeps and boats dumping bilges are all potential sources for these oils.

The morphodynamics and internal structure of intertidal fine-gravel dunes: Hills Flats, Severn Estuary, UK

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carling, P. A.; Radecki-Pawlik, A.; Williams, J. J.; Rumble, B.; Meshkova, L.; Bell, P.; Breakspear, R.

2006-01-01

In the macrotidal Severn estuary, UK, the dynamics of intertidal fine-gravel dunes were investigated. These dunes are migrating across a bedrock platform. Systematic observations were made of hydraulic climate, geometry, migration rates and internal sedimentary structures of the dunes. During spring tides, the ebb flow is dominant, dunes grow in height and have ebb orientated geometry with bedrock floors in the troughs. During neap tides, a weak flood flow may dominate. Dunes then are flood orientated or symmetrical. Neap dune heights decrease and the eroded sediment is stored in the dune troughs where the bedrock becomes blanketed by muddy gravel. During spring tides, instantaneous bed shear stresses reach 8 N m - 2 , sufficient to disrupt a 9 mm-gravel armour layer. However, a sustained bed shear stress of 4 N m - 2 is required to initiate dune migration at which time the critical depth-mean velocity is 1 m s - 1 . Ebb and flood inequalities in the bed shear stress explain the changes in dune asymmetry and internal structures. During flood tides, the crests of the dunes reverse such that very mobile sedimentary 'caps' overlie a more stable dune 'core'. Because ebb tides dominate, internal structures of the caps often are characterised by ebb orientated steep open-work foresets developed by strong tidal currents and some lower angle crossbeds deposited as weaker currents degrade foresets. The foresets forming the caps may be grouped into cosets (tidal bundles) and are separated from mud-infused cores of crossbeds that lie below, by reactivation and erosion surfaces blanketed by discontinuous mud drapes. The cores often exhibit distinctive muddy toe sets that define the spacing of tidal cosets.

Tidal Conversion and Mixing Poleward of the Critical Latitude (an Arctic Case Study)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rippeth, Tom P.; Vlasenko, Vasiliy; Stashchuk, Nataliya; Scannell, Brian D.; Green, J. A. Mattias; Lincoln, Ben J.; Bacon, Sheldon

2017-12-01

The tides are a major source of the kinetic energy supporting turbulent mixing in the global oceans. The prime mechanism for the transfer of tidal energy to turbulent mixing results from the interaction between topography and stratified tidal flow, leading to the generation of freely propagating internal waves at the period of the forcing tide. However, poleward of the critical latitude (where the period of the principal tidal constituent exceeds the local inertial period), the action of the Coriolis force precludes the development of freely propagating linear internal tides. Here we focus on a region of sloping topography, poleward of the critical latitude, where there is significant conversion of tidal energy and the flow is supercritical (Froude number, Fr > 1). A high-resolution nonlinear modeling study demonstrates the key role of tidally generated lee waves and supercritical flow in the transfer of energy from the barotropic tide to internal waves in these high-latitude regions. Time series of flow and water column structure from the region of interest show internal waves with characteristics consistent with those predicted by the model, and concurrent microstructure dissipation measurements show significant levels of mixing associated with these internal waves. The results suggest that tidally generated lee waves are a key mechanism for the transfer of energy from the tide to turbulence poleward of the critical latitude.

Optimization of Gear Ratio in the Tidal Current Generation System based on Generated Energy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Naoi, Kazuhisa; Shiono, Mitsuhiro; Suzuki, Katsuyuki

It is possible to predict generating power of the tidal current generation, because of the tidal current's periodicity. Tidal current generation is more advantageous than other renewable energy sources, when the tidal current generation system is connected to the power system and operated. In this paper, we propose a method used to optimize the gear ratio and generator capacity, that is fundamental design items in the tidal current generation system which is composed of Darrieus type water turbine and squirrel-cage induction generator coupled with gear. The proposed method is applied to the tidal current generation system including the most large-sized turbine that we have developed and studied. This paper shows optimum gear ratio and generator capacity that make generated energy maximum, and verify effectiveness of the proposed method. The paper also proposes a method of selecting maximum generating current velocity in order to reduce the generator capacity, from the viewpoint of economics.

Tidal currents and anticyclonic motions on two North Pacific seamounts

USGS Publications Warehouse

Genin, A.; Noble, M.; Lonsdale, P.F.

1989-01-01

Near-bottom currents were measured for several days at three sites on the summits of Fieberling Guyot (32??26???N, 127??46???W) and Horizon Guyot (19??15???N, 160??00???W). Three moorings comprised of two current meters were deployed on each summit; two moorings were deployed on opposite sides of the rim of the summit and one mooring was deployed near the center of the summit. The observed currents were strong, with maximum speeds of 48 and 24 cm s-1 on Fieberling and Horizon, respectively. The currents at specific frequencies were enhanced relative to those in the surrounding ocean. Diurnal currents were the dominant component of the current field on Fieberling Guyot. They accounted for 39-68% of the energy and had amplitudes around 12 cm s-1. We suspect that these diurnal currents were waves trapped over the seamount. Semidiurnal internal tidal currents were the strongest currents over Horizon Guyot, with amplitudes around 4 cm s-1. The flow patterns determined in this study seemed to affect the biological and geological characteristics of the seamounts. ?? 1990.

Observations and Simulations of the Impact of Wave-Current Interaction on Wave Direction in the Surf Zone

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hopkins, Julia; Elgar, Steve; Raubenheimer, Britt

2017-04-01

Accurately characterizing the interaction of waves and currents can improve predictions of wave propagation and subsequent sediment transport in the nearshore. Along the southern shoreline of Martha's Vineyard, MA, waves propagate across strong tidal currents as they shoal, providing an ideal environment for investigating wave-current interaction. Wave directions and mean currents observed for two 1-month-long periods in 7- and 2-m water depths along 11 km of the Martha's Vineyard shoreline have strong tidal modulations. Wave directions shift by as much as 70 degrees over a tidal cycle in 7 m depth, and by as much as 25 degrees in 2 m depth. The magnitude of the tidal modulations in the wave field decreases alongshore to the west, consistent with the observed decrease in tidal currents from 2.1 to 0.2 m/s. The observations are reproduced accurately by a numerical model (SWAN and Deflt3D-FLOW) that simulates waves and currents over the observed bathymetry. Model simulations with and without wave-current interaction and tidal depth changes demonstrate that the observed tidal modulations of the wave field primarily are caused by wave-current interaction and not by tidal changes to water depths over the nearby complex shoals. Sediment transport estimates from simulated wave conditions using a range of tidal currents and offshore wave fields indicate that the modulation of the wave field at Martha's Vineyard can impact the direction of wave-induced alongshore sediment transport, sometimes driving transport opposing the direction of the offshore incident wave field. As such, the observations and model simulations suggest the importance of wave-current interaction to tidally averaged transport in mixed-energy wave-and-current nearshore environments. Supported by ASD(R&E), NSF, NOAA (Sea Grant), and ONR.

Tidal currents and Kuroshio transport variations in the Tokara Strait estimated from ferryboat ADCP data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, Xiao-Hua; Nakamura, Hirohiko; Dong, Menghong; Nishina, Ayako; Yamashiro, Toru

2017-03-01

From 2003 to 2011, current surveys, using an acoustic Doppler current profiler (ADCP) mounted on the Ferry Naminoue, were conducted across the Tokara Strait (TkS). Resulting velocity sections (1234) were used to estimate major tidal current constituents in the TkS. The semidiurnal M2 tidal current (maximum amplitude 27 cm s-1) was dominant among all the tidal constituents, and the diurnal K1 tidal current (maximum amplitude 21 cm s-1) was the largest among all the diurnal tidal constituents. Over the section, the ratios, relative to M2, of averaged amplitudes of M2, S2, N2, K2, K1, O1, P1, and Q1 tidal currents were 1.00:0.44:0.21:0.12:0.56:0.33:0.14:0.10. Tidal currents estimated from the ship-mounted ADCP data were in good agreement with those from the mooring ADCP data. Their root-mean-square difference for the M2 tidal current amplitude was 2.0 cm s-1. After removing the tidal currents, the annual-mean of the net volume transport (NVT) through the TkS ± its standard derivation was 23.03 ± 3.31 Sv (Sv = 106 m3 s-1). The maximum (minimum) monthly mean NVT occurred in July (November) with 24.60 (21.47) Sv. NVT values from the ship-mounted ADCP were in good agreement with previous geostrophic volume transports calculated from conductivity temperature depth data, but the former showed much finer temporal structure than those from the geostrophic calculation.

Temporal variation of velocity and turbulence characteristics at a tidal energy site

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gunawan, B.; Neary, V. S.; Colby, J.

2013-12-01

This study examines the temporal variability, frequency, direction and magnitude of the mean current, turbulence, hydrodynamic force and tidal power availability at a proposed tidal energy site in a tidal channel located in East River, NY, USA. The channel has a width of 190 m, a mean water level of 9.8 m and a mean tidal range of 1.3 m. A two-month velocity measurement was conducted at the design hub-height of a tidal turbine using an acoustic Doppler velocimeter (ADV). The site has semi-diurnal tidal characteristics with tidal current pattern resembles that of sinusoidal function. The five-minute mean currents at the site varied between 0 and 2.4 m s-1. Flood current magnitudes were typically higher that the ebb current magnitudes, which skewed the tidal energy production towards the flood period. The effect of small-scale turbulence on the computed velocity, hydrodynamic load and power densities timeseries were investigated. Excluding the small-scale turbulence may lead to a significant underestimation of the mean and the maximum values of the analyzed variable. Comparison of hydrodynamic conditions with other tidal energy sites indicates that the key parameters for tidal energy site development are likely to be site-specific, which highlight the need to develop a classification system for tidal energy sites. Such a classification system would enable a direct comparison of key parameters between potential project locations and ultimately help investors in the decision making process. Turbulence intensity vs. mean current magnitude

Development and the environmental impact analysis of tidal current energy turbines in China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Yuxin; Ma, Changlei; Jiang, Bo

2018-02-01

Chinese government pays more attentions to renewable energies (RE) in the context of increasing energy demand and climate change problems. As a promising RE, the utilization of marine renewable energy (MRE) is engaging in the world, including the wave energy and tidal current energy mainly. At the same time, the tidal current energy resources in China are abundant. Thus, the utilization of tidal current energy becomes an inevitable choice for China to meet the challenge of global climate change. The Renewable Energy Law (amendment) and “Twelfth Five-Year” Plan of Renewable Energy Development (2011-2015) were released in recent years in China, the tidal current energy are successfully implemented in China, including the R&D and pilot projects. After the summary of the status of tidal current energy converters in recent years in China, especially the devices being in the open sea test. The environmental impact study in China is also introduced in order to offer reference for the environmental impact assessment of tidal current power generation.

The prediction of the hydrodynamic performance of tidal current turbines

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Y Xiao, B.; Zhou, L. J.; Xiao, Y. X.; Wang, Z. W.

2013-12-01

Nowadays tidal current energy is considered to be one of the most promising alternative green energy resources and tidal current turbines are used for power generation. Prediction of the open water performance around tidal turbines is important for the reason that it can give some advice on installation and array of tidal current turbines. This paper presents numerical computations of tidal current turbines by using a numerical model which is constructed to simulate an isolated turbine. This paper aims at studying the installation of marine current turbine of which the hydro-environmental impacts influence by means of numerical simulation. Such impacts include free-stream velocity magnitude, seabed and inflow direction of velocity. The results of the open water performance prediction show that the power output and efficiency of marine current turbine varies from different marine environments. The velocity distribution should be clearly and the suitable unit installation depth and direction be clearly chosen, which can ensure the most effective strategy for energy capture before installing the marine current turbine. The findings of this paper are expected to be beneficial in developing tidal current turbines and array in the future.

Effect of internal tides in the distribution and abundance of microzooplankton in Todos Santos Bay (Ensenada, B.C.)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Valencia, A.; Ibañez Tejero, L.; Ladah, L. B.; Sanchez Velasco, L.; Barton, E. D.

2016-02-01

Microzooplankton trophically connects phytoplankton and zooplanktonic adults. Their distribution and abundance can be directly related to the inherent physical processes in the marine environment. In coastal waters, the distribution and transport of zooplankton, including microzooplankton, can be influenced by high frequency effects such as internal tides. To date, most of the work on planktonic organisms and their interaction with the internal tide has been focused on a few species, such as barnacles, bryozoans and crabs. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of internal tide on the vertical distribution and abundance of microzooplankton, with an emphasis on copepod nauplii, during the evolution of the internal tide in a summer period of strong thermal stratification. Samples were obtained by vertical plankton net (150 micron mesh) hauls at three depth strata (surface, mid-water and bottom in 25 m depth), independently, with a sampling frequency of every hour. The internal tide was detected by rapid changes in temperature and currents observed with thermistor chains and a bottom-mounted upward looking ADCP. Preliminary results shows a strong mode-1 baroclinic tidal signal. The highest abundance of copepod nauplii and microzooplankton biomass occurred at depth, associated with a strong tidal current. The abundance of copepod nauplii and the abundance of microzooplankton biomass in the surface and intermediate strata showed strong vertical displacements between both strata. Data suggest the vertical distribution of microzooplankton can be dependent on the internal tide.

Prediction of Tidal Elevations and Barotropic Currents in the Gulf of Bone

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Purnamasari, Rika; Ribal, Agustinus; Kusuma, Jeffry

2018-03-01

Tidal elevation and barotropic current predictions in the gulf of Bone have been carried out in this work based on a two-dimensional, depth-integrated Advanced Circulation (ADCIRC-2DDI) model for 2017. Eight tidal constituents which were obtained from FES2012 have been imposed along the open boundary conditions. However, even using these very high-resolution tidal constituents, the discrepancy between the model and the data from tide gauge is still very high. In order to overcome such issues, Green’s function approach has been applied which reduced the root-mean-square error (RMSE) significantly. Two different starting times are used for predictions, namely from 2015 and 2016. After improving the open boundary conditions, RMSE between observation and model decreased significantly. In fact, RMSEs for 2015 and 2016 decreased 75.30% and 88.65%, respectively. Furthermore, the prediction for tidal elevations as well as tidal current, which is barotropic current, is carried out. This prediction was compared with the prediction conducted by Geospatial Information Agency (GIA) of Indonesia and we found that our prediction is much better than one carried out by GIA. Finally, since there is no tidal current observation available in this area, we assume that, when tidal elevations have been fixed, then the tidal current will approach the actual current velocity.

Experiments on the magnetic coupling in a small scale counter rotating marine current turbine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, I. C.; Lee, N. J.; Wata, J.; Hyun, B. S.; Lee, Y. H.

2016-05-01

Modern economies are dependent on energy consumption to ensure growth or sustainable development. Renewable energy sources provide a source of energy that can provide energy security and is renewable. Tidal energy is more predictable than other sources or renewable energy like the sun or wind. Horizontal axis marine current turbines are currently the most advanced and commercially feasible option for tidal current convertors. A dual rotor turbine is theoretically able to produce more power than a single rotor turbine at the same fluid velocity. Previous experiments for a counter rotating dual rotor horizontal axis marine current turbine used a mechanical oil seal coupling that caused mechanical losses when water entered through small gaps at the shaft. A new magnetic coupling assembly eliminates the need for a shaft to connect physically with the internal mechanisms and is water tight. This reduces mechanical losses in the system and the effect on the dual rotor performance is presented in this paper.

Earth Observations taken by Expedition 26 crewmember

NASA Image and Video Library

2010-11-27

ISS026-E-005121 (27 Nov. 2010) --- Tidal flats and channels on Long Island, Bahamas are featured in this image photographed by an Expedition 26 crew member on the International Space Station. The islands of the Bahamas in the Caribbean Sea are situated on large depositional platforms (the Great and Little Bahama Banks) composed mainly of carbonate sediments ringed by fringing reefs – the islands themselves are only the parts of the platform currently exposed above sea level. The sediments are formed mostly from the skeletal remains of organisms settling to the sea floor; over geologic time, these sediments will consolidate to form carbonate sedimentary rocks such as limestone. This detailed photograph provides a view of tidal flats and tidal channels near Sandy Cay on the western side of Long Island, located along the eastern margin of the Great Bahama Bank. The continually exposed parts of the island have a brown coloration in the image, a result of soil formation and vegetation growth (left). To the north of Sandy Cay an off-white tidal flat composed of carbonate sediments is visible; light blue-green regions indicate shallow water on the tidal flat. Tidal flow of seawater is concentrated through gaps in the anchored land surface, leading to formation of relatively deep tidal channels that cut into the sediments of the tidal flat. The channels, and areas to the south of the island, have a vivid blue coloration that provides a clear indication of deeper water (center).

Selected contributions from the 9th International Conference on Tidal Sedimentology, November 2015, Puerto Madryn, Patagonia, Argentina: an introduction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Scasso, Roberto A.; Cuitiño, José I.

2017-08-01

This special issue of Geo-Marine Letters presents selected contributions from the 9th International Conference on Tidal Sedimentology held on 17-19 November 2015 in Puerto Madryn, Chubut Province, Patagonia, Argentina. The guest editors are the conference organizers Roberto A. Scasso and José I. Cuitiño. Gerardo M. Perillo was the head of the Scientific Committee. The conferences on tidal sedimentology have been traditionally held every 4 years. However, only 3 years separated the last conference held in Caen (France, 2012) from this conference. Increasing numbers of contributions and the growing interest in tidal sedimentation have been the reasons for shortening the inter-conference period. The 2015 conference served as a discussion forum focusing on advances in modern and ancient tidal sedimentation at different locations worldwide. The papers presented in this Special Issue provide a selective view of the latest research results, the main topics dealing with tidal hydrodynamics and sediment transport, tidal coastal morphodynamics, modern and ancient tidal sedimentation, geotechnical processes in tidal environments, and tidal basins, facies and reservoirs.

The inclusion of ocean-current effects in a tidal-current model as forcing in the convection term and its application to the mesoscale fate of CO2 seeping from the seafloor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sakaizawa, Ryosuke; Kawai, Takaya; Sato, Toru; Oyama, Hiroyuki; Tsumune, Daisuke; Tsubono, Takaki; Goto, Koichi

2018-03-01

The target seas of tidal-current models are usually semi-closed bays, minimally affected by ocean currents. For these models, tidal currents are simulated in computational domains with a spatial scale of a couple hundred kilometers or less, by setting tidal elevations at their open boundaries. However, when ocean currents cannot be ignored in the sea areas of interest, such as in open seas near coastlines, it is necessary to include ocean-current effects in these tidal-current models. In this study, we developed a numerical method to analyze tidal currents near coasts by incorporating pre-calculated ocean-current velocities. First, a large regional-scale simulation with a spatial scale of several thousand kilometers was conducted and temporal changes in the ocean-current velocity at each grid point were stored. Next, the spatially and temporally interpolated ocean-current velocity was incorporated as forcing into the cross terms of the convection term of a tidal-current model having computational domains with spatial scales of hundreds of kilometers or less. Then, we applied this method to the diffusion of dissolved CO2 in a sea area off Tomakomai, Japan, and compared the numerical results and measurements to validate the proposed method.

Tidal dunes versus tidal bars: The sedimentological and architectural characteristics of compound dunes in a tidal seaway, the lower Baronia Sandstone (Lower Eocene), Ager Basin, Spain

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Olariu, Cornel; Steel, Ronald J.; Dalrymple, Robert W.; Gingras, Murray K.

2012-11-01

The Lower Eocene Baronia Formation in the Ager Basin is interpreted as a series of stacked compound dunes confined within a tectonically generated embayment or tidal seaway. This differs from the previous interpretation of lower Baronia sand bodies as tidal bars in the front of a delta. The key architectural building block of the succession, the deposit of a single compound dune, forms a 1-3 m-thick, upward coarsening succession that begins with highly bioturbated, muddy, very fine to fine grained sandstone that contains an open-marine Cruziana ichnofacies. This is overlain gradationally by ripple-laminated sandstone that is commonly bioturbated and contains mud drapes. The succession is capped by fine- to coarse-grained sandstones that contain both planar and trough cross-strata with unidirectional or bi-directional paleocurrent directions and occasional thin mud drapes on the foresets. The base of a compound dune is gradational where it migrated over muddy sandstone deposited between adjacent dunes, but is sharp and erosional where it migrated over the stoss side of a previous compound dune. The cross strata that formed by simple superimposed dunes dip in the same direction as the inclined master bedding planes within the compound dune, forming a forward-accretion architecture. This configuration is the fundamental reason why these sandbodies are interpreted as compound tidal dunes rather than as tidal bars, which, in contrast, generate lateral-accretion architecture. In the Baronia, fields of compound dunes generated tabular sandbodies 100s to 1000s of meters in extent parallel to the paleocurrent direction and up to 6 m thick that alternate vertically with highly bioturbated muddy sandstones (up to 10 m thick) that represent the low-energy fringes of the dune fields or periods of high sea level when current speeds decreased. Each cross-stratified sandstone sheet (compound-dune complexes) contains overlapping lenticular "shingles" formed by individual compound dunes, separated by 10-30 cm of bioturbated muddy sandstone, which migrated over each other in an offlapping, progradational fashion. Each compound-dune complex (the best reservoir rock) thins as it downlaps, at average rates of 3-4 m/km in a dip direction. These reservoir units can be comprised of discrete compartments, each formed by a single compound dune, that extend for 500-1000 m in the direction of the current, and are at least 350-600 m wide in a flow-transverse direction. Distinguishing between tidal bars and tidal dunes in an ancient tidal succession can be difficult because both can contain similar cross-bedded facies and have overlapping thicknesses; however, the internal architecture and sandbody orientations are different. Tidal bars have their long axis almost parallel both to the tidal current direction and to the strike of the lateral-accretion master surfaces. In inshore areas, they are bounded by channels and fine upward. Large compound tidal dunes, in contrast, have their crest oriented approximately normal to the tidal currents and contain a forward-accretion architecture. Coeval channels are uncommon within large, sub-tidal dune fields. The above distinctions are very important to reservoir description and modeling, because the long axis of the intra-reservoir compartments in the two cases will be 90° apart.

Tidal energy site resource assessment in the East River tidal strait, near Roosevelt Island, New York, New York

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Gunawan, Budi; Neary, Vincent S.; Colby, Jonathan

This study demonstrates a site resource assessment to examine the temporal variation of the mean current, turbulence intensities, and power densities for a tidal energy site in the East River tidal strait. These variables were derived from two-months of acoustic Doppler velocimeter (ADV) measurements at the design hub height of the Verdant Power Gen5 hydrokinetic turbine. The study site is a tidal strait that exhibits semi-diurnal tidal current characteristics, with a mean horizontal current speed of 1.4 m s -1, and turbulence intensity of 15% at a reference mean current of 2 m s -1. Flood and ebb flow directionsmore » are nearly bi-directional, with higher current magnitude during flood tide, which skews the power production towards the flood tide period. The tidal hydrodynamics at the site are highly regular, as indicated by the tidal current time series that resembles a sinusoidal function. This study also shows that the theoretical force and power densities derived from the current measurements can significantly be influenced by the length of the time window used for averaging the current data. Furthermore, the theoretical power density at the site, derived from the current measurements, is one order of magnitude greater than that reported in the U.S. national resource assessment. As a result, this discrepancy highlights the importance of conducting site resource assessments based on measurements at the tidal energy converter device scale.« less

Tidal energy site resource assessment in the East River tidal strait, near Roosevelt Island, New York, New York

DOE PAGES

Gunawan, Budi; Neary, Vincent S.; Colby, Jonathan

2014-06-22

This study demonstrates a site resource assessment to examine the temporal variation of the mean current, turbulence intensities, and power densities for a tidal energy site in the East River tidal strait. These variables were derived from two-months of acoustic Doppler velocimeter (ADV) measurements at the design hub height of the Verdant Power Gen5 hydrokinetic turbine. The study site is a tidal strait that exhibits semi-diurnal tidal current characteristics, with a mean horizontal current speed of 1.4 m s -1, and turbulence intensity of 15% at a reference mean current of 2 m s -1. Flood and ebb flow directionsmore » are nearly bi-directional, with higher current magnitude during flood tide, which skews the power production towards the flood tide period. The tidal hydrodynamics at the site are highly regular, as indicated by the tidal current time series that resembles a sinusoidal function. This study also shows that the theoretical force and power densities derived from the current measurements can significantly be influenced by the length of the time window used for averaging the current data. Furthermore, the theoretical power density at the site, derived from the current measurements, is one order of magnitude greater than that reported in the U.S. national resource assessment. As a result, this discrepancy highlights the importance of conducting site resource assessments based on measurements at the tidal energy converter device scale.« less

Monitoring Tidal Currents with a Towed ADCP System

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-12-22

these make tidal stream energy a more reliable source than other forms of ma- rine energy, such as waves and offshore wind. The place of tidal stream...big tidal range (9 m), relatively strong (2 m/s) currents, and moderate wind waves (less than 3 m in the an- nual mean), it is considered to be a...Monitoring tidal currents with a towed ADCP system Alexei Sentchev1 & Max Yaremchuk2 Received: 22 September 2015 /Accepted: 10 December 2015

Characterization of the Vertical Structure of Tidal Currents in the Mouth of the Columbia River and Evaluation of the Selfe Model

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-06-01

declination to the Earth (27.3 days) ( Disney and Overshiner 1925). Changes in the moon’s phase and distance from Earth cause changes in tidal current...strength that are approximately half of the changes in tidal range ( Disney and Overshiner, 1925). 5 3. Non-Tidal Currents Non-tidal constituents in...2014: Columbia River Estuary. [http://www.stccmop.org/news/2013/cmop_study_provide_insight_biogeochemic al_exchange_between_bays_estuary] Disney , L

Adélie penguin foraging location predicted by tidal regime switching.

PubMed

Oliver, Matthew J; Irwin, Andrew; Moline, Mark A; Fraser, William; Patterson, Donna; Schofield, Oscar; Kohut, Josh

2013-01-01

Penguin foraging and breeding success depend on broad-scale environmental and local-scale hydrographic features of their habitat. We investigated the effect of local tidal currents on a population of Adélie penguins on Humble Is., Antarctica. We used satellite-tagged penguins, an autonomous underwater vehicle, and historical tidal records to model of penguin foraging locations over ten seasons. The bearing of tidal currents did not oscillate daily, but rather between diurnal and semidiurnal tidal regimes. Adélie penguins foraging locations changed in response to tidal regime switching, and not to daily tidal patterns. The hydrography and foraging patterns of Adélie penguins during these switching tidal regimes suggest that they are responding to changing prey availability, as they are concentrated and dispersed in nearby Palmer Deep by variable tidal forcing on weekly timescales, providing a link between local currents and the ecology of this predator.

Adélie Penguin Foraging Location Predicted by Tidal Regime Switching

PubMed Central

Oliver, Matthew J.; Irwin, Andrew; Moline, Mark A.; Fraser, William; Patterson, Donna; Schofield, Oscar; Kohut, Josh

2013-01-01

Penguin foraging and breeding success depend on broad-scale environmental and local-scale hydrographic features of their habitat. We investigated the effect of local tidal currents on a population of Adélie penguins on Humble Is., Antarctica. We used satellite-tagged penguins, an autonomous underwater vehicle, and historical tidal records to model of penguin foraging locations over ten seasons. The bearing of tidal currents did not oscillate daily, but rather between diurnal and semidiurnal tidal regimes. Adélie penguins foraging locations changed in response to tidal regime switching, and not to daily tidal patterns. The hydrography and foraging patterns of Adélie penguins during these switching tidal regimes suggest that they are responding to changing prey availability, as they are concentrated and dispersed in nearby Palmer Deep by variable tidal forcing on weekly timescales, providing a link between local currents and the ecology of this predator. PMID:23383091

A note on evaluating model tidal currents against observations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cummins, Patrick F.; Thupaki, Pramod

2018-01-01

The root-mean-square magnitude of the vector difference between modeled and observed tidal ellipses is a comprehensive metric to evaluate the representation of tidal currents in ocean models. A practical expression for this difference is given in terms of the harmonic constants that are routinely used to specify current ellipses for a given tidal constituent. The resulting metric is sensitive to differences in all four current ellipse parameters, including phase.

Survey on utility technology of a tidal and ocean current energy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hirose, Manabu; Kadoyu, Masataka; Tanaka, Hiroyoshi

1987-06-01

A study is made to show the current technological levels in Japan and other nations regarding the conversion of tidal current or ocean current energy to electric power and to determine the latent energy quantities and energy-related characteristics of tidal and ocean currents. In Japan, relatively large-scale experiments made so far mostly used one of the following three types of devices: Savonius-wheel type, Darrieus-wheel type, and cross-flow-wheel type. Field experiments of tidal energy conversion have been performed at the Naruto and Kurushima Straits. The energy in the Kuroshio current is estimated at about 170 billion kWh per year. Ocean current energy does not undergo large seasonal variations. The total energy in major straits and channels in the Inland Sea and other sea areas to the west is estimated at about 124 billion kWh per year. Tidal current energy shows large seasonal variations, but it is possible to predict the changes. A survey is made to determine energy-related characteristics of a tidal current at Chichino-seto, Kagoshima Prefecture. At Chichino-seto, the flow velocity ranges from 0 to 2.2m/s, with a latent tidal current energy of about 70 kW, of which about 20 kW can actually be utilized.

Dispersion in tidally averaged transport equation

USGS Publications Warehouse

Cheng, R.T.; Casulli, V.

1992-01-01

A general governing inter-tidal transport equation for conservative solutes has been derived without invoking the weakly nonlinear approximation. The governing inter-tidal transport equation is a convection-dispersion equation in which the convective velocity is a mean Lagrangian residual current, and the inter-tidal dispersion coefficient is defined by a dispersion patch. When the weakly nonlinear condition is violated, the physical significance of the Stokes' drift, as used in tidal dynamics, becomes questionable. For nonlinear problems, analytical solutions for the mean Lagrangian residual current and for the inter-tidal dispersion coefficient do not exist, they must be determined numerically. A rectangular tidal inlet with a constriction is used in the first example. The solutions of the residual currents and the computed properties of the inter-tidal dispersion coefficient are used to illuminate the mechanisms of the inter-tidal transport processes. Then, the present formulation is tested in a geometrically complex tidal estuary – San Francisco Bay, California. The computed inter-tidal dispersion coefficients are in the range between 5×104 and 5×106 cm2/sec., which are consistent with the values reported in the literature

Waves: Internal Tides

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ray, Richard D.

1999-01-01

Oceanic internal tides are internal waves with tidal periodicities. They are ubiquitous throughout the ocean, although generally more pronounced near large bathymetric features such as mid-ocean ridges and continental slopes. The internal vertical displacements associated with these waves can be extraordinarily large. Near some shelf breaks where the surface tides are strong, internal displacements (e.g., of an isothermal surface) can exceed 200 meters. Displacements of 10 meters in the open ocean are not uncommon. The associated current velocities are usually comparable to or larger than the currents of the surface tide. On continental shelves internal tides can occasionally generate packets of internal solitons, which are detectable in remote sensing imagery. Other common nonlinear features are generation of higher harmonics (e.g., 6-hr waves) and wave breaking. Internal tides are known to be an important energy source for mixing of shelf waters. Recent research suggests that they may also be a significant energy source for deep-ocean mixing.

Dispersion of deep-sea hydrothermal vent effluents and larvae by submesoscale and tidal currents

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vic, Clément; Gula, Jonathan; Roullet, Guillaume; Pradillon, Florence

2018-03-01

Deep-sea hydrothermal vents provide sources of geochemical materials that impact the global ocean heat and chemical budgets, and support complex biological communities. Vent effluents and larvae are dispersed and transported long distances by deep ocean currents, but these currents are largely undersampled and little is known about their variability. Submesoscale (0.1-10 km) currents are known to play an important role for the dispersion of biogeochemical materials in the ocean surface layer, but their impact for the dispersion in the deep ocean is unknown. Here, we use a series of nested regional oceanic numerical simulations with increasing resolution (from δx = 6 km to δx = 0.75 km) to investigate the structure and variability of highly-resolved deep currents over the Mid-Atlantic Ridge (MAR) and their role on the dispersion of the Lucky Strike hydrothermal vent effluents and larvae. We shed light on a submesoscale regime of oceanic turbulence over the MAR at 1500 m depth, contrasting with open-ocean - i.e., far from topographic features - regimes of turbulence, dominated by mesoscales. Impacts of submesoscale and tidal currents on larval dispersion and connectivity among vent populations are investigated by releasing neutrally buoyant Lagrangian particles at the Lucky Strike hydrothermal vent. Although the absolute dispersion is overall not sensitive to the model resolution, submesoscale currents are found to significantly increase both the horizontal and vertical relative dispersion of particles at O(1-10) km and O(1-10) days, resulting in an increased mixing of the cloud of particles. A fraction of particles are trapped in submesoscale coherent vortices, which enable transport over long time and distances. Tidal currents and internal tides do not significantly impact the horizontal relative dispersion. However, they roughly double the vertical dispersion. Specifically, particles undergo strong tidally-induced mixing close to rough topographic features, which allows them to rise up in the water column and to cross topographic obstacles. The mesoscale variability controls at first order the connectivity between hydrothermal sites and we do not have long enough simulations to conclude on the connectivity between the different MAR hydrothermal sites. However, our simulations suggest that the connectivity might be increased by submesoscale and tidal currents, which act to spread the cloud of particles and help them cross topographic barriers.

Internal gravity wave contributions to global sea surface variability

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Savage, A.; Arbic, B. K.; Richman, J. G.; Shriver, J. F.; Buijsman, M. C.; Zamudio, L.; Wallcraft, A. J.; Sharma, H.

2016-02-01

High-resolution (1/12th and 1/25th degree) 41-layer simulations of the HYbrid Coordinate Ocean Model (HYCOM), forced by both atmospheric fields and the astronomical tidal potential, are used to construct global maps of sea-surface height (SSH). The HYCOM output has been separated into steric, non-steric, and total sea-surface height and the maps display variance in subtidal, tidal, and supertidal bands. Two of the global maps are of particular interest in planning for the upcoming Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) wide-swath satellite altimeter mission; (1) a map of the nonstationary tidal signal (estimated after removing the stationary tidal signal via harmonic analysis), and (2) a map of the steric supertidal contributions, which are dominated by the internal gravity wave continuum. Both of these maps display signals of order 1 cm2, the target accuracy for the SWOT mission. Therefore, both non-stationary internal tides and non-tidal internal gravity waves are likely to be important sources of "noise" that must be accurately removed before examination of lower-frequency phenomena can take place.

Twenty Years of Progress on Global Ocean Tide: The Impact of Satellite Altimetry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Egbert, Gary D.; Ray, Richard D.

2013-09-01

At the dawn of the era of high-precision altimetry, before the launch of TOPEX/Poseidon, ocean tides were properly viewed as a source of noise-tidal variations in ocean height would represent a very substantial fraction of what the altimeter measures, and would have to be accurately predicted and subtracted if altimetry were to achieve its potential for ocean and climate studies. But to the extent that the altimetry could be severely contaminated by tides, it also represented an unprecedented global-scale tidal data set. These new data, together with research stimulated by the need for accurate tidal corrections, led to a renaissance in tidal studies in the oceanographic community. In this paper we review contributions of altimetry to tidal science over the past 20 years, emphasizing recent progress. Mapping of tides has now been extended from the early focus on major constituents in the open ocean to include minor constituents, (e.g., long-period tides; non-linear tides in shelf waters, and in the open ocean), and into shallow and coastal waters. Global and spatially local estimates of tidal energy balance have been refined, and the role of internal tide conversion in dissipating barotropic tidal energy is now well established through modeling, altimetry, and in situ observations. However, energy budgets for internal tides, and the role of tidal dissipation in vertical ocean mixing remain controversial topics. Altimetry may contribute to resolving some of these important questions through improved mapping of low-mode internal tides. This area has advanced significantly in recent years, with several global maps now available, and progress on constraining temporally incoherent components. For the future, new applications of altimetry (e.g., in the coastal ocean, where barotropic tidal models remain inadequate), and new mission concepts (studies of the sub-mesoscale with SWOT, which will require correction for internal tides) may bring us full circle, again pushing further development of tidal models as corrections.

Twenty Years of Progress on Global Ocean Tides: The Impact of Satellite Altimetry

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Egbert, Gary; Ray, Richard

2012-01-01

At the dawn of the era of high-precision altimetry, before the launch of TOPEX/Poseidon, ocean tides were properly viewed as a source of noise--tidal variations in ocean height would represent a very substantial fraction of what the altimeter measures, and would have to be accurately predicted and subtracted if altimetry were to achieve its potential for ocean and climate studies. But to the extent that the altimetry could be severely contaminated by tides, it also represented an unprecedented global-scale tidal data set. These new data, together with research stimulated by the need for accurate tidal corrections, led to a renaissance in tidal studies in the oceanographic community. In this paper we review contributions of altimetry to tidal science over the past 20 years, emphasizing recent progress. Mapping of tides has now been extended from the early focus on major constituents in the open ocean to include minor constituents, (e.g., long-period tides; non-linear tides in shelf waters, and in the open ocean), and into shallow and coastal waters. Global and spatially local estimates of tidal energy balance have been refined, and the role of internal tide conversion in dissipating barotropic tidal energy is now well established through modeling, altimetry, and in situ observations. However, energy budgets for internal tides, and the role of tidal dissipation in vertical ocean mixing remain controversial topics. Altimetry may contribute to resolving some of these important questions through improved mapping of low-mode internal tides. This area has advanced significantly in recent years, with several global maps now available, and progress on constraining temporally incoherent components. For the future, new applications of altimetry (e.g., in the coastal ocean, where barotropic tidal models remain inadequate), and new mission concepts (studies of the submesoscale with SWOT, which will require correction for internal tides) may bring us full circle, again pushing further development of tidal models as corrections.

Currents and Mixing in the San Lorenzo Overflow, Northern Gulf of California

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rosas-Villegas, Froylán.; López, Manuel; Candela, Julio

2018-02-01

The main properties of the San Lorenzo (SL) overflow are studied, using data from two nonsimultaneous ADCP moorings (located at the sill, and 5 km downstream), as well as CTD and LADCP profiles. Strong tidal currents at the sill modulate the overflow, which is not shut down during the neaps. At the downstream site, the largest flood currents are associated with colder water advected from the sill, flowing downslope, and creating an asymmetry in the semidiurnal tidal cycle. The overflow introduces a significant fortnightly harmonic at the downstream site, and delays the M2 tidal currents for more than an hour with respect to the currents at the sill. The overflow mixes with the overlying water by entrainment during its supercritical stage, reaching near-bottom velocities as high as 1.5 ms-1 and an estimated mean transport of 0.11 Sv; almost twice that estimated at the sill for the same period of the year. Estimated Froude numbers during spring tides suggest the development of an internal hydraulic jump. After relaxation of the maximum downstream currents, high-frequency temperature fluctuations, likely linked to upstream traveling waves, are consistently observed. Direct estimations of the turbulent dissipation rates were used to compute diapycnal diffusivity (Kρ) profiles. Mean estimates of Kρ, as high as 5.5 × 10-2 m2s-1, show that shear at the interface is the most significant source of cross-isopycnal mixing along the SL overflow during ebb tides.

Responses of water environment to tidal flat reduction in Xiangshan Bay: Part II locally re-suspended sediment dynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Li; Guan, Weibing; He, Zhiguo; Yao, Yanming; Xia, Yuezhang

2017-11-01

Xiangshan Bay is a semi-enclosed bay in China, in which tidal flats have been substantially reclaimed to support the development of local economies and society over previous decades. The loss of tidal flats has led to changes of tides and locally suspended sediment in the bay. The effects of tidal flat reduction on locally suspended sediment dynamics was investigated using a numerical model forced by tidal data and calibrated by observed tidal elevation and currents. The model satisfactorily reproduces observed water levels, currents, and suspended sediment concentration in the estuary, and therefore is subsequently applied to analyze the impact of tidal flat reclamation on locally suspended sediment transport. After the loss of the tidal flats from 1963 to 2010, the suspended sediment concentrations (SSC) at the bottom boundary layer were reduced/increased in the outer bay/tidal flat areas due to weakened tidal currents. In the inner bay, the SSC values near the bottom level increased from 1963 to 2003 due to the narrowed bathymetry, and then decreased from 2003 to 2010 because of the reduced tidal prism. The model scenarios suggest that: (1) a reduction of tidal flat areas appears to be the main factor for enhancing the transport of sediments up-estuary, due to the increased Eulerian velocity and tidal pumping; (2) A reduction of tidal flat areas impacts on spatial and temporal SSC distribution: reducing the SSC values in the water areas due to the reduced current; and (3) a tidal flat reduction influences the net sediment fluxes: lessening the erosion and inducing higher/lower landward/seaward sediment transportation.

Cross-shelf transport of pink shrimp larvae: Interactions of tidal currents, larval vertical migrations and internal tides

USGS Publications Warehouse

Criales, Maria M.; Browder, Joan A.; Mooers, C.N.K.; Robblee, M.B.; Cardenas, H.; Jackson, Thomas L.

2007-01-01

Transport and behavior of pink shrimp Farfantepenaeus duorarum larvae were investigated on the southwestern Florida (SWF) shelf of the Gulf of Mexico between the Dry Tortugas spawning grounds and Florida Bay nursery grounds. Stratified plankton samples and hydrographic data were collected at 2 h intervals at 3 stations located on a cross-shelf transect. At the Marquesas station, midway between Dry Tortugas and Florida Bay, internal tides were recognized by anomalously cool water, a shallow thermocline with strong density gradients, strong current shear, and a high concentration of pink shrimp larvae at the shallow thermocline. Low Richardson numbers occurred at the pycnocline depth, indicating vertical shear instability and possible turbulent transport from the lower to the upper layer where myses and postlarvae were concentrated. Analysis of vertically stratified plankton suggested that larvae perform vertical migrations and the specific behavior changes ontogenetically; protozoeae were found deeper than myses, and myses deeper than postlarvae. Relative concentrations of protozoea in the upper, middle and bottom layers were consistent with a diel vertical migration, whereas that of postlarvae and myses were consistent with the semidiurnal tides in phase with the flood tide. Postlarvae, the shallowest dwellers that migrate with a semidiurnal periodicity, experienced the largest net onshore flux and larval concentrations were highly correlated with the cross-shelf current. These results provide the first evidence of an onshore tidal transport (a type of selective tidal stream transport, STST), in decapod larvae migrating in continental shelf waters offshore, ca. 100 km from the coast and at a depth of 20 m, while approaching the coastal nursery grounds. Longer time series would be necessary to establish whether internal tides play any role in the larval onshore transport of this species and determine if the STST is the dominant onshore transport mechanism.

Earth Observations taken during Expedition Four

NASA Image and Video Library

2002-04-21

ISS004-E-10288 (21 April 2002) --- This view featuring the San Francisco Bay Area was photographed by an Expedition 4 crewmember onboard the International Space Station (ISS). The gray urban footprint of San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose, and their surrounding suburbs contrasts strongly with the green hillsides. Of particular note are the Pacific Ocean water patterns that are highlighted in the sun glint. Sets of internal waves traveling east impinge on the coastline south of San Francisco. At the same time, fresher bay water flows out from the bay beneath the Golden Gate Bridge, creating a large plume traveling westward. Tidal current channels suggest the tidal flow deep in the bay. Because the ISS orbits are not synchronous with the sun, station crewmembers view Earth with variable solar illumination angles. This allows them to document phenomena such as the sun reflecting differentially off surface waters in a way that outlines complicated water structures.

Scylla and Charybdis observed from space

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alpers, Werner; Salusti, Ettore

1983-02-01

Scylla and Charybdis are, in Greek mythology, two immortal and irresistible monsters who beset the narrow waters separating the Italian peninsula from Sicily. They give poetic expressions to exceptional oceanographic features encountered in the Strait of Messina. Recently, the SEASAT satellite has added new information on the oceanography of this strait. For the first time, experimental evidence is presented that internal waves are generated in the Strait of Messina. The generation mechanism is linked to tidal currents washing over the shallow sill within the strait. The experimental data originate from a synthetic aperture radar (SAR) image obtained from the SEASAT satellite on Sept, 15, 1978, and from subsequent in situ measurements carried out from the Italian research vessel Bannock in Nov. 1980. The circular wave pattern visible on the SEASAT SAR image is interpreted in terms of internal solitons. Furthermore, the SEASAT SAR image also reveals `tagli,' special types of tidal bores, encountered in the Strait of Messina.

Active galactic nuclei. IV - Supplying black hole clusters by tidal disruption and by tidal capture of stars

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stoeger, W. R.; Pacholczyk, A. G.; Stepinski, T. F.

1992-01-01

The extent to which individual holes in a cluster of black holes with a mass spectrum can liberate and accrete the resulting material by tidally disrupting stars they encounter, or by capturing stars as binary companions is studied. It is found that the smaller black holes in 'the halo' of such clusters can adequately supply themselves to the level M-dot sub h or greater than 0.0001(M-dot sub h) sub crit, and up to 0.05(M-dot sub h)sub crit for the smallest holes, by tidal disruption, as long as the cluster is embedded in a distribution of stars of relatively high density (not less than 0.1M sub cl/cu pc), and as long as the entire cluster of stars is not too compact (not less than 0.5 pc). Consideration is given to modifications this 'internal' mode of supply introduces in the spectrum emitted by such black hole clusters, and to the current status of their viability as models for AGN and QSOs in light of dynamical studies by Quinlan and Shapiro (1987, 1989).

Estimates of Internal Tide Energy Fluxes from Topex/Poseidon Altimetry: Central North Pacific

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ray, Richard D.; Cartwright, David E.; Smith, David E. (Technical Monitor)

2000-01-01

Energy fluxes for first-mode M(sub 2) internal tides are deduced throughout the central North Pacific Ocean from Topex/Poseidon satellite altimeter data. Temporally coherent internal tide signals in the altimetry, combined with climatological hydrographic data, determine the tidal displacements, pressures, and currents at depth, which yield power transmission rates. For a variety of reasons the deduced rates should be considered lower bounds. Internal tides were found to emanate from several large bathymetric structures, especially the Hawaiian Ridge, where the integrated flux amounts to about six gigawatts. Internal tides are generated at the Aleutian Trench near 172 deg west and propagate southwards nearly 2000 km.

Effect of subseabed salt domes on Tidal Residual currents in the Persian Gulf

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mashayekh Poul, Hossein; Backhaus, Jan; Dehghani, Ali; Huebner, Udo

2016-05-01

Geological studies in the Persian Gulf (PG) have revealed the existence of subseabed salt-domes. With suitable filtering of a high-resolution PG seabed topography, it is seen that the domes leave their signature in the seabed, i.e., numerous hills and valleys with amplitudes of several tens of meters and radii from a few up to tens of kilometers. It was suspected that the "shark skin" of the PG seabed may affect the tidal residual flow. The interaction of tidal dynamics and these obstacles was investigated in a nonlinear hydrodynamic numerical tidal model of the PG. The model was first used to characterize flow patterns of residual currents generated by a tidal wave passing over symmetric, elongated and tilted obstacles. Thereafter it was applied to the entire PG. The model was forced at its open boundary by the four dominant tidal constituents residing in the PG. Each tidal constituent was simulated separately. Results, i.e., tidal residual currents in the PG, as depicted by Lagrangian trajectories reveal a stationary flow that is very rich in eddies. Each eddy can be identified with a topographic obstacle. This confirms that the tidal residual flow field is strongly influenced by the nonlinear interaction of the tidal wave with the bottom relief which, in turn, is deformed by salt-domes beneath the seabed. Different areas of maximum residual current velocities are identified for major tidal constituents. The pattern of trajectories indicates the presence of two main cyclonic gyres and several adjacent gyres rotating in opposite directions and a strong coastal current in the northern PG.

Observation and numerical modeling of tidal dune dynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Doré, Arnaud; Bonneton, Philippe; Marieu, Vincent; Garlan, Thierry

2018-05-01

Tidal sand dune dynamics is observed for two tidal cycles in the Arcachon tidal inlet, southwest France. An array of instruments is deployed to measure bathymetric and current variations along dune profiles. Based on the measurements, dune crest horizontal and vertical displacements are quantified and show important dynamics in phase with tidal currents. We observed superimposed ripples on the dune stoss side and front, migrating and changing polarity as tidal currents reverse. A 2D RANS numerical model is used to simulate the morphodynamic evolution of a flat non-cohesive sand bed submitted to a tidal current. The model reproduces the bed evolution until a field of sand bedforms is obtained that are comparable with observed superimposed ripples in terms of geometrical dimensions and dynamics. The model is then applied to simulate the dynamics of a field of large sand dunes of similar size as the dunes observed in situ. In both cases, simulation results compare well with measurements qualitatively and quantitatively. This research allows for a better understanding of tidal sand dune and superimposed ripple morphodynamics and opens new perspectives for the use of numerical models to predict their evolution.

Assessment of tidal circulation and tidal current asymmetry in the Iroise sea with specific emphasis on characterization of tidal energy resources around the Ushant Island.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thiébaut, Maxime; Sentchev, Alexei

2015-04-01

We use the current velocity time series recorded by High Frequency Radars (HFR) to study circulation in highly energetic tidal basin - the Iroise sea. We focus on the analysis of tidal current pattern around the Ushant Island which is a promising site of tidal energy. The analysis reveals surface current speeds reaching 4 m/s in the North of Ushant Island and in the Fromveur Strait. In these regions 1 m/s is exceeded 60% of time and up to 70% of time in center of Fromveur. This velocity value is particularly interesting because it represents the cut-in-speed of the most of marine turbine devices. Tidal current asymmetry is not always considered in tidal energy site selection. However, this quantity plays an important role in the quantification of hydrokinetic resources. Current velocity times series recorded by HFR highlights the existence of a pronounced asymmetry in current magnitude between the flood and ebb tide ranging from -0.5 to more 2.5. Power output of free-stream devices depends to velocity cubed. Thus a small current asymmetry can generate a significant power output asymmetry. Spatial distribution of asymmetry coefficient shows persistent pattern and fine scale structure which were quantified with high degree of accuracy. The particular asymmetry evolution on both side of Fromveur strait is related to the spatial distribution of the phase lag of the principal semi-diurnal tidal constituent M2 and its higher order harmonics. In Fromveur, the asymmetry is reinforced due to the high velocity magnitude of the sixth-diurnal tidal harmonics. HF radar provides surface velocity speed, however the quantification of hydrokinetic resources has to take into account the decreasing of velocity with depth. In order to highlight this phenomenon, we plot several velocity profiles given by an ADCP which was installed in the HFR study area during the same period. The mean velocity in the water column calculated by using the ADCP data show that it is about 80% of the surface current speed. We consider this value in our calculation of power to make the power estimation of marine turbine devices more realistic. Finally, we demonstrate that in the region of opposing flood-versus ebb-dominated asymmetry occurring over limited spatial scale, it is possible to aggregated free-stream devices to provide balanced power generation over the tidal cycle. Keywords : Tidal circulation, current asymmetry, tidal energy, HF radar, Iroise Sea.

Relativistic theory of tidal Love numbers

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Binnington, Taylor; Poisson, Eric

In Newtonian gravitational theory, a tidal Love number relates the mass multipole moment created by tidal forces on a spherical body to the applied tidal field. The Love number is dimensionless, and it encodes information about the body's internal structure. We present a relativistic theory of Love numbers, which applies to compact bodies with strong internal gravities; the theory extends and completes a recent work by Flanagan and Hinderer, which revealed that the tidal Love number of a neutron star can be measured by Earth-based gravitational-wave detectors. We consider a spherical body deformed by an external tidal field, and providemore » precise and meaningful definitions for electric-type and magnetic-type Love numbers; and these are computed for polytropic equations of state. The theory applies to black holes as well, and we find that the relativistic Love numbers of a nonrotating black hole are all zero.« less

Design and test of 1/5th scale horizontal axis tidal current turbine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Hong-wei; Zhou, Hong-bin; Lin, Yong-gang; Li, Wei; Gu, Hai-gang

2016-06-01

Tidal current energy is prominent and renewable. Great progress has been made in the exploitation technology of tidal current energy all over the world in recent years, and the large scale device has become the trend of tidal current turbine (TCT) for its economies. Instead of the similarity to the wind turbine, the tidal turbine has the characteristics of high hydrodynamic efficiency, big thrust, reliable sealing system, tight power transmission structure, etc. In this paper, a 1/5th scale horizontal axis tidal current turbine has been designed, manufactured and tested before the full scale device design. Firstly, the three-blade horizontal axis rotor was designed based on traditional blade element momentum theory and its hydrodynamic performance was predicted in numerical model. Then the power train system and stand-alone electrical control unit of tidal current turbine, whose performances were accessed through the bench test carried out in workshop, were designed and presented. Finally, offshore tests were carried out and the power performance of the rotor was obtained and compared with the published literatures, and the results showed that the power coefficient was satisfactory, which agrees with the theoretical predictions.

Three-dimensional Numerical Analysis on Blade Response of Vertical Axis Tidal Current Turbine Under Operational Condition

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Li, Ye; Karri, Naveen K.; Wang, Qi

Tidal power as a large-scale renewable source of energy has been receiving significant attention recently because of its advantages over the wind and other renewal energy sources. The technology used to harvest energy from tidal current is called a tidal current turbine. Though some of the principles of wind turbine design are applicable to tidal current turbines, the design of latter ones need additional considerations like cavitation damage, corrosion etc. for the long-term reliability of such turbines. Depending up on the orientation of axis, tidal current turbines can be classified as vertical axis turbines or horizontal axis turbines. Existing studiesmore » on the vertical axis tidal current turbine focus more on the hydrodynamic aspects of the turbine rather than the structural aspects. This paper summarizes our recent efforts to study the integrated hydrodynamic and structural aspects of the vertical axis tidal current turbines. After reviewing existing methods in modeling tidal current turbines, we developed a hybrid approach that combines discrete vortex method -finite element method that can simulate the integrated hydrodynamic and structural response of a vertical axis turbine. This hybrid method was initially employed to analyze a typical three-blade vertical axis turbine. The power coefficient was used to evaluate the hydrodynamic performance, and critical deflection was considered to evaluate the structural reliability. A sensitivity analysis was also conducted with various turbine height-to-radius ratios. The results indicate that both the power output and failure probability increase with the turbine height, suggesting a necessity for optimal design. An attempt to optimize a 3-blade vertical axis turbine design with hybrid method yielded a ratio of turbine height to radius (H/R) about 3.0 for reliable maximum power output.« less

On tide-induced Lagrangian residual current and residual transport: 1. Lagrangian residual current

USGS Publications Warehouse

Feng, Shizuo; Cheng, Ralph T.; Pangen, Xi

1986-01-01

Residual currents in tidal estuaries and coastal embayments have been recognized as fundamental factors which affect the long-term transport processes. It has been pointed out by previous studies that it is more relevant to use a Lagrangian mean velocity than an Eulerian mean velocity to determine the movements of water masses. Under weakly nonlinear approximation, the parameter k, which is the ratio of the net displacement of a labeled water mass in one tidal cycle to the tidal excursion, is assumed to be small. Solutions for tides, tidal current, and residual current have been considered for two-dimensional, barotropic estuaries and coastal seas. Particular attention has been paid to the distinction between the Lagrangian and Eulerian residual currents. When k is small, the first-order Lagrangian residual is shown to be the sum of the Eulerian residual current and the Stokes drift. The Lagrangian residual drift velocity or the second-order Lagrangian residual current has been shown to be dependent on the phase of tidal current. The Lagrangian drift velocity is induced by nonlinear interactions between tides, tidal currents, and the first-order residual currents, and it takes the form of an ellipse on a hodograph plane. Several examples are given to further demonstrate the unique properties of the Lagrangian residual current.

Three-Dimensional Sediment Dynamics in Well-Mixed Estuaries: Importance of the Internally Generated Overtide, Spatial Settling Lag, and Gravitational Circulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wei, Xiaoyan; Kumar, Mohit; Schuttelaars, Henk M.

2018-02-01

To investigate the dominant sediment transport and trapping mechanisms, a semi-analytical three-dimensional model is developed resolving the dynamic effects of salt intrusion on sediment in well-mixed estuaries in morphodynamic equilibrium. As a study case, a schematized estuary with a converging width and a channel-shoal structure representative for the Delaware estuary is considered. When neglecting Coriolis effects, sediment downstream of the estuarine turbidity maximum (ETM) is imported into the estuary through the deeper channel and exported over the shoals. Within the ETM region, sediment is transported seaward through the deeper channel and transported landward over the shoals. The largest contribution to the cross-sectionally integrated seaward residual sediment transport is attributed to the advection of tidally averaged sediment concentrations by river-induced flow and tidal return flow. This contribution is mainly balanced by the residual landward sediment transport due to temporal correlations between the suspended sediment concentrations and velocities at the M2 tidal frequency. The M2 sediment concentration mainly results from spatial settling lag effects and asymmetric bed shear stresses due to interactions of M2 bottom velocities and the internally generated M4 tidal velocities, as well as the salinity-induced residual currents. Residual advection of tidally averaged sediment concentrations also plays an important role in the landward sediment transport. Including Coriolis effects hardly changes the cross-sectionally integrated sediment balance, but results in a landward (seaward) sediment transport on the right (left) side of the estuary looking seaward, consistent with observations from literature. The sediment transport/trapping mechanisms change significantly when varying the settling velocity and river discharge.

Wave and Current Observations in a Tidal Inlet Using GPS Drifter Buoys

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-03-01

right panel). ............17  Figure 10.  DWR-G external sensor configuration (left panel). GT-31 GPS receiver is visible on the bottom left. Two GoPro ...receiver is visible on the bottom left. Two GoPro cameras are attached to the top of the buoy. DWR-G internal sensor configuration (right panel

Conceptual Design of a 100kW Energy Integrated Type Bi-Directional Tidal Current Turbine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Ki Pyoung; Ahmed, M. Rafiuddin; Lee, Young Ho

2010-06-01

The development of a tidal current turbine that can extract maximum energy from the tidal current will be extremely beneficial for supplying continuous electric power. The present paper presents a conceptual design of a 100kW energy integrated type tidal current turbine for tidal power generation. The instantaneous power density of a flowing fluid incident on an underwater turbine is proportional to the cubic power of current velocity which is approximately 2.5m/s. A cross-flow turbine, provided with a nozzle and a diffuser, is designed and analyzed. The potential advantages of ducted and diffuser-augmented turbines were taken into consideration in order to achieve higher output at a relatively low speed. This study looks at a cross-flow turbine system which is placed in an augmentation channel to generate electricity bi-directionally. The compatibility of this turbine system is verified using a commercial CFD code, ANSYSCFX. This paper presents the results of the numerical analysis in terms of pressure, streaklines, velocity vectors and performance curves for energy integrated type bi-directional tidal current turbine (BDT) with augmentation.

Tidal influence on subtropical estuarine methane emissions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sturm, Katrin; Grinham, Alistair; Werner, Ursula; Yuan, Zhiguo

2014-05-01

The relatively unstudied subtropical estuaries, particularly in the Southern Hemisphere, represent an important gap in our understanding of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. These systems are likely to form an important component of GHG budgets as they occupy a relatively large surface area, over 38 000 km2 in Australia. Here, we present studies conducted in the Brisbane River estuary, a representative system within the subtropical region of Queensland, Australia. This is a highly modified system typical of 80% of Australia's estuaries. Generally, these systems have undergone channel deepening and straightening for safer shipping access and these modifications have resulted in large increases in tidal reach. The Brisbane River estuary's natural tidal reach was 16 km and this is now 85 km and tidal currents influence double the surface area (9 km2 to 18 km2) in this system. Field studies were undertaken to improve understanding of the driving factors behind methane water-air fluxes. Water-air fluxes in estuaries are usually calculated with the gas exchange coefficient (k) for currents and wind as well as the concentration difference across the water-air interface. Tidal studies in the lower and middle reaches of the estuary were performed to monitor the influence of the tidal stage (a proxy for kcurrent) on methane fluxes. Results for both investigated reaches showed significantly higher methane fluxes during the transition time of tides, the time of greatest tidal currents, than during slack tide periods. At these tidal transition times with highest methane chamber fluxes, lowest methane surface water concentrations were monitored. Modelled fluxes using only wind speed (kwind) were at least one order of magnitude lower than observed from floating chambers, demonstrating that current speed was likely the driving factor of water-air fluxes. An additional study was then conducted sampling the lower, middle and upper reaches during a tidal transition period. Although dissolved methane surface water concentrations were highest in the upper reaches of the estuary, experiencing the lowest tidal currents, fluxes measured using chambers were lower relative to middle and lower reaches. This supports the tidal study findings as higher tidal currents were experienced in the middle and lower reaches. The dominant driver behind estuarine methane water-air fluxes in this system was tidal current speed. Future studies need to take into account flux rates during both transition and slack tide periods to quantify total flux rates.

California State Waters Map Series: Drakes Bay and vicinity, California

USGS Publications Warehouse

Watt, Janet T.; Dartnell, Peter; Golden, Nadine E.; Greene, H. Gary; Erdey, Mercedes D.; Cochrane, Guy R.; Johnson, Samuel Y.; Hartwell, Stephen R.; Kvitek, Rikk G.; Manson, Michael W.; Endris, Charles A.; Dieter, Bryan E.; Sliter, Ray W.; Krigsman, Lisa M.; Lowe, Erik N.; Chinn, John L.; Watt, Janet T.; Cochran, Susan A.

2015-01-01

Sediment transport in the map area largely is controlled by surface waves and tidal currents in the nearshore and, at depths greater than 20 to 30 m, by tidal and subtidal currents. In the map area, nearshore littoral drift of sand and coarse sediment is to the south, owing to the dominant west-northwest swell direction, and scour from large waves and tidal currents removes and redistributes sediment over large areas of the inner shelf. Tidal currents are particularly strong over the shelf in the map area, and they dominate the current regime in the nearshore. Further offshore, bottom currents generally flow to the northwest, distributing finer grained sediment accordingly.

Wave-current interactions in megatidal environment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bennis, A. C.; Pascal, B. D. B.; Feddy, A.; Garnier, V.; Accenti, M.; Dumas, F.; Ardhuin, F.

2016-12-01

The strongest tidal current in western Europe (up to 12 knots) occurs in Raz Blanchard (Normandy, France). High winds occur over six months which generate energetic wave conditions with breaking waves, hence the name of `Blanchard'. However, few studies have been conducted on the wave effects on the tidal current at this location because of the lack of measurements. Studies are now required to aid the creation of tidal farms. For this purpose, the 3D fully-coupled model MARS-WW3 is used with three nested ranks which are forced at boundaries by wave spectra from HOMERE database (Boudière et al., 2013) and by sea level from the French Navy (SHOM). The model is tested against ADCP data of IRSN at three locations near Raz Blanchard. Time series of current velocity and of mean sea level are consistent with ADCP data. A rephasing by waves of the tidal current is observed in comparison with simulations without waves, which fits the ADCP data. A strong dependence of the tidal current on bottom roughness is shown as well as the necessity to take into account its spatial heterogeneity. The simulated mean sea level is close to the measured one while it was underestimated for high tide in simulations without wave effects. The vertical shape of the tidal current is especially modified near the surface by waves as expected. Depending on the tidal cycle and wave direction, acceleration or deceleration of the surface current due to waves is observed. Lastly, several hydrodynamical scenarios for Raz Blanchard are carried out for different tidal and wave conditions pending the HYD2M'17 data (ADCP, ADV, drifting wave buoys, HF and VHF and X-Band radars). First results show the impacts of refractive, shoaling and blocking effects on the flood and ebb currents.

The orbital thermal evolution and global expansion of Ganymede

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bland, Michael T.; Showman, Adam P.; Tobie, Gabriel

2009-03-01

The tectonically and cryovolcanically resurfaced terrains of Ganymede attest to the satellite's turbulent geologic history. Yet, the ultimate cause of its geologic violence remains unknown. One plausible scenario suggests that the Galilean satellites passed through one or more Laplace-like resonances before evolving into the current Laplace resonance. Passage through such a resonance can excite Ganymede's eccentricity, leading to tidal dissipation within the ice shell. To evaluate the effects of resonance passage on Ganymede's thermal history we model the coupled orbital-thermal evolution of Ganymede both with and without passage through a Laplace-like resonance. In the absence of tidal dissipation, radiogenic heating alone is capable of creating large internal oceans within Ganymede if the ice grain size is 1 mm or greater. For larger grain sizes, oceans will exist into the present epoch. The inclusion of tidal dissipation significantly alters Ganymede's thermal history, and for some parameters (e.g. ice grain size, tidal Q of Jupiter) a thin ice shell (5 to 20 km) can be maintained throughout the period of resonance passage. The pulse of tidal heating that accompanies Laplace-like resonance capture can cause up to 2.5% volumetric expansion of the satellite and contemporaneous formation of near surface partial melt. The presence of a thin ice shell and high satellite orbital eccentricity would generate moderate diurnal tidal stresses in Ganymede's ice shell. Larger stresses result if the ice shell rotates non-synchronously. The combined effects of satellite expansion, its associated tensile stress, rapid formation of near surface partial melt, and tidal stress due to an eccentric orbit may be responsible for creating Ganymede's unique surface features.

SAR observation and numerical modeling of tidal current wakes at the East China Sea offshore wind farm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, XiaoMing; Chi, Lequan; Chen, Xueen; Ren, YongZheng; Lehner, Susanne

2014-08-01

A TerraSAR-X (TS-X) Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) image acquired at the East China Sea offshore wind farm presents distinct wakes at a kilometer scale on the lee of the wind turbines. The presumption was that these wakes were caused by wind movement around turbine blades. However, wind analysis using spaceborne radiometer data, numerical weather prediction, and in situ measurements suggest that the prevailing wind direction did not align with the wakes. By analyzing measurement at the tidal gauge station and modeling of the tidal current field, these trailing wakes are interpreted to have formed when a strong tidal current impinged on the cylindrical monopiles of the wind turbines. A numerical simulation was further conducted to reproduce the tidal current wake under such conditions. Comparison of the simulated surface velocity in the wake region with the TS-X sea surface backscatter intensity shows a similar trend. Consequently, turbulence intensity (T.I.) of the tidal current wakes over multiple piles is studied using the TS-X observation. It is found that the T.I. has a logarithmic relation with distance. Furthermore, another case study showing wakes due to wind movement around turbine blades is presented to discuss the differences in the tidal current wakes and wind turbine wakes. The conclusion is drawn that small-scale wakes formed by interaction of the tidal current and the turbine piles could be also imaged by SAR when certain conditions are satisfied. The study is anticipated to draw more attentions to the impacts of offshore wind foundations on local hydrodynamic field.

Mooring Measurements of the Abyssal Circulations in the Western Pacific Ocean

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, J.; Wang, F.

2016-12-01

A scientific observing network in the western tropical Pacific has initially been established by the Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (IOCAS). Using fifteen moorings that gives unprecedented measurements in the intermediate and abyssal layers, we present multi-timescale variations of the deep ocean circulations prior to and during 2015 El Niño event. The deep ocean velocities increase equatorward with high standard deviation and nearly zero mean. The deep ocean currents mainly flow in meridional direction in the central Philippine Basin, and are dominated by a series of alternating westward and eastward zonal jets in the Caroline Basin. The currents in the deep channel connecting the East and West Mariana Basins mainly flow southeastward. Seasonal variation is only present in the deep jets in the Caroline Basin, associating with vertical propagating annual Rossby wave. The high-frequency flow bands are dominated by diurnal, and semi-diurnal tidal currents, and near-inertial currents. The rough topography has a strong influence on the abyssal circulations, including the intensifications in velocity and internal tidal energy, and the formation of upwelling flow.

Coastal ocean transport patterns in the central Southern California Bight

USGS Publications Warehouse

Noble, M.A.; Rosenberger, K.J.; Hamilton, P.; Xu, J. P.

2009-01-01

In the past decade, several large programs that monitor currents and transport patterns for periods from a few months to a few years were conducted by a consortium of university, federal, state, and municipal agencies in the central Southern California Bight, a heavily urbanized section of the coastal ocean off the west coast of the United States encompassing Santa Monica Bay, San Pedro Bay, and the Palos Verdes shelf. These programs were designed in part to determine how alongshelf and cross-shelf currents move sediments, pollutants, and suspended material through the region. Analysis of the data sets showed that the current patterns in this portion of the Bight have distinct changes in frequency and amplitude with location, in part because the topography of the shelf and upper slope varies rapidly over small spatial scales. However, because the mean, subtidal, and tidal-current patterns in any particular location were reasonably stable with time, one could determine a regional pattern for these current fields in the central Southern California Bight even though measurements at the various locations were obtained at different times. In particular, because the mean near-surface flows over the San Pedro and Palos Verdes shelves are divergent, near-surface waters from the upper slope tend to carry suspended material onto the shelf in the northwestern portion of San Pedro Bay. Water and suspended material are also carried off the shelf by the mean and subtidal flow fields in places where the orientation of the shelf break changes abruptly. The barotropic tidal currents in the central Southern California Bight flow primarily alongshore, but they have pronounced amplitude variations over relatively small changes in alongshelf location that are not totally predicted by numerical tidal models. Nonlinear internal tides and internal bores at tidal frequencies are oriented more across the shelf. They do not have a uniform transport direction, since they move fine sediment from the shelf to the slope in Santa Monica Bay, but carry suspended material from the mid-shelf to the beach in San Pedro Bay. It is clear that there are a large variety of processes that transport sediments and contaminants along and across the shelf in the central Southern California Bight. However, because these processes have a variety of frequencies and relatively small spatial scales, the dominant transport processes tend to be localized and have dissimilar characteristics even in adjacent regions of this small part of the coastal ocean. ?? 2009 The Geological Society of America.

Development of a new model for short period ocean tidal variations of Earth rotation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schuh, Harald

2015-08-01

Within project SPOT (Short Period Ocean Tidal variations in Earth rotation) we develop a new high frequency Earth rotation model based on empirical ocean tide models. The main purpose of the SPOT model is its application to space geodetic observations such as GNSS and VLBI.We consider an empirical ocean tide model, which does not require hydrodynamic ocean modeling to determine ocean tidal angular momentum. We use here the EOT11a model of Savcenko & Bosch (2012), which is extended for some additional minor tides (e.g. M1, J1, T2). As empirical tidal models do not provide ocean tidal currents, which are re- quired for the computation of oceanic relative angular momentum, we implement an approach first published by Ray (2001) to estimate ocean tidal current veloci- ties for all tides considered in the extended EOT11a model. The approach itself is tested by application to tidal heights from hydrodynamic ocean tide models, which also provide tidal current velocities. Based on the tidal heights and the associated current velocities the oceanic tidal angular momentum (OTAM) is calculated.For the computation of the related short period variation of Earth rotation, we have re-examined the Euler-Liouville equation for an elastic Earth model with a liquid core. The focus here is on the consistent calculation of the elastic Love num- bers and associated Earth model parameters, which are considered in the Euler- Liouville equation for diurnal and sub-diurnal periods in the frequency domain.

Hydrodynamic Environment and Ecosystem Diversity at two Deep-Sea Marine Protected Areas in Southern Biscay

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

González-Pola, C.; Ivey, G. N.; Jones, N. L.; Sanchez, F.; Kelly, S. M.; Bluteau, C.; Somavilla, R.

2016-02-01

Two nearby offshore deep sea areas in Southern Bay of Biscay (northern Spain), hosting valuable ecosystems, have been recently declared marine protected areas. The first one is Le Danois Bank, a seamount-like feature connected to the continental shelf by a saddle. The second one is the Aviles Canyon System (ACS) that breaks the continuity of the northern Spanish continental shelf. A number of observational multidisciplinary programs carried out within the last decade allowed a detailed identification of habitats and biological communities. As a long-term goal these programs aimed to understand the ecosystem functioning as a whole with the implicit focus in associated circulation and dynamics. The observational record includes deep sea photogrametry as well as standard hydrography and long-term mooring lines. A lander system provided high-frequency currents and thermal structure tens meters above bottom together with time lapse photographs at selected sites. Different characteristic habitats from sedimentary to rocky, associated with different fisheries, were described both in Le Danois Bank and the ACS. These include sponge aggregations and deep water corals. Noteworthy structured coral reefs only appeared in a relatively small area in one of the tributaries of the ACS (La Gaviera Canyon), where local near-bottom currents were stronger than anywhere else in the region. The development and violent breaking of an internal tidal bore was the main feature of such hotspot. Analytic estimates confirmed that La Gaviera is the only canyon were large patches of the seafloor are critical or near-critical to the semidiurnal internal tide and nearby upper flanks show also large patches of critical seafloor and large body forcing. A year-long near-bottom current record captured the development of three benthic storms, events lasting several days in which currents increases up to 3-fold the tidal max speeds and direction swings rapidly, losing the uniformity of tidal regime.

Analysis of tidal currents in the North Sea from shipboard acoustic Doppler current profiler data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vindenes, Håvard; Orvik, Kjell Arild; Søiland, Henrik; Wehde, Henning

2018-06-01

North Sea tidal currents are determined by applying harmonic analysis to ship-borne acoustic Doppler current profiler data recorded from 1999 to 2016, covering large areas of the northern North Sea. Direct current measurement data sets of this magnitude are rare in the otherwise well investigated North Sea, and thus it is a valuable asset in studying and expanding our understanding of its tidal currents and circulation in general. The harmonic analysis is applied to a least squares fit of the current observations at a set of knot points. Results from the harmonic analysis compare favorably to tidal parameters estimated from observations from moored instruments. The analysis shows that the tides are characterized by strong semi-diurnal component, with amplitudes of the principal Lunar constituent ranging from 1.6 cm/s in the Skagerrak to 67 cm/s in the Fair Isle Channel. Diurnal tides are found to be approximately one fifth the strength of the predominant semi-diurnal constituent. Output from a regional barotropic tide model compares well to tidal current determined from the harmonic analysis of the Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler data.

Tidal dynamics in a changing lagoon: Flooding or not flooding the marginal regions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lopes, Carina L.; Dias, João M.

2015-12-01

Coastal lagoons are low-lying systems under permanent changes motivated by natural and anthropogenic factors. Ria de Aveiro is such an example with its margins currently threatened by the advance of the lagoonal waters recorded during the last decades. This work aims to study the tidal modifications found between 1987 and 2012 in this lagoon, motivated by the main channels deepening which induce higher inland tidal levels. Additionally it aims to study the impact that protective walls designed to protect the margins against flooding may have in those modifications under sea level rise predictions. The hydrodynamic model ELCIRC previously calibrated for Ria de Aveiro was used and tidal asymmetry, tidal ellipses and residual currents were analyzed for different scenarios, considering the mean sea level rise predicted for 2100 and the implementation of probable flood protection walls. Results evidenced that lagoon dominance remained unchanged between 1987 and 2012, but distortion decreased/increased in the deeper/shallower channels. The same trend was found under mean sea level rise conditions. Tidal currents increased over this period inducing an amplification of the water properties exchange within the lagoon, which will be stronger under mean sea level rise conditions. The deviations between scenarios with or without flood protection walls can achieve 60% for the tidal distortion and residual currents and 20% for the tidal currents, highlighting that tidal properties are extremely sensitive to the lagoon geometry. In summary, the development of numerical modelling applications dedicated to study the influence of mean sea level rise on coastal low-lying systems subjected to human influence should include structural measures designed for flood defence in order to accurately predict changes in the local tidal properties.

On the generation and evolution of internal solitary waves in the southern Red Sea

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, Daquan; Zhan, Peng; Kartadikaria, Aditya; Akylas, Triantaphyllos; Hoteit, Ibrahim

2015-04-01

Satellite observations recently revealed the existence of trains of internal solitary waves in the southern Red Sea between 16.0°N and 16.5°N, propagating from the centre of the domain toward the continental shelf [Da silva et al., 2012]. Given the relatively weak tidal velocity in this area and their generation in the central of the domain, Da Silva suggested three possible mechanisms behind the generation of the waves, namely Resonance and disintegration of interfacial tides, Generation of interfacial tides by impinging, remotely generated internal tidal beams and for geometrically focused and amplified internal tidal beams. Tide analysis based on tide stations data and barotropic tide model in the Red Sea shows that tide is indeed very weak in the centre part of the Red Sea, but it is relatively strong in the northern and southern parts (reaching up to 66 cm/s). Together with extreme steep slopes along the deep trench, it provides favourable conditions for the generation of internal solitary in the southern Red Sea. To investigate the generation mechanisms and study the evolution of the internal waves in the off-shelf region of the southern Red Sea we have implemented a 2-D, high-resolution and non-hydrostatic configuration of the MIT general circulation model (MITgcm). Our simulations reproduce well that the generation process of the internal solitary waves. Analysis of the model's output suggests that the interaction between the topography and tidal flow with the nonlinear effect is the main mechanism behind the generation of the internal solitary waves. Sensitivity experiments suggest that neither tidal beam nor the resonance effect of the topography is important factor in this process.

Towards Sustainable Water Quality In Estuarine Impoundments: The Current State.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wright, J.; Worrall, F.

Several estuarine impoundment schemes have been built or are proposed in the UK and worldwide. The impounding of estuaries is currently a popular approach to urban regeneration in the UK. By creation of an aesthetically pleasing amenity impound- ment, including the drowning of "unsightly" tidal mud flats, it is hoped that prestige development will be encouraged in the estuarine area. Impounding fundamentally alters the dynamics of estuaries, with consequences in terms of sedimentation patterns and rates, and water quality. The SIMBA Project at- tempts to understand the controls on water quality in impoundments, with a view to- wards long term and sustainable high water quality through good barrage design and management practice. Detailed water quality surveys have been carried out on a total of 79 dates on the Tees, Tawe, Wansbeck and Blyth estuaries. Water quality parameters which have been determined are pH, Eh, dissolved oxygen (DO), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), conductivity, transparency, suspended solids, alkalinity, temperature, nutri- ents (nitrate+nitrite, ammonium and orthophosphate), and a large range of dissolved metals. Statistical analyses are used to demonstrate the major controls on water qual- ity in impoundments. A distinction is made between total tidal exclusion (freshwater) systems, in which water quality is primarily influenced by external/catchment factors, and partial tidal exclusion systems, in which water quality is processed internally. This internal processing is due to density stratification creating compartments of saline wa- ter in contact with oxygen demanding sediments and isolated from the atmosphere, which leads to conditions of low DO and changes in redox conditions which may lead to release of metals and phosphate from the sediment.

A robust interpolation procedure for producing tidal current ellipse inputs for regional and coastal ocean numerical models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Byun, Do-Seong; Hart, Deirdre E.

2017-04-01

Regional and/or coastal ocean models can use tidal current harmonic forcing, together with tidal harmonic forcing along open boundaries in order to successfully simulate tides and tidal currents. These inputs can be freely generated using online open-access data, but the data produced are not always at the resolution required for regional or coastal models. Subsequent interpolation procedures can produce tidal current forcing data errors for parts of the world's coastal ocean where tidal ellipse inclinations and phases move across the invisible mathematical "boundaries" between 359° and 0° degrees (or 179° and 0°). In nature, such "boundaries" are in fact smooth transitions, but if these mathematical "boundaries" are not treated correctly during interpolation, they can produce inaccurate input data and hamper the accurate simulation of tidal currents in regional and coastal ocean models. These avoidable errors arise due to procedural shortcomings involving vector embodiment problems (i.e., how a vector is represented mathematically, for example as velocities or as coordinates). Automated solutions for producing correct tidal ellipse parameter input data are possible if a series of steps are followed correctly, including the use of Cartesian coordinates during interpolation. This note comprises the first published description of scenarios where tidal ellipse parameter interpolation errors can arise, and of a procedure to successfully avoid these errors when generating tidal inputs for regional and/or coastal ocean numerical models. We explain how a straightforward sequence of data production, format conversion, interpolation, and format reconversion steps may be used to check for the potential occurrence and avoidance of tidal ellipse interpolation and phase errors. This sequence is demonstrated via a case study of the M2 tidal constituent in the seas around Korea but is designed to be universally applicable. We also recommend employing tidal ellipse parameter calculation methods that avoid the use of Foreman's (1978) "northern semi-major axis convention" since, as revealed in our analysis, this commonly used conversion can result in inclination interpolation errors even when Cartesian coordinate-based "vector embodiment" solutions are employed.

Long-Period Tidal Variations in the Length of Day

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ray, Richard D.; Erofeeva, Svetlana Y.

2014-01-01

A new model of long-period tidal variations in length of day is developed. The model comprises 80 spectral lines with periods between 18.6 years and 4.7 days, and it consistently includes effects of mantle anelasticity and dynamic ocean tides for all lines. The anelastic properties followWahr and Bergen; experimental confirmation for their results now exists at the fortnightly period, but there remains uncertainty when extrapolating to the longest periods. The ocean modeling builds on recent work with the fortnightly constituent, which suggests that oceanic tidal angular momentum can be reliably predicted at these periods without data assimilation. This is a critical property when modeling most long-period tides, for which little observational data exist. Dynamic ocean effects are quite pronounced at shortest periods as out-of-phase rotation components become nearly as large as in-phase components. The model is tested against a 20 year time series of space geodetic measurements of length of day. The current international standard model is shown to leave significant residual tidal energy, and the new model is found to mostly eliminate that energy, with especially large variance reduction for constituents Sa, Ssa, Mf, and Mt.

Experiments on topographies lacking tidal conversion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maas, Leo; Paci, Alexandre; Yuan, Bing

2015-11-01

In a stratified sea, internal tides are supposedly generated when the tide passes over irregular topography. It has been shown that for any given frequency in the internal wave band there are an infinite number of exceptions to this rule of thumb. This ``stealth-like'' property of the topography is due to a subtle annihilation of the internal waves generated during the surface tide's passage over the irregular bottom. We here demonstrate this in a lab-experiment. However, for any such topography, subsequently changing the surface tide's frequency does lead to tidal conversion. The upshot of this is that a tidal wave passing over an irregular bottom is for a substantial part trapped to this irregularity, and only partly converted into freely propagating internal tides. Financially supported by the European Community's 7th Framework Programme HYDRALAB IV.

Using Principal Component and Tidal Analysis as a Quality Metric for Detecting Systematic Heading Uncertainty in Long-Term Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler Data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Morley, M. G.; Mihaly, S. F.; Dewey, R. K.; Jeffries, M. A.

2015-12-01

Ocean Networks Canada (ONC) operates the NEPTUNE and VENUS cabled ocean observatories to collect data on physical, chemical, biological, and geological ocean conditions over multi-year time periods. Researchers can download real-time and historical data from a large variety of instruments to study complex earth and ocean processes from their home laboratories. Ensuring that the users are receiving the most accurate data is a high priority at ONC, requiring quality assurance and quality control (QAQC) procedures to be developed for all data types. While some data types have relatively straightforward QAQC tests, such as scalar data range limits that are based on expected observed values or measurement limits of the instrument, for other data types the QAQC tests are more comprehensive. Long time series of ocean currents from Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers (ADCP), stitched together from multiple deployments over many years is one such data type where systematic data biases are more difficult to identify and correct. Data specialists at ONC are working to quantify systematic compass heading uncertainty in long-term ADCP records at each of the major study sites using the internal compass, remotely operated vehicle bearings, and more analytical tools such as principal component analysis (PCA) to estimate the optimal instrument alignments. In addition to using PCA, some work has been done to estimate the main components of the current at each site using tidal harmonic analysis. This paper describes the key challenges and presents preliminary PCA and tidal analysis approaches used by ONC to improve long-term observatory current measurements.

Simulation of the effect of an oil refining project on the water environment using the MIKE 21 model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jia, Peng; Wang, Qinggai; Lu, Xuchuan; Zhang, Beibei; Li, Chen; Li, Sa; Li, Shibei; Wang, Yaping

2018-02-01

A case study of the Caofeidian oil refining project is conducted. A two-dimensional convective dispersion mathematical model is established to simulate the increase in the concentration of pollutants resulting from the wastewater discharge from the Caofeidian oil refining project and to analyze the characteristics of the dispersion of pollutants after wastewater is discharged and the effect of the wastewater discharge on the surrounding sea areas. The results demonstrate the following: (1) The Caofeidian sea area has strong tidal currents, which are significantly affected by the terrain. There are significant differences in the tidal current velocity and the direction between the deep-water areas and the shoals. The direction of the tidal currents in the deep-water areas is essentially parallel to the contour lines of the sea areas. Onshore currents and rip currents submerging the shoals are the dominant currents in the shoals. (2) The pollutant concentration field in the offshore areas changes periodically with the movement of the tidal current. The dilution and dispersion of pollutants are affected by the ocean currents in different tidal periods. The turbulent dispersion of pollutants is the most intense when a neap tide ebbs, followed by when a neap tide rises, when a spring tide ebbs and when a spring tide rises. (3) There are relatively good hydrodynamic conditions near the project's wastewater discharge outlet. Wastewater is well diluted after being discharged. Areas with high concentrations of pollutants are concentrated near the wastewater discharge outlet and the offshore areas. These pollutants migrate southwestward with the flood tidal current and northeastward with the ebb tidal current and have no significant impact on the protection targets in the open sea areas and nearby sea areas.

Tidal interaction: A possible explanation for geysers and other fluid phenomena in the Neptune-Triton system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kelly, W. D.; Wood, C. L.

1993-01-01

Discovery of geyser-like plumes on the surface of Triton was a highlight of Voyager 2's passage through the Neptune planetary system. Remarkable as these observations were, they were not entirely without precedent. Considering the confirmed predictions for the 1979 Voyager Jovian passage, it was logical to consider other solar system bodies beside Io where tidal effects could be a significant factor in surface processes. It was our intuition that the Neptune-Triton gravitational bond acting at high inclination to the Neptune equator and the fact that Neptune was a fluid body was significant oblateness would produce tidal and mechanical forces that could be transformed into thermal energy vented on Triton's surface. Prior to the Voyager flyby, others have noted that capture and evolution of Triton's orbit from extreme eccentricity to near circular state today would have resulted in significant tidal heating, but these analysts disregard current day forces. Our calculations indicate that the time varying forces between Neptune-Triton fall midway between those exerted in the Earth-Moon and Jupiter-Io systems, and considering the low level of other energy inputs, this source of internal energy should not be ignored when seeking an explanation for surface activity. In each planet-satellite case, residual or steady-state eccentricity causes time-varying stresses on internal satellite strata. In the case of Jupiter the residual eccentricity is due largely to Galilean satellite interactions, particularly Io-Europa, but in the case of Neptune-Triton, it is the effect of Triton's inclined orbit about an oblate primary.

The Interior and Orbital Evolution of Charon as Preserved in Its Geologic Record

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rhoden, Alyssa Rose; Henning, Wade; Hurford, Terry A.; Hamilton, Douglas P.

2014-01-01

Pluto and its largest satellite, Charon, currently orbit in a mutually synchronous state; both bodies continuously show the same face to one another. This orbital configuration is a natural end-state for bodies that have undergone tidal dissipation. In order to achieve this state, both bodies would have experienced tidal heating and stress, with the extent of tidal activity controlled by the orbital evolution of Pluto and Charon and by the interior structure and rheology of each body. As the secondary, Charon would have experienced a larger tidal response than Pluto, which may have manifested as observable tectonism. Unfortunately, there are few constraints on the interiors of Pluto and Charon. In addition, the pathway by which Charon came to occupy its present orbital state is uncertain. If Charon's orbit experienced a high-eccentricity phase, as suggested by some orbital evolution models, tidal effects would have likely been more significant. Therefore, we determine the conditions under which Charon could have experienced tidally-driven geologic activity and the extent to which upcoming New Horizons spacecraft observations could be used to constrain Charon's internal structure and orbital evolution. Using plausible interior structure models that include an ocean layer, we find that tidally-driven tensile fractures would likely have formed on Charon if its eccentricity were on the order of 0.01, especially if Charon were orbiting closer to Pluto than at present. Such fractures could display a variety of azimuths near the equator and near the poles, with the range of azimuths in a given region dependent on longitude; east-west-trending fractures should dominate at mid-latitudes. The fracture patterns we predict indicate that Charon's surface geology could provide constraints on the thickness and viscosity of Charon's ice shell at the time of fracture formation.

At-Sea Data Collection for the Validation of Piloting Simulation.

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-12-01

ebb , flood, and slack Current. All transits are inbound moving left to right on the plots. While flow at maximum flood or ebb can approach as much as...Work Unit No. ( TRAIS ) Eclectech Associates, Inc. North Stonington Professional Center 11. Contract or Grant No. North Stonington, Connecticut DOT-CG...over 10 knots Ebb tidal current Flood tidal current Slack tidal current The comparison of piloting as a function of these variables is presented in

State of the art in protection of erosion-corrosion on vertical axis tidal current turbine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Musabikha, Siti; Utama, I. Ketut Aria Pria; Mukhtasor

2018-05-01

Vertical axis tidal current turbine is main part of ocean energy devices which converts the tidal current energy into electricity. Its development is arising too due to increased interest research topic concerning climate change mitigation. Due to its rotating movement, it will be induced mechanical forces, such as shear stress and/or particle impact. Because of its natural operations, vertical axis turbine is also being exposed to harsh and corroding marine environment itself. In order to secure the vertical tidal turbine devices from mechanical wear and corrosion effects which is lead to a material loss, an appropriate erosion-corrosion protection needs to be defined. Its protection actionscan be derived such as design factors, material selections, inhibitors usage, cathodic protections, and coatings. This paper aims to analyze protection method which is necessary to control erosion-corrosion phenomenon that appears to the vertical axis tidal current turbine.

A nowcast model for tides and tidal currents in San Francisco Bay, California

USGS Publications Warehouse

Cheng, Ralph T.; Smith, Richard E.

1998-01-01

National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) installed Physical Oceanographic Real-Time System (PORTS) in San Francisco Bay, California to provide observations of tides, tidal currents, and meteorological conditions. PORTS data are used for optimizing vessel operations, increasing margin of safety for navigation, and guiding hazardous material spill prevention and response. Because tides and tidal currents in San Francisco Bay are extremely complex, limited real-time observations are insufficient to provide spatial resolution for variations of tides and tidal currents. To fill the information gaps, a highresolution, robust, semi-implicit, finite-difference nowcast numerical model has been implemented for San Francisco Bay. The model grid and water depths are defined on coordinates based on Mercator projection so the model outputs can be directly superimposed on navigation charts. A data assimilation algorithm has been established to derive the boundary conditions for model simulations. The nowcast model is executed every hour continuously for tides and tidal currents starting from 24 hours before the present time (now) covering a total of 48 hours simulation. Forty-eight hours of nowcast model results are available to the public at all times through the World Wide Web (WWW). Users can view and download the nowcast model results for tides and tidal current distributions in San Francisco Bay for their specific applications and for further analysis.

Internal wave observations made with an airborne synthetic aperture imaging radar

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Elachi, C.; Apel, J. R.

1976-01-01

Synthetic aperture L-band radar flown aboard the NASA CV-990 has observed periodic striations on the ocean surface off the coast of Alaska which have been interpreted as tidally excited oceanic internal waves of less than 500 m length. These radar images are compared to photographic imagery of similar waves taken from Landsat 1. Both the radar and Landsat images reveal variations in reflectivity across each wave in a packet that range from low to high to normal. The variations point to the simultaneous existence of two mechanisms for the surface signatures of internal waves: roughening due to wave-current interactions, and smoothing due to slick formation.

Modelling potential changes in marine biogeochemistry due to large-scale offshore tidal energy extraction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

van der Molen, Johan

2015-04-01

Tidal power generation through submerged turbine-type devices is in an advanced stage of testing, and large-scale applications are being planned in areas with high tidal current speeds. The potential impact of such large-scale applications on the hydrography can be investigated using hydrodynamical models. In addition, aspects of the potential impact on the marine ecosystem can be studied using biogeochemical models. In this study, the coupled hydrodynamics-biogeochemistry model GETM-ERSEM is used in a shelf-wide application to investigate the potential impact of large-scale tidal power generation in the Pentland Firth. A scenario representing the currently licensed power extraction suggested i) an average reduction in M2 tidal current velocities of several cm/s within the Pentland Firth, ii) changes in the residual circulation of several mm/s in the vicinity of the Pentland Firth, iii) an increase in M2 tidal amplitude of up to 1 cm to the west of the Pentland Firth, and iv) a reduction of several mm in M2 tidal amplitude along the east coast of the UK. A second scenario representing 10 times the currently licensed power extraction resulted in changes that were approximately 10 times as large. Simulations including the biogeochemistry model for these scenarios are currently in preparation, and first results will be presented at the the conference, aiming at impacts on primary production and benthic production.

A Tale of Two Inlets: Tidal Currents at Two Adjacent Inlets in the Indian River Lagoon

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Webb, B. M.; Weaver, R. J.

2012-12-01

The tidal currents and hydrography at two adjacent inlets of the Indian River Lagoon estuary (Florida) were recently measured using a personal watercraft-based coastal profiling system. Although the two inlets—Sebastian Inlet and Port Canaveral Inlet—are separated by only 60 km, their characteristics and dynamics are quite unique. While Sebastian Inlet is a shallow (~4 m), curved inlet with a free connection to the estuary, Port Canaveral Inlet is dominated by a deep (~13 m), straight ship channel and has limited connectivity to the Banana River through a sector gate lock. Underway measurements of tidal currents were obtained using a bottom tracking acoustic Doppler current profiler; vertical casts of hydrography were obtained with a conductivity-temperature-depth profiling instrument; and continuous underway measurements of surface water hydrography were made using a Portable SeaKeeper system. Survey transects were performed to elucidate the along-channel variability of tidal flows, which appears to be significant in the presence of channel curvature. Ebb and flood tidal currents in Sebastian Inlet routinely exceeded 2.5 m/s from the surface to the bed, and an appreciable phase lag exists between tidal stage and current magnitude. The tidal currents at Port Canaveral Inlet were much smaller (~0.2 m/s) and appeared to be sensitive to meteorological forcing during the study period. Although the lagoon has free connections to the ocean 145 km to the north and 45 km to the south, Sebastian Inlet likely drains much of the lagoon to its north, an area of ~550 sq. km.

Diurnal tidal currents attributed to free baroclinic coastal-trapped waves on the Pacific shelf off the southeastern coast of Hokkaido, Japan

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kuroda, Hiroshi; Kusaka, Akira; Isoda, Yutaka; Honda, Satoshi; Ito, Sayaka; Onitsuka, Toshihiro

2018-04-01

To understand the properties of tides and tidal currents on the Pacific shelf off the southeastern coast of Hokkaido, Japan, we analyzed time series of 9 current meters that were moored on the shelf for 1 month to 2 years. Diurnal tidal currents such as the K1 and O1 constituents were more dominant than semi-diurnal ones by an order of magnitude. The diurnal tidal currents clearly propagated westward along the coast with a typical phase velocity of 2 m s-1 and wavelength of 200 km. Moreover, the shape and phase of the diurnal currents measured by a bottom-mounted ADCP were vertically homogeneous, except in the vicinity of the bottom boundary layer. These features were very consistent with theoretically estimated properties of free baroclinic coastal-trapped waves of the first mode. An annual (semi-annual) variation was apparent for the phase (amplitude) of the O1 tidal current, which was correlated with density stratification (intensity of an along-shelf current called the Coastal Oyashio). These possible causes are discussed in terms of the propagation and generation of coastal-trapped waves.

Gravitational circulation in a tidal strait

USGS Publications Warehouse

Smith, P.E.; Cheng, R.T.; Burau, J.R.; Simpson, M.R.; ,

1991-01-01

Eight months of continuous measurements of tidal current profiles with an acoustic Doppler current profiler (ADCP) were made in Carquinez Strait, California, during 1988 for the purpose of estimating long-term variations in vertical profiles of Eulerian residual currents. Salinity stratification near the ADCP deployment site also was analyzed. The strength of density-driven gravitational circulation and the amount of salinity stratification in the strait varied significantly over the spring-neap tidal cycle. Density currents and stratification were greater during neap tides when vertical mixing from the tide is at a minimum. Landward residual currents along the bottom were observed only during neap tides. Simulations made with a three-dimensional model to supplement the field measurements show a significant, tidally induced lateral variation in residual currents across the strait. The Stokes drift of 1-2 cm/s in the strait is small relative to the speed of gravitational currents.

Coastal tomographic mapping of nonlinear tidal currents and residual currents

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, Ze-Nan; Zhu, Xiao-Hua; Guo, Xinyu

2017-07-01

Depth-averaged current data, which were obtained by coastal acoustic tomography (CAT) July 12-13, 2009 in Zhitouyang Bay on the western side of the East China Sea, are used to estimate the semidiurnal tidal current (M2) as well as its first two overtide currents (M4 and M6). Spatial mean amplitude ratios M2:M4:M6 in the bay are 1.00:0.15:0.11. The shallow-water equations are used to analyze the generation mechanisms of M4 and M6. In the deep area, where water depths are larger than 60 m, M4 velocity amplitudes measured by CAT agree well with those predicted by the advection terms in the shallow water equations, indicating that M4 in the deep area is predominantly generated by the advection terms. M6 measured by CAT and M6 predicted by the nonlinear quadratic bottom friction terms agree well in the area where water depths are less than 20 m, indicating that friction mechanisms are predominant for generating M6 in the shallow area. In addition, dynamic analysis of the residual currents using the tidally averaged momentum equation shows that spatial mean values of the horizontal pressure gradient due to residual sea level and of the advection of residual currents together contribute about 75% of the spatial mean values of the advection by the tidal currents, indicating that residual currents in this bay are induced mainly by the nonlinear effects of tidal currents. This is the first ever nonlinear tidal current study by CAT.

Improving an Assessment of Tidal Stream Energy Resource for Anchorage, Alaska

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, T.; Haas, K. A.

2016-12-01

Increasing global energy demand is driving the pursuit of new and innovative energy sources leading to the need for assessing and utilizing alternative, productive and reliable energy resources. Tidal currents, characterized by periodicity and predictability, have long been explored and studied as a potential energy source, focusing on many different locations with significant tidal ranges. However, a proper resource assessment cannot be accomplished without accurate knowledge of the spatial-temporal distribution and availability of tidal currents. Known for possessing one of the top tidal energy sources along the U.S. coastline, Cook Inlet, Alaska is the area of interest for this project. A previous regional scaled resource assessment has been completed, however, the present study is to focus the assessment on the available power specifically near Anchorage while significantly improving the accuracy of the assessment following IEC guidelines. The Coupled-Ocean-Atmosphere-Wave-Sediment Transport (COAWST) modeling system is configured to simulate the tidal flows with grid refinement techniques for a minimum of 32 days, encompassing an entire lunar cycle. Simulation results are validated by extracting tidal constituents with harmonic analysis and comparing tidal components with National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) observations and predictions. Model calibration includes adjustments to bottom friction coefficients and the usage of different tidal database. Differences between NOAA observations and COAWST simulations after applying grid refinement decrease, compared with results from a former study without grid refinement. Also, energy extraction is simulated at potential sites to study the impact on the tidal resources. This study demonstrates the enhancement of the resource assessment using grid refinement to evaluate tidal energy near Anchorage within Cook Inlet, Alaska, the productivity that energy extraction can achieve and the change in tidal currents caused by energy extraction.

Tidal downscaling from the open ocean to the coast: a new approach applied to the Bay of Biscay

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Toublanc, F.; Ayoub, N. K.; Lyard, F.; Marsaleix, P.; Allain, D. J.

2018-04-01

Downscaling physical processes from a large scale to a regional scale 3D model is a recurrent issue in coastal processes studies. The choice of boundary conditions will often greatly influence the solution within the 3D circulation model. In some regions, tides play a key role in coastal dynamics and must be accurately represented. The Bay of Biscay is one of these regions, with highly energetic tides influencing coastal circulation and river plume dynamics. In this study, three strategies are tested to force with barotropic tides a 3D circulation model with a variable horizontal resolution. The tidal forcings, as well as the tidal elevations and currents resulting from the 3D simulations, are compared to tidal harmonics extracted from satellite altimetry and tidal gauges, and tidal currents harmonics obtained from ADCP data. The results show a strong improvement of the M2 solution within the 3D model with a "tailored" tidal forcing generated on the same grid and bathymetry as the 3D configuration, compared to a global tidal atlas forcing. Tidal harmonics obtained from satellite altimetry data are particularly valuable to assess the performance of each simulation. Comparisons between sea surface height time series, a sea surface salinity database, and daily averaged 2D currents also show a better agreement with this tailored forcing.

Numerical investigation of flow motion and performance of a horizontal axis tidal turbine subjected to a steady current

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Lin-juan; Zheng, Jin-hai; Peng, Yu-xuan; Zhang, Ji-sheng; Wu, Xiu-guang

2015-04-01

Horizontal axis tidal turbines have attracted more and more attentions nowadays, because of their convenience and low expense in construction and high efficiency in extracting tidal energy. The present study numerically investigates the flow motion and performance of a horizontal axis tidal turbine with a supporting vertical cylinder under steady current. In the numerical model, the continuous equation and incompressible Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations are solved, and the volume of fluid method is employed to track free surface motion. The RNG k- ɛ model is adopted to calculate turbulence transport while the fractional area/volume obstacle representation method is used to describe turbine characteristics and movement. The effects of installation elevation of tidal turbine and inlet velocity on the water elevation, and current velocity, rotating speed and resultant force on turbine are discussed. Based on the comparison of the numerical results, a better understanding of flow structure around horizontal axis tidal turbine and turbine performance is achieved.

Nonlinear interaction of the Tsugaru Warm Current and tide in the Tsugaru Strait

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wada, Ryota; Waseda, Takuji; Nanjo, Hirotada

2012-06-01

The Tsugaru Strait, which connects the Sea of Japan with the Pacific Ocean, is characterized by the eastward Tsugaru Warm Current (TWC) and oscillating tidal currents of similar magnitude. A 15-day current observation was conducted in one of the two narrow channels in the strait, at the northwest tip of the Shimokita Peninsula. The observation revealed that the spectral energy of the semidiurnal current exceeds that of the diurnal current, contrary to the conventional view. The Tsugaru Strait regional model was developed to study the mechanism of this spectral energy reversal (140-141.5° E, 40.4-42.6° N, 500 m grid resolution). At the eastern and western open boundaries, the model was driven by the constant Tsugaru warm current and tidal elevation, which was adjusted by comparing the model with tidal gauge observations within the channel. The relative magnitude of the spectral energies differed from that of the observation when the model was driven by tide only. However, the spectral energy levels were reversed when the model was driven by both tide and current. The nonlinear interaction of periodic tidal currents and the steady TWC was explained by the vorticity equation, which describes the production and advection of residual currents from tidal currents. According to the model results, flow separation and advection of vorticity by the TWC was the most prominent factor in this phenomenon. Because of the strong nonlinearities, flow separation around the headland occurred during the tidal period with dominant current magnitude and furnished the main difference between the diurnal and semidiurnal interactions. These phenomena were enhanced by the complex topography, and demonstrate the importance of scale interaction, especially when developing high-resolution regional models.

Feasibility of Tidal and Ocean Current Energy in False Pass, Aleutian Islands, Alaska final report

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wright, Bruce Albert

The Aleutian Pribilof Islands Association was awarded a U.S. Department of Energy Tribal Energy Program grant (DE-EE0005624) for the Feasibility of Tidal and Ocean Current Energy in False Pass, Aleutian Islands, Alaska (Project). The goal of the Project was to perform a feasibility study to determine if a tidal energy project would be a viable means to generate electricity and heat to meet long-term fossil fuel use reduction goals, specifically to produce at least 30% of the electrical and heating needs of the tribally-owned buildings in False Pass. The Project Team included the Aleut Region organizations comprised of the Aleutianmore » Pribilof Island Association (APIA), and Aleutian Pribilof Island Community Development Association (APICDA); the University of Alaska Anchorage, ORPC Alaska a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ocean Renewable Power Company (ORPC), City of False Pass, Benthic GeoScience, and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). The following Project objectives were completed: collected existing bathymetric, tidal, and ocean current data to develop a basic model of current circulation at False Pass, measured current velocities at two sites for a full lunar cycle to establish the viability of the current resource, collected data on transmission infrastructure, electrical loads, and electrical generation at False Pass, performed economic analysis based on current costs of energy and amount of energy anticipated from and costs associated with the tidal energy project conceptual design and scoped environmental issues. Utilizing circulation modeling, the Project Team identified two target sites with strong potential for robust tidal energy resources in Isanotski Strait and another nearer the City of False Pass. In addition, the Project Team completed a survey of the electrical infrastructure, which identified likely sites of interconnection and clarified required transmission distances from the tidal energy resources. Based on resource and electrical data, the Project Team developed a conceptual tidal energy project design utilizing ORPC’s TidGen® Power System. While the Project Team has not committed to ORPC technology for future development of a False Pass project, this conceptual design was critical to informing the Project’s economic analysis. The results showed that power from a tidal energy project could be provided to the City of False at a rate at or below the cost of diesel generated electricity and sold to commercial customers at rates competitive with current market rates, providing a stable, flat priced, environmentally sound alternative to the diesel generation currently utilized for energy in the community. The Project Team concluded that with additional grants and private investment a tidal energy project at False Pass is well-positioned to be the first tidal energy project to be developed in Alaska, and the first tidal energy project to be interconnected to an isolated micro grid in the world. A viable project will be a model for similar projects in coastal Alaska.« less

Estimates of the Attenuation Rates of Baroclinic Tidal Energy Caused by Resonant Interactions Among Internal Waves based on the Weak Turbulence Theory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Onuki, Y.; Hibiya, T.

2016-02-01

The baroclinic tides are thought to be the dominant energy source for turbulent mixing in the ocean interior. In contrast to the geography of the energy conversion rates from the barotropic to baroclinic tides, which has been clarified in recent numerical studies, the global distribution of the energy sink for the resulting low-mode baroclinic tides remains obscure. A key to resolve this issue is the resonant wave-wave interactions, which transfer part of the baroclinic tidal energy to the background internal wave field enhancing the local energy dissipation rates. Recent field observations and numerical studies have pointed out that parametric subharmonic instability (PSI), one of the resonant interactions, causes significant energy sink of baroclinic tidal energy at mid-latitudes. The purpose of this study is to analyze the quantitative aspect of PSI to demonstrate the global distribution of the intensity of resonant wave interactions, namely, the attenuation rate of low-mode baroclinic tidal energy. Our approach is basically following the weak turbulence theory, which is the standard theory for resonant wave-wave interactions, where techniques of singular perturbation and statistical physics are employed. This study is, however, different from the classical theory in some points; we have reformulated the weak turbulence theory to be applicable to low-mode internal waves and also developed its numerical calculation method so that the effects of stratification profile and oceanic total depth can be taken into account. We have calculated the attenuation rate of low-mode baroclinic tidal waves interacting with the background Garrett-Munk internal wave field. The calculated results clearly show the rapid attenuation of baroclinic tidal energy at mid-latitudes, in agreement with the results from field observations and also show the zonal inhomogeneity of the attenuation rate caused by the density structures associated with the subtropical gyre. This study is expected to contribute to clarify the global distribution of the dissipation rates of baroclinic tidal energy.

An empirical model of the tidal currents in the Gulf of the Farallones

USGS Publications Warehouse

Steger, J.M.; Collins, C.A.; Schwing, F.B.; Noble, M.; Garfield, N.; Steiner, M.T.

1998-01-01

Candela et al. (1990, 1992) showed that tides in an open ocean region can be resolved using velocity data from a ship-mounted ADCP. We use their method to build a spatially varying model of the tidal currents in the Gulf of the Farallones, an area of complicated bathymetry where the tidal velocities in some parts of the region are weak compared to the mean currents. We describe the tidal fields for the M2, S2, K1, and O1 constituents and show that this method is sensitive to the model parameters and the quantity of input data. In areas with complex bathymetry and tidal structures, a large amount of spatial data is needed to resolve the tides. A method of estimating the associated errors inherent in the model is described.

A Permo-Carboniferous tide-storm interactive system: Talchir formation, Raniganj Basin, India

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bhattacharya, H. N.; Bhattacharya, Biplab

2006-08-01

Sandstone/siltstone-mudstone interbedded facies of the Permo-Carboniferous Talchir formation, Gondwana Supergroup, is exposed in the Raniganj Basin and records the activities of tidal currents in a terminoglacial, storm-influenced shallow marine setting. Tidal bundles of various types with pause plane drapes, evidence of time-velocity asymmetry and rare bidirectional current flow patterns are indicative of tidal activity. Chance preservation of such structures from storm reworking might have occurred due to dampening of storm waves on the low-gradient muddy substrate of the tidal flat. The tide-generated stratifications are draped by over-thickened muddy-siltstone with wavy/hummocky laminations. Increased suspended sediment concentrations following a storm yielded such thick mudstone drapes. Thin beds containing tidal structures indicate poor sediment supply in a blind tidal embayment.

On inter-tidal transport equation

USGS Publications Warehouse

Cheng, Ralph T.; Feng, Shizuo; Pangen, Xi

1989-01-01

The transports of solutes, sediments, nutrients, and other tracers are fundamental to the interactive physical, chemical, and biological processes in estuaries. The characteristic time scales for most estuarine biological and chemical processes are on the order of several tidal cycles or longer. To address the long-term transport mechanism meaningfully, the formulation of an inter-tidal conservation equation is the main subject of this paper. The commonly used inter-tidal conservation equation takes the form of a convection-dispersion equation in which the convection is represented by the Eulerian residual current, and the dispersion terms are due to the introduction of a Fickian hypothesis, unfortunately, the physical significance of this equation is not clear, and the introduction of a Fickian hypothesis is at best an ad hoc approximation. Some recent research results on the Lagrangian residual current suggest that the long-term transport problem is more closely related to the Lagrangian residual current than to the Eulerian residual current. With the aid of additional insight of residual current, the inter-tidal transport equation has been reformulated in this paper using a small perturbation method for a weakly nonlinear tidal system. When tidal flows can be represented by an M2 system, the new intertidal transport equation also takes the form of a convective-dispersion equation without the introduction of a Fickian hypothesis. The convective velocity turns out to be the first order Lagrangian residual current (the sum of the Eulerian residual current and the Stokes’ drift), and the correlation terms take the form of convection with the Stokes’ drift as the convective velocity. The remaining dispersion terms are perturbations of lower order solution to higher order solutions due to shear effect and turbulent mixing.

International Symposium on Wave and Tidal Energy, 2nd, St. John's College, Cambridge, England, September 23-25, 1981, Proceedings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stephens, H. S.; Stapleton, C. A.

Topics discussed include wave power device interactions, the mathematical modeling of tidal power, and wave power with air turbines. Particular attention is given to the hydrodynamic characteristics of the Bristol Cylinder, the Strangford Lough tidal energy project, and the Foilpropeller for wave power propulsion. Consideration is also given to a submerged oscillating water column device, models of wave energy transformation near a coast, and the environmental implications of tidal power.

Tidal Response of Europa's Subsurface Ocean

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Karatekin, O.; Comblen, R.; Deleersnijder, E.; Dehant, V. M.

2010-12-01

Time-variable tides in the subsurface oceans of icy satellites cause large periodic surface displacements and tidal dissipation can become a major energy source that can affect long-term orbital and internal evolution. In the present study, we investigate the response of the subsurface ocean of Europa to a time-varibale tidal potential. Two-dimensional nonlinear shallow water equations are solved on a sphere by means of a finite element code. The resulting ocean tidal flow velocities,dissipation and surface displacements will be presented.

NATIONAL GEODATABASE OF TIDAL STREAM POWER RESOURCE IN USA

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Smith, Brennan T; Neary, Vincent S; Stewart, Kevin M

2012-01-01

A geodatabase of tidal constituents is developed to present the regional assessment of tidal stream power resource in the USA. Tidal currents are numerically modeled with the Regional Ocean Modeling System (ROMS) and calibrated with the available measurements of tidal current speeds and water level surfaces. The performance of the numerical model in predicting the tidal currents and water levels is assessed by an independent validation. The geodatabase is published on a public domain via a spatial database engine with interactive tools to select, query and download the data. Regions with the maximum average kinetic power density exceeding 500 W/m2more » (corresponding to a current speed of ~1 m/s), total surface area larger than 0.5 km2 and depth greater than 5 m are defined as hotspots and documented. The regional assessment indicates that the state of Alaska (AK) has the largest number of locations with considerably high kinetic power density, followed by, Maine (ME), Washington (WA), Oregon (OR), California (CA), New Hampshire (NH), Massachusetts (MA), New York (NY), New Jersey (NJ), North and South Carolina (NC, SC), Georgia (GA), and Florida (FL).« less

A system shift in tidal choking due to the construction of Yangshan Harbour, Shanghai, China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, Wenyun; Wang, Xiao Hua; Ding, Pingxing; Ge, Jianzhong; Song, Dehai

2018-06-01

Tidal choking is a geometric feature caused by a narrowed channel. Construction of the Yangshan Harbour, Shanghai, China obstructed three key channels and intensively changed the local geometry and topography. In this study nine numerical experiments based on the Finite-Volume Community Ocean Model are conducted to study the project's influence on tidal characteristics. Results show that stronger tidal choking happened at the East Entrance after project, mainly due to the jet induced water-level drop forced by Bernoulli law and the longer and narrower geometry. The stronger tidal choking forces a faster flow and larger tidal energy flux at the choked channel while reducing the tidal amplitude in the Inner Harbour Area (IHA). The scouring on this channel reduces the choking effect but further enlarges tidal energy flux. Moreover, damming the channels decrease the tidal amplitude at the lee side of tidal propagating direction while increasing the amplitude on the stoss side. The dams also decrease the tidal current on both sides, and meanwhile develop two patches with stronger current aside the dam. The project induced changes in tidal characteristics are complex in space, and perturbations in bathymetry increase this complexity. Yangshan Harbour's construction induces little changes in the total tidal energy density in the IHA, but induces obvious changes in the spatial distribution of tidal energy. Although this study is site-specific, the findings may be applicable to tidal dynamics in land reclamation close to open seas, such as the dramatic reclamation of islands in the South China Sea.

A modeling study of tidal energy extraction and the associated impact on tidal circulation in a multi-inlet bay system of Puget Sound

DOE PAGES

Wang, Taiping; Yang, Zhaoqing

2017-03-25

Previously, a major focus of tidal energy studies in Puget Sound were the deep channels such as Admiralty Inlet that have a larger power potential. Our paper focuses on the possibility of extracting tidal energy from minor tidal channels of Puget Sound by using a hydrodynamic model to quantify the power potential and the associated impact on tidal circulation. The study site is a multi-inlet bay system connected by two narrow inlets, Agate Pass and Rich Passage, to the Main Basin of Puget Sound. A three-dimensional hydrodynamic model was applied to the study site and validated for tidal elevations andmore » currents. Here, we examined three energy extraction scenarios in which turbines were deployed in each of the two passages and concurrently in both. Extracted power rates and associated changes in tidal elevation, current, tidal flux, and residence time were examined. Maximum instantaneous power rates reached 250 kW, 1550 kW, and 1800 kW, respectively, for the three energy extraction scenarios. Model results suggest that with the level of energy extraction in the three energy extraction scenarios, the impact on tidal circulation is very small. It is worth investigating the feasibility of harnessing tidal energy from minor tidal channels of Puget Sound.« less

A modeling study of tidal energy extraction and the associated impact on tidal circulation in a multi-inlet bay system of Puget Sound

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wang, Taiping; Yang, Zhaoqing

Previously, a major focus of tidal energy studies in Puget Sound were the deep channels such as Admiralty Inlet that have a larger power potential. Our paper focuses on the possibility of extracting tidal energy from minor tidal channels of Puget Sound by using a hydrodynamic model to quantify the power potential and the associated impact on tidal circulation. The study site is a multi-inlet bay system connected by two narrow inlets, Agate Pass and Rich Passage, to the Main Basin of Puget Sound. A three-dimensional hydrodynamic model was applied to the study site and validated for tidal elevations andmore » currents. Here, we examined three energy extraction scenarios in which turbines were deployed in each of the two passages and concurrently in both. Extracted power rates and associated changes in tidal elevation, current, tidal flux, and residence time were examined. Maximum instantaneous power rates reached 250 kW, 1550 kW, and 1800 kW, respectively, for the three energy extraction scenarios. Model results suggest that with the level of energy extraction in the three energy extraction scenarios, the impact on tidal circulation is very small. It is worth investigating the feasibility of harnessing tidal energy from minor tidal channels of Puget Sound.« less

A modeling study of tidal energy extraction and the associated impact on tidal circulation in a multi-inlet bay system of Puget Sound

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wang, Taiping; Yang, Zhaoqing

Previous tidal energy projects in Puget Sound have focused on major deep channels such as Admiralty Inlet that have a larger power potential but pose greater technical challenges than minor tidal channels connecting to small sub-basins. This paper focuses on the possibility of extracting energy from minor tidal channels by using a hydrodynamic model to quantify the power potential and the associated impact on tidal circulation. The study site is a multi-inlet bay system connected by two narrow inlets, Agate Pass and Rich Passage, to the Main Basin of Puget Sound. A three-dimensional hydrodynamic model was applied to the studymore » site and calibrated for tidal elevations and currents. We examined three energy extraction scenarios in which turbines were deployed in each of the two passages and concurrently in both. Extracted power rates and associated changes in tidal elevation, current, tidal flux, and residence time were examined. Maximum instantaneous power rates reached 250 kW, 1550 kW, and 1800 kW, respectively, for the three energy extraction scenarios. The model suggests that with the proposed level of energy extraction, the impact on tidal circulation is very small. It is worth investigating the feasibility of harnessing tidal energy from minor tidal channels of Puget Sound.« less

Tidal current and tidal energy changes imposed by a dynamic tidal power system in the Taiwan Strait, China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dai, Peng; Zhang, Jisheng; Zheng, Jinhai

2017-12-01

The Taiwan Strait has recently been proposed as a promising site for dynamic tidal power systems because of its shallow depth and strong tides. Dynamic tidal power is a new concept for extracting tidal potential energy in which a coast-perpendicular dike is used to create water head and generate electricity via turbines inserted in the dike. Before starting such a project, the potential power output and hydrodynamic impacts of the dike must be assessed. In this study, a two-dimensional numerical model based on the Delft3D-FLOW module is established to simulate tides in China. A dike module is developed to account for turbine processes and estimate power output by integrating a special algorithm into the model. The domain decomposition technique is used to divide the computational zone into two subdomains with grid refinement near the dike. The hydrodynamic processes predicted by the model, both with and without the proposed construction, are examined in detail, including tidal currents and tidal energy flux. The predicted time-averaged power yields with various opening ratios are presented. The results show that time-averaged power yield peaks at an 8% opening ratio. For semidiurnal tides, the flow velocity increases in front of the head of the dike and decreases on either side. For diurnal tides, these changes are complicated by the oblique incidence of tidal currents with respect to the dike as well as by bathymetric features. The dike itself blocks the propagation of tidal energy flux.

Morphologic and stratigraphic evolution of muddy ebb-tidal deltas along a subsiding coast: Barataria Bay, Mississippi River delta

USGS Publications Warehouse

FitzGerald, D.M.; Kulp, M.; Penland, S.; Flocks, J.; Kindinger, J.

2004-01-01

The Barataria barrier coast formed between two major distributaries of the Mississippi River delta: the Plaquemines deltaic headland to the east and the Lafourche deltaic headland to the west. Rapid relative sea-level rise (1??03 cm year-1) and other erosional processes within Barataria Bay have led to substantial increases in the area of open water (> 775 km2 since 1956) and the attendant bay tidal prism. Historically, the increase in tidal discharge at inlets has produced larger channel cross-sections and prograding ebb-tidal deltas. For example, the ebb delta at Barataria Pass has built seaward > 2??2 km since the 1880s. Shoreline erosion and an increasing bay tidal prism also facilitated the formation of new inlets. Four major lithofacies characterize the Barataria coast ebb-tidal deltas and associated sedimentary environments. These include a proximal delta facies composed of massive to laminated, fine grey-brown to pale yellow sand and a distal delta facies consisting of thinly laminated, grey to pale yellow sand and silty sand with mud layers. The higher energy proximal delta deposits contain a greater percentage of sand (75-100%) compared with the distal delta sediments (60-80%). Associated sedimentary units include a nearshore facies consisting of horizontally laminated, fine to very fine grey sand with mud layers and an offshore facies that is composed of grey to dark grey, laminated sandy silt to silty clay. All facies coarsen upwards except the offshore facies, which fines upwards. An evolutionary model is presented for the stratigraphic development of the ebb-tidal deltas in a regime of increasing tidal energy resulting from coastal land loss and tidal prism growth. Ebb-tidal delta facies prograde over nearshore sediments, which interfinger with offshore facies. The seaward decrease in tidal current velocity of the ebb discharge produces a gradational contact between proximal and distal tidal delta facies. As the tidal discharge increases and the inlet grows in dimensions, the proximal and distal tidal delta facies prograde seawards. Owing to the relatively low gradient of the inner continental shelf, the ebb-tidal delta lithosome is presently no more than 5 m thick and is generally only 2-3 m in thickness. The ebb delta sediment is sourced from deepening of the inlet and the associated channels and from the longshore sediment transport system. The final stage in the model envisages erosion and segmentation of the barrier chain, leading to a decrease in tidal discharge through the former major inlets. This process ultimately results in fine-grained sedimentation seaward of the inlets and the encasement of the ebb-tidal delta lithosome in mud. The ebb-tidal deltas along the Barataria coast are distinguished from most other ebb deltas along sand-rich coasts by their muddy content and lack of large-scale stratification produced by channel cut-and-fills and bar migration. ?? 2004 International Association of Sedimentologists.

Site Selection of Ocean Current Power Generation from Drifter Measurements

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-12-01

power from a fluid’s momentum (e.g. a 48 tidal turbine or wind turbine ) can realistically reach an efficiency up to 50% (the Betz 49 limit is a bit...exceptionally high resource include the UK, Italy, Philippines, and 52 Japan [4]. But strong tidal currents only last for a short time period, and cannot...require less cost of construction and 91 maintenance. High and stable flow speeds can provide the great and steady power in 92 comparison tidal current

Tidal Dynamics and Mixing Over Steep Topography

DTIC Science & Technology

1994-06-01

California continental shelf have been observed at several locations (Huthnance, 1989). Shea and Broenkow (1982) observed large 33 tidally related...enhanced transport inside the canyon (Huthnance, 1989). This type of pressure gradient supports the conceptual model proposed by Shea and Broenkow (1982...predicted an enhanced internal tide up-canyon and near the bottom, verified by observations of strong internal tides by Shea and Broenkow (1982) at

Modeling tidal exchange and dispersion in Boston Harbor

USGS Publications Warehouse

Signell, Richard P.; Butman, Bradford

1992-01-01

Tidal dispersion and the horizontal exchange of water between Boston Harbor and the surrounding ocean are examined with a high-resolution (200 m) depth-averaged numerical model. The strongly varying bathymetry and coastline geometry of the harbor generate complex spatial patterns in the modeled tidal currents which are verified by shipboard acoustic Doppler surveys. Lagrangian exchange experiments demonstrate that tidal currents rapidly exchange and mix material near the inlets of the harbor due to asymmetry in the ebb/flood response. This tidal mixing zone extends roughly a tidal excursion from the inlets and plays an important role in the overall flushing of the harbor. Because the tides can only efficiently mix material in this limited region, however, harbor flushing must be considered a two step process: rapid exchange in the tidal mixing zone, followed by flushing of the tidal mixing zone by nontidal residual currents. Estimates of embayment flushing based on tidal calculations alone therefore can significantly overestimate the flushing time that would be expected under typical environmental conditions. Particle-release simulations from point sources also demonstrate that while the tides efficiently exchange material in the vicinity of the inlets, the exact nature of dispersion from point sources is extremely sensitive to the timing and location of the release, and the distribution of particles is streaky and patchlike. This suggests that high-resolution modeling of dispersion from point sources in these regions must be performed explicitly and cannot be parameterized as a plume with Gaussian-spreading in a larger scale flow field.

Tidal analysis of surface currents in the Porsanger fjord in northern Norway

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stramska, Malgorzata; Jankowski, Andrzej; Cieszyńska, Agata

2016-04-01

In this presentation we describe surface currents in the Porsanger fjord (Porsangerfjorden) located in the European Arctic in the vicinity of the Barents Sea. Our analysis is based on data collected in the summer of 2014 using High Frequency radar system. Our interest in this fjord comes from the fact that this is a region of high climatic sensitivity. One of our long-term goals is to develop an improved understanding of the undergoing changes and interactions between this fjord and the large-scale atmospheric and oceanic conditions. In order to derive a better understanding of the ongoing changes one must first improve the knowledge about the physical processes that create the environment of the fjord. The present study is the first step in this direction. Our main objective in this presentation is to evaluate the importance of tidal forcing. Tides in the Porsanger fjord are substantial, with tidal range on the order of about 3 meters. Tidal analysis attributes to tides about 99% of variance in sea level time series recorded in Honningsvåg. The most important tidal component based on sea level data is the M2 component (amplitude of ~90 cm). The S2 and N2 components (amplitude of ~ 20 cm) also play a significant role in the semidiurnal sea level oscillations. The most important diurnal component is K1 with amplitude of about 8 cm. Tidal analysis lead us to the conclusion that the most important tidal component in observed surface currents is also the M2 component. The second most important component is the S2 component. Our results indicate that in contrast to sea level, only about 10 - 20% of variance in surface currents can be attributed to tidal currents. This means that about 80-90% of variance can be credited to wind-induced and geostrophic currents. This work was funded by the Norway Grants (NCBR contract No. 201985, project NORDFLUX). Partial support for MS comes from the Institute of Oceanology (IO PAN).

High resolution multibeam and hydrodynamic datasets of tidal channels and inlets of the Venice Lagoon

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Madricardo, Fantina; Foglini, Federica; Kruss, Aleksandra; Ferrarin, Christian; Pizzeghello, Nicola Marco; Murri, Chiara; Rossi, Monica; Bajo, Marco; Bellafiore, Debora; Campiani, Elisabetta; Fogarin, Stefano; Grande, Valentina; Janowski, Lukasz; Keppel, Erica; Leidi, Elisa; Lorenzetti, Giuliano; Maicu, Francesco; Maselli, Vittorio; Mercorella, Alessandra; Montereale Gavazzi, Giacomo; Minuzzo, Tiziano; Pellegrini, Claudio; Petrizzo, Antonio; Prampolini, Mariacristina; Remia, Alessandro; Rizzetto, Federica; Rovere, Marzia; Sarretta, Alessandro; Sigovini, Marco; Sinapi, Luigi; Umgiesser, Georg; Trincardi, Fabio

2017-09-01

Tidal channels are crucial for the functioning of wetlands, though their morphological properties, which are relevant for seafloor habitats and flow, have been understudied so far. Here, we release a dataset composed of Digital Terrain Models (DTMs) extracted from a total of 2,500 linear kilometres of high-resolution multibeam echosounder (MBES) data collected in 2013 covering the entire network of tidal channels and inlets of the Venice Lagoon, Italy. The dataset comprises also the backscatter (BS) data, which reflect the acoustic properties of the seafloor, and the tidal current fields simulated by means of a high-resolution three-dimensional unstructured hydrodynamic model. The DTMs and the current fields help define how morphological and benthic properties of tidal channels are affected by the action of currents. These data are of potential broad interest not only to geomorphologists, oceanographers and ecologists studying the morphology, hydrodynamics, sediment transport and benthic habitats of tidal environments, but also to coastal engineers and stakeholders for cost-effective monitoring and sustainable management of this peculiar shallow coastal system.

High resolution multibeam and hydrodynamic datasets of tidal channels and inlets of the Venice Lagoon

PubMed Central

Madricardo, Fantina; Foglini, Federica; Kruss, Aleksandra; Ferrarin, Christian; Pizzeghello, Nicola Marco; Murri, Chiara; Rossi, Monica; Bajo, Marco; Bellafiore, Debora; Campiani, Elisabetta; Fogarin, Stefano; Grande, Valentina; Janowski, Lukasz; Keppel, Erica; Leidi, Elisa; Lorenzetti, Giuliano; Maicu, Francesco; Maselli, Vittorio; Mercorella, Alessandra; Montereale Gavazzi, Giacomo; Minuzzo, Tiziano; Pellegrini, Claudio; Petrizzo, Antonio; Prampolini, Mariacristina; Remia, Alessandro; Rizzetto, Federica; Rovere, Marzia; Sarretta, Alessandro; Sigovini, Marco; Sinapi, Luigi; Umgiesser, Georg; Trincardi, Fabio

2017-01-01

Tidal channels are crucial for the functioning of wetlands, though their morphological properties, which are relevant for seafloor habitats and flow, have been understudied so far. Here, we release a dataset composed of Digital Terrain Models (DTMs) extracted from a total of 2,500 linear kilometres of high-resolution multibeam echosounder (MBES) data collected in 2013 covering the entire network of tidal channels and inlets of the Venice Lagoon, Italy. The dataset comprises also the backscatter (BS) data, which reflect the acoustic properties of the seafloor, and the tidal current fields simulated by means of a high-resolution three-dimensional unstructured hydrodynamic model. The DTMs and the current fields help define how morphological and benthic properties of tidal channels are affected by the action of currents. These data are of potential broad interest not only to geomorphologists, oceanographers and ecologists studying the morphology, hydrodynamics, sediment transport and benthic habitats of tidal environments, but also to coastal engineers and stakeholders for cost-effective monitoring and sustainable management of this peculiar shallow coastal system. PMID:28872636

High resolution multibeam and hydrodynamic datasets of tidal channels and inlets of the Venice Lagoon.

PubMed

Madricardo, Fantina; Foglini, Federica; Kruss, Aleksandra; Ferrarin, Christian; Pizzeghello, Nicola Marco; Murri, Chiara; Rossi, Monica; Bajo, Marco; Bellafiore, Debora; Campiani, Elisabetta; Fogarin, Stefano; Grande, Valentina; Janowski, Lukasz; Keppel, Erica; Leidi, Elisa; Lorenzetti, Giuliano; Maicu, Francesco; Maselli, Vittorio; Mercorella, Alessandra; Montereale Gavazzi, Giacomo; Minuzzo, Tiziano; Pellegrini, Claudio; Petrizzo, Antonio; Prampolini, Mariacristina; Remia, Alessandro; Rizzetto, Federica; Rovere, Marzia; Sarretta, Alessandro; Sigovini, Marco; Sinapi, Luigi; Umgiesser, Georg; Trincardi, Fabio

2017-09-05

Tidal channels are crucial for the functioning of wetlands, though their morphological properties, which are relevant for seafloor habitats and flow, have been understudied so far. Here, we release a dataset composed of Digital Terrain Models (DTMs) extracted from a total of 2,500 linear kilometres of high-resolution multibeam echosounder (MBES) data collected in 2013 covering the entire network of tidal channels and inlets of the Venice Lagoon, Italy. The dataset comprises also the backscatter (BS) data, which reflect the acoustic properties of the seafloor, and the tidal current fields simulated by means of a high-resolution three-dimensional unstructured hydrodynamic model. The DTMs and the current fields help define how morphological and benthic properties of tidal channels are affected by the action of currents. These data are of potential broad interest not only to geomorphologists, oceanographers and ecologists studying the morphology, hydrodynamics, sediment transport and benthic habitats of tidal environments, but also to coastal engineers and stakeholders for cost-effective monitoring and sustainable management of this peculiar shallow coastal system.

The Effect of Waves on the Tidal-Stream Energy Resource

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lewis, M. J.; Neill, S. P.; Robins, P. E.; Hashemi, M. R.

2016-02-01

The tidal-stream energy resource is typically estimated using depth-averaged "tide-only" hydrodynamic models and do not consider the influence of waves. We find that waves will reduce the available resource, and the wave climate needs to be considered when designing a resilient and efficient tidal-stream energy device. Using well-validated oceanographic models of the Irish Sea and Northwest European shelf, we show tidal-stream energy sites with quiescent wave climates are extremely limited, with limited sea-space and limited scope for future development. To fully realise the potential of tidal-stream energy and to ensure globally deployable devices, the influence of waves on the resource and turbines must be considered. The effect of waves upon the tidal current was investigated using observations (ADCP and wave buoy time-series), and a state-of-the-art, 3-dimensional, dynamically coupled wave-tide model (COAWST). The presence of waves reduced the depth-averaged tidal current, which reduced the potential extractable power by 10% per metre wave height increase. To ensure resilience and survivability, tidal-stream energy device may cease to produce electricity during extremes (often called downtime), however the wave conditions threshold for device shut-down is unknown, and requires future work. The presence of waves will also effect turbine performance and design criteria; for example, the presence of waves was found to alter the shape of the velocity profile, and wave-current misalignment (waves propagating at an angle oblique to the plane of tidal flow) was found to occur for a significant amount of time at many potential tidal-stream energy sites. Therefore, waves reduced the available resource, furthermore the influence of waves on the interaction between tidal energy devices and the tidal-stream resource needs to be characterised in physically-scaled tank experiments and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) numerical models.

Hydrodynamic modeling and feasibility study of harnessing tidal power at the Bay of Fundy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chang, Jen

Due to rising fuel costs and environmental concerns, energy generation from alternative power source has become one of the most important issues in energy policy. Tidal power is one of the alternative energy sources. The tidal range at the Bay of Fundy is the largest in the world (approximately 16 meters). It represents a prime location for harnessing tidal power using the daily rising and ebbing tide. In this study, a two dimensional finite element model has been developed and applied to simulate the tidal responses, including water level and flow velocity, in the Bay of Fundy region. The simulation results are used to choose the suitable location for energy development and to predict possible energy generated from different types of generation methods. Fluid motion is assumed to be governed by the shallow water equation since the wave length associated with tide is much longer than the water depth in the Bay of Fundy. By using a real time series of water elevation at the entrance of the bay, the computer model finds tidal response for each node in the study area, which is then verified by the observation record from several tidal gauge stations inside the bay. This study shows that the at-site cost of the energy for barrage type tidal power plants is around 0.065 to 0.097 per kWh at the recommended Shepody Bay, Cumberland Basin, and Cobequid Bay. The cost of energy for the current turbine type tidal power plants is 0.13/kWh to 0.24/kWh at the area with highest current velocity. Compared with the recent bill of the local power company, the at-site unit cost of energy from the barrage type of tidal power plant is feasible, but the environmental concerns of channel blocking by barrage present a formidable constraint. For the current turbine type of tidal power plant, even the most suitable sites are not financially feasible under current technology, but this type of power generation may become feasible as oil prices continue to increase and more efficient turbines become available.

Using an Altimeter-Derived Internal Tide Model to Remove Tides from in Situ Data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zaron, Edward D.; Ray, Richard D.

2017-01-01

Internal waves at tidal frequencies, i.e., the internal tides, are a prominent source of variability in the ocean associated with significant vertical isopycnal displacements and currents. Because the isopycnal displacements are caused by ageostrophic dynamics, they contribute uncertainty to geostrophic transport inferred from vertical profiles in the ocean. Here it is demonstrated that a newly developed model of the main semidiurnal (M2) internal tide derived from satellite altimetry may be used to partially remove the tide from vertical profile data, as measured by the reduction of steric height variance inferred from the profiles. It is further demonstrated that the internal tide model can account for a component of the near-surface velocity as measured by drogued drifters. These comparisons represent a validation of the internal tide model using independent data and highlight its potential use in removing internal tide signals from in situ observations.

The effects of tidal range on saltmarsh morphology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Goodwin, Guillaume; Mudd, Simon

2017-04-01

Saltmarshes are highly productive coastal ecosystems that act simultaneously as flood barriers, carbon storage, pollutant filters and nurseries. As halophytic plants trap suspended sediment and decay in the settled strata, innervated platforms emerge from the neighbouring tidal flats, forming sub-vertical scarps on their eroding borders and sub-horizontal pioneer zones in areas of seasonal expansion. These evolutions are subject to two contrasting influences: stochastically generated waves erode scarps and scour tidal flats, whereas tidally-generated currents transport sediment to and from the marsh through the channel network. Hence, the relative power of waves and tidal currents strongly influences saltmarsh evolution, and regional variations in tidal range yield marshes of differing morphologies. We analyse several sheltered saltmarshes to determine how their morphology reflects variations in tidal forcing. Using tidal, topographic and spectral data, we implement an algorithm based on the open-source software LSDTopoTools to automatically identify features such as marsh platforms, tidal flats, erosion scarps, pioneer zones and tidal channels on local Digital Elevation Models. Normalised geometric properties are then computed and compared throughout the spectrum of tidal range, highlighting a notable effect on channel networks, platform geometry and wave exposure. We observe that micro-tidal marshes typically display jagged outlines and multiple islands along with wide, shallow channels. As tidal range increases, we note the progressive disappearance of marsh islands and linearization of scarps, both indicative of higher hydrodynamic stress, along with a structuration of channel networks and the increase of levee volume, suggesting higher sediment input on the platform. Future research will lead to observing and modelling the evolution of saltmarshes under various tidal forcing in order to assess their resilience to environmental change.

Can tidal energy farms create temperature fronts in the coastal ocean?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shapiro, G. I.

2012-04-01

Although an industrial scale tidal farm comprising a large set of submerged turbines has not been built yet, tidal power is considered to be one of potential sources of renewable energy in the future. For example, India plans to install a 50MW tidal farm in the Gulf of Kutch which could be further expanded to deliver more than 200MW. As tidal stream generators extract kinetic energy from the ocean currents, they change the circulation pattern and hence affect the marine environment. Recent research has shown ( Shapiro, 2011, Neill et al., 2009) that a tidal farm can modify currents and sediment transport outside the farm as far as up to a hundred kilometres. This paper studies the potential effect of a tidal farm on the temperature structure in a shallow sea using a 3D ocean model POLCOMS which was modified to include effects of kinetic energy extraction as detailed in (Shapiro, 2011). The model is set up in the Celtic Sea known for its high levels of tidal energy. The model is driven by 15 tidal constituents and the meteo forcing. Effects of tidal farms of varying sizes and power capacities (from 50 MW to 1500MW) have been studied during summer months. The simulated farms are placed in various locations north of the Cornish coast. It has been shown that even smaller farms can modify temperature distribution as far as a few tens of kilometres from the farm, and sometimes generate localised temperature fronts. This effect is particularly strong during the month of June when the fronts penetrate from surface to the seabed. The fronts are more pronounced during the spring tides, however they are still seen during the neaps. As the seasonal thermocline strengthens towards the end of summer, the fronts are mostly seen in the upper ocean layer, with warmer waters in the area of the farm and cooler waters outside the farm. The physical mechanism of front generation is linked to abrupt changes in the current patterns due to energy extraction from the ocean. The currents inside the farm become weaker, whilst the currents outside the farm ( at a scale comparable to the baroclinic Rossby radius) become stronger. Such stronger currents enhance the mixing of the water column outside the farm, and weaker currents inside the farm reduce turbulent mixing and facilitate formation of a stronger thermocline. The overall effect is generally similar to the formation of fronts between tidally mixed and stratified areas of a shallow sea (Simpson and Hunter, 1974). Effect of geometrically smaller farms is less pronounced as the water particles travel in and out the affected zone during the tidal cycle (over the length of the tidal excursion) and hence are influenced by the above mechanism only during a proportion of the tidal cycle. Reduced vertical mixing within the area of the farm and positive heat balance explains higher temperatures at the surface. In the beginning of summer when thermal stratification is relatively week, the thermocline is significantly altered and the fronts propagate to a greater depth. Development of a stronger thermocline towards the end of summer inhibits the effect of mixing and the fluctuations of the depth of the upper mixed layer due to energy extraction are suppressed .

Harnessing Power from Tides: State of the Art.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ryan, Paul R.

1979-01-01

Discussed is the current, world-wide status of tidal energy as a potential power source. Potential sites and global tidal power prospects are identified. New engineering concepts relevant to the harnessing of tidal power are identified and described. (BT)

Parametric instability and wave turbulence driven by tidal excitation of internal waves

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Le Reun, Thomas; Favier, Benjamin; Le Bars, Michael

2018-04-01

We investigate the stability of stratified fluid layers undergoing homogeneous and periodic tidal deformation. We first introduce a local model which allows to study velocity and buoyancy fluctuations in a Lagrangian domain periodically stretched and sheared by the tidal base flow. While keeping the key physical ingredients only, such a model is efficient to simulate planetary regimes where tidal amplitudes and dissipation are small. With this model, we prove that tidal flows are able to drive parametric subharmonic resonances of internal waves, in a way reminiscent of the elliptical instability in rotating fluids. The growth rates computed via Direct Numerical Simulations (DNS) are in very good agreement with WKB analysis and Floquet theory. We also investigate the turbulence driven by this instability mechanism. With spatio-temporal analysis, we show that it is a weak internal wave turbulence occurring at small Froude and buoyancy Reynolds numbers. When the gap between the excitation and the Brunt-V\\"ais\\"al\\"a frequencies is increased, the frequency spectrum of this wave turbulence displays a -2 power law reminiscent of the high-frequency branch of the Garett and Munk spectrum (Garrett & Munk 1979) which has been measured in the oceans. In addition, we find that the mixing efficiency is altered compared to what is computed in the context of DNS of stratified turbulence excited at small Froude and large buoyancy Reynolds numbers and is consistent with a superposition of waves.

Modeling the Ocean Tide for Tidal Power Generation Applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kawase, M.; Gedney, M.

2014-12-01

Recent years have seen renewed interest in the ocean tide as a source of energy for electrical power generation. Unlike in the 1960s, when the tidal barrage was the predominant method of power extraction considered and implemented, the current methodology favors operation of a free-stream turbine or an array of them in strong tidal currents. As tidal power generation moves from pilot-scale projects to actual array implementations, numerical modeling of tidal currents is expected to play an increasing role in site selection, resource assessment, array design, and environmental impact assessment. In this presentation, a simple, coupled ocean/estuary model designed for research into fundamental aspects of tidal power generation is described. The model consists of a Pacific Ocean-size rectangular basin and a connected fjord-like embayment with dimensions similar to that of Puget Sound, Washington, one of the potential power generation sites in the United States. The model is forced by an idealized lunar tide-generating potential. The study focuses on the energetics of a tidal system including tidal power extraction at both global and regional scales. The hyperbolic nature of the governing shallow water equations means consequence of tidal power extraction cannot be limited to the local waters, but is global in extent. Modeling power extraction with a regional model with standard boundary conditions introduces uncertainties of 3 ~ 25% in the power extraction estimate depending on the level of extraction. Power extraction in the model has a well-defined maximum (~800 MW in a standard case) that is in agreement with previous theoretical studies. Natural energy dissipation and tidal power extraction strongly interact; for a turbine array of a given capacity, the higher the level of natural dissipation the lower the power the array can extract. Conversely, power extraction leads to a decrease in the level of natural dissipation (Figure) as well as the tidal range and the current speed. In the standard case considered, at the maximum power extraction the tidal range in the estuary is reduced by 37% and the natural dissipation by 78% from the unperturbed state. Thus, environmental consequences of power generation are likely to become the limiting factor on the scale of resource development before the physical maximum is reached.

Catamaran or semi-submersible for floating platform - selection of a better design

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qasim, Idrees; Gao, Liangtian; Peng, Duojin; Liu, Bo

2018-02-01

With nonstop advancement in marine engineering, more and more new structures are being designed and explored for tidal current energy. There are three different kinds of support structures for tidal current power station mostly in use, which are sea-bed mounted/gravity based system, pile mounted system and floating moored platform. Comparing all of them, the floating mooring system is most suitable for deep water systems and the application of this arrangement is widely usable. In this paper, a semi-submersible and a catamaran as floating platforms for tidal current power stations are studied are compared on the basis of its economics, efficiency of turbine and stability of the station. Based on basic ship theory and using software MAXSURF, the stability of Catamaran tidal current power station is also calculated. It is found that the catamaran design is optimal choice.

Contribution to the theory of tidal oscillations of an elastic earth. External tidal potential

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Musen, P.

1974-01-01

The differential equations of the tidal oscillations of the earth were established under the assumption that the interior of the earth is laterally inhomogeneous. The theory was developed using vectorial and dyadic symbolism to shorten the exposition and to reduce the differential equations to a symmetric form convenient for programming and for numerical integration. The formation of tidal buldges on the surfaces of discontinuity and the changes in the internal density produce small periodic variations in the exterior geopotential which are reflected in the motion of artificial satellites. The analoques of Love elastic parameters in the expansion of exterior tidal potential reflect the asymmetric and inhomogeneous structure of the interior of the earth.

Tidal interactions of inspiraling compact binaries

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bildsten, Lars; Cutler, Curt

1992-01-01

We discuss the tidal interaction in neutron star-neutron star and neutron star-black hole binaries and argue that they will not be tidally locked during the gravitational inspiral. More specifically, we show that, for inspiraling neutron stars of mass greater than about 1.2 solar mass, the shortest possible tidal synchronization time exceeds the gravitational decay time, so that the neutron star cannot be tidally locked prior to tidal disruption, regardless of its internal viscosity. For smaller mass neutron stars, an implausibly large kinematic viscosity - nearly the speed of light times the stellar radius - is required for tidal locking. We also argue that the mass transfer which occurs when the neutron star reaches the tidal radius will be unstable in neutron star-black hole binaries, and the instability will destroy the neutron star in a few orbital periods. The implications of our work for the detection of these sources by LIGO and other gravitational wave observatories and for the gamma-ray burst scenarios of Paczynski (1986, 1991) are discussed.

Tidal, Residual, Intertidal Mudflat (TRIM) Model and its Applications to San Francisco Bay, California

USGS Publications Warehouse

Cheng, R.T.; Casulli, V.; Gartner, J.W.

1993-01-01

A numerical model using a semi-implicit finite-difference method for solving the two-dimensional shallow-water equations is presented. The gradient of the water surface elevation in the momentum equations and the velocity divergence in the continuity equation are finite-differenced implicitly, the remaining terms are finite-differenced explicitly. The convective terms are treated using an Eulerian-Lagrangian method. The combination of the semi-implicit finite-difference solution for the gravity wave propagation, and the Eulerian-Lagrangian treatment of the convective terms renders the numerical model unconditionally stable. When the baroclinic forcing is included, a salt transport equation is coupled to the momentum equations, and the numerical method is subject to a weak stability condition. The method of solution and the properties of the numerical model are given. This numerical model is particularly suitable for applications to coastal plain estuaries and tidal embayments in which tidal currents are dominant, and tidally generated residual currents are important. The model is applied to San Francisco Bay, California where extensive historical tides and current-meter data are available. The model calibration is considered by comparing time-series of the field data and of the model results. Alternatively, and perhaps more meaningfully, the model is calibrated by comparing the harmonic constants of tides and tidal currents derived from field data with those derived from the model. The model is further verified by comparing the model results with an independent data set representing the wet season. The strengths and the weaknesses of the model are assessed based on the results of model calibration and verification. Using the model results, the properties of tides and tidal currents in San Francisco Bay are characterized and discussed. Furthermore, using the numerical model, estimates of San Francisco Bay's volume, surface area, mean water depth, tidal prisms, and tidal excursions at spring and neap tides are computed. Additional applications of the model reveal, qualitatively the spatial distribution of residual variables. ?? 1993 Academic Press. All rights reserved.

Tidally-induced thermal runaway on extrasolar Earth: Impact on habitability

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Behounkova, M.; Tobie, G.; Choblet, G.; Cadek, O.

2010-12-01

Low mass extrasolar bodies start to be discovered owing to the increased precision of detection surveys. As the detection probability decreases with the star-body distance, these planets (and the numerous candidates already announced for the coming years) are likely to orbit their parent stars in a close distance. These short-period planets undergo a strong tidal forcing and their orbits are tidally locked. The associated heat production may influence the internal thermal evolution of these bodies: it has even been suggested that the habitable zone could be influenced by tidal heating (Barnes et al. 2008; Henning et al. 2009). In this study, we further investigate the effect of tidal heating on thermal evolution of tidally locked Earth-like planets. Owing to the strong temperature dependence of the mechanical properties of both the long-term evolution and the tidal deformations, the two processes are coupled. Nevertheless, the tidal deformation has no direct effect on the convective flow and only the dissipative part is included as a heat source for mantle dynamics since the time scales of the two processes strongly differs. For significant tidal dissipation rates, the strong positive feedback leads, in some cases, to thermal runaways. We focus here on the susceptibility of Earth-like planets to tidal dissipation for fixed orbital parameters (eccentricity, orbital period and the spin-orbit resonance type) and on the associated timescales for runaway (if any). In order to describe this behavior and the three dimensional nature of both the tidal forcing and the temperature anomalies, a fully three-dimensional approach solving the two processes simultaneously is employed (Běhounková et al., JGR, in press). We consider an extrasolar planet having the internal properties similar to the Earth. Two modes for heat transfer are modeled through the choice of convective parameters (Rayleigh number and temperature dependence of viscosity, amount of radiogenic heating): a relatively effective plate-tectonics-like regime and a one-plate (stagnant lid) regime. For all numerical experiments sharing the same initial temperature conditions, the reciprocal value of the runaway timescale depends linearly on the initial tidal dissipation. Moreover, the occurrence of tidally driven runaways is associated to large scale melting of the interior having an impact on the habitability of the planet. In the case of runaway timescales between 0.1 and 1Gy and for the plate-tectonics-like heat transfer, the habitable zone is affected by the thermal runaway only for high eccentricities (e≳0.2) for 0.1M sun stars and 1:1 resonance. In the case of the 3:2 orbital resonance, whatever the eccentricity is, the runaway affects the habitable zone for orbital periods lower than 7-12 days. The impact on the habitable zone is even higher for one-plate planets due to the ineffective heat transfer. For more massive stars (>0.5M sun), tidal heating in the habitable zone is not significant and has no impact on the internal evolution.

Strong tidal dissipation in Io and Jupiter from astrometric observations.

PubMed

Lainey, Valéry; Arlot, Jean-Eudes; Karatekin, Ozgür; Van Hoolst, Tim

2009-06-18

Io is the volcanically most active body in the Solar System and has a large surface heat flux. The geological activity is thought to be the result of tides raised by Jupiter, but it is not known whether the current tidal heat production is sufficiently high to generate the observed surface heat flow. Io's tidal heat comes from the orbital energy of the Io-Jupiter system (resulting in orbital acceleration), whereas dissipation of energy in Jupiter causes Io's orbital motion to decelerate. Here we report a determination of the tidal dissipation in Io and Jupiter through its effect on the orbital motions of the Galilean moons. Our results show that the rate of internal energy dissipation in Io (k(2)/Q = 0.015 +/- 0.003, where k(2) is the Love number and Q is the quality factor) is in good agreement with the observed surface heat flow, and suggest that Io is close to thermal equilibrium. Dissipation in Jupiter (k(2)/Q = (1.102 +/- 0.203) x 10(-5)) is close to the upper bound of its average value expected from the long-term evolution of the system, and dissipation in extrasolar planets may be higher than presently assumed. The measured secular accelerations indicate that Io is evolving inwards, towards Jupiter, and that the three innermost Galilean moons (Io, Europa and Ganymede) are evolving out of the exact Laplace resonance.

Internal Tide Generation by Tall Ocean Ridges

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-09-01

Earth - sun and the Earth -moon orbits . As the earth and the moon rotate, so does the alignment of the tidal forces, such...tidal periods. It has since become recognized that internal tides are part of important global energy systems: the orbits of the moon around the Earth ...and the Earth around the sun , and the energy budget of the ocean. For instance, the energy in the moon- Earth system is decreasing, such that every

Semi-isolated, flat-topped carbonate platform (Oligo-Miocene, Sardinia, Italy): Sedimentary architecture and processes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Andreucci, Stefano; Pistis, Marco; Funedda, Antonio; Loi, Alfredo

2017-11-01

The Chattian-Aquitanian carbonate system of Isili sub-basin (SE Sardinia, Italy) were studied to better understand the hydrodynamic processes controlling the formation of landward-downlapping, rhodolith-rich, giant clinoforms. The studied flat-topped platform was attached to an island (semi-isolated) and migrated onshore (landward) over a shallow marine, protected embayment. The depositional profile is characterized by four, sea to land, zones: seaward slope, flat-topped platform (submerged flat), landward slope and mixed siliciclastic-carbonate embayment. In particular, these zones record different levels, from high to moderate, of hydrodynamic energy and persistency. The paleodepth of the studied succession, based on T/D test on Amphistegina specimens, red-algal genera and geometric reconstruction of the overall system, ranges from - 10 to - 30 m for the platform up to around - 40 m for the landward slope base. Thus, the flat-topped platform was permanently submerged and an extensive carbonate (sea grass, algal and bryozoan-algal) factory along with oyster framestones developed. The widespread presence in the barren zones of rhodolith-to-shell rich small to very small compound dunes (high-energy zone) suggests that the flat-topped platform was periodically swept by unidirectional, landward-directed currents. These currents allow the formation of large-scale, rhodolith-rich clinobeds along the landward slope (washover fan-like system). The presence of rodolith pavements developed along the flat-topped platform at or slightly below the fairweather wave base suggests that clinobeds were formed in a nearshore, shallow subtidal setting. Finally, the shallow marine, protected embayment (moderate-energy zone) represents the widening distal reaches of the currents flowing or along the clinoforms or from the coast basinward (river floods and/or ebb tidal currents). Despite few tidal-related sedimentary structures such as bi-directional ripples and small compound dunes separated by finer-grained ;drapes; or reactivation surfaces were observed, the prevailing processes acting over the platform are unidirectional, landward-directed currents possibly associated with longshore currents and/or wave actions. However, the resultant migration of the whole system onshore (landward) cannot be easily explained with storm or wind-related processes. Thus the studied flat-topped platform seems to be controlled by long term tidal regulation within a meso to macro tidal regime. In particular, such meso/macro tidal environments experience multiannual to multidecennial phases of stronger/weaker tidal range fluctuations resembling periods of relatively sea highs and lows with respect to the mean sea level (0 m). All the (wind, storm, wave and tidal) currents sweeping the flat-topped platform were maxima during phases of strong tidal fluctuations generating erosion and sediment transportation over the flat and accumulation on the landward slope (clinobeds). Conversely, during phases of weaker tidal range fluctuations overall currents were minima, clinoforms did not develop and factories widespread re-colonized the submerged flat. Therefore, the studied platform developed in a current-dominated and tidal modulated setting. Finally, the studied carbonates of Sardinia suggest that the Sardinian seaway and the incipient Provençal basin during the Chattian-Aquitanian were, locally, capable to generate meso to macro tidal conditions.

Pressure-gradient-driven nearshore circulation on a beach influenced by a large inlet-tidal shoal system

USGS Publications Warehouse

Shi, F.; Hanes, D.M.; Kirby, J.T.; Erikson, L.; Barnard, P.; Eshleman, J.

2011-01-01

The nearshore circulation induced by a focused pattern of surface gravity waves is studied at a beach adjacent to a major inlet with a large ebb tidal shoal. Using a coupled wave and wave-averaged nearshore circulation model, it is found that the nearshore circulation is significantly affected by the heterogeneous wave patterns caused by wave refraction over the ebb tidal shoal. The model is used to predict waves and currents during field experiments conducted near the mouth of San Francisco Bay and nearby Ocean Beach. The field measurements indicate strong spatial variations in current magnitude and direction and in wave height and direction along Ocean Beach and across the ebb tidal shoal. Numerical simulations suggest that wave refraction over the ebb tidal shoal causes wave focusing toward a narrow region at Ocean Beach. Due to the resulting spatial variation in nearshore wave height, wave-induced setup exhibits a strong alongshore nonuniformity, resulting in a dramatic change in the pressure field compared to a simulation with only tidal forcing. The analysis of momentum balances inside the surf zone shows that, under wave conditions with intensive wave focusing, the alongshore pressure gradient associated with alongshore nonuniform wave setup can be a dominant force driving circulation, inducing heterogeneous alongshore currents. Pressure-gradient- forced alongshore currents can exhibit flow reversals and flow convergence or divergence, in contrast to the uniform alongshore currents typically caused by tides or homogeneous waves.

Planetary Ice-Oceans: Numerical Modeling Study of Ice-Shell Growth in Convecting Two-Phase Systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Allu Peddinti, Divya; McNamara, Allen

2017-04-01

Several icy bodies in the Solar system such as the icy moons Europa and Enceladus exhibit signs of subsurface oceans underneath an ice-shell. For Europa, the geologically young surface, the presence of surface features and the aligned surface chemistry pose interesting questions about formation of the ice-shell and its interaction with the ocean below. This also ties in with its astrobiological potential and implications for similar ice-ocean systems elsewhere in the cosmos. The overall thickness of the H2O layer on Europa is estimated to be 100-150 km while the thickness of the ice-shell is debated. Additionally, Europa is subject to tidal heating due to interaction with Jupiter's immense gravity field. It is of interest to understand how the ice-shell thickness varies in the presence of tidal internal heating and the localization of heating in different regions of the ice-shell. Thus this study aims to determine the effect of tidal internal heating on the growth rate of the ice-shell over time. We perform geodynamic modeling of the ice-ocean system in order to understand how the ice-shell thickness changes with time. The convection code employs the ice Ih-water phase diagram in order to model the two-phase convecting ice-ocean system. All the models begin from an initial warm thick ocean that cools from the top. The numerical experiments analyze three cases: case 1 with no tidal internal heating in the system, case 2 with constant tidal internal heating in the ice and case 3 with viscosity-dependent tidal internal heating in the ice. We track the ice-shell thickness as a function of time as the system cools. Modeling results so far have identified that the shell growth rate changes substantially at a point in time that coincides with a change in the planform of ice-convection cells. Additionally, the velocity vs depth plots indicate a shift from a conduction dominant to a convection dominant ice regime. We compare the three different cases to provide a comprehensive understanding of the temporal variation in the ice-shell thickness due to the addition of heating in the ice.

High-resolution numerical modelling of the barotropic tides in the Gulf of Gabes, eastern Mediterranean Sea (Tunisia)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Othmani, Achref; Béjaoui, Béchir; Chevalier, Cristèle; Elhmaidi, Dalila; Devenon, Jean-Luc; Aleya, Lotfi

2017-05-01

A high-resolution 2D barotropic tidal model was developed for the Gulf of Gabes and used to characterise hydrodynamic processes and tidal dynamics. The model is based on the Regional Ocean Modelling System. It is forced at the open boundaries by the semidiurnal M2 and S2 astronomical components while meteorological forcing has been neglected. The model results show good agreement with observations confirming that it reproduces the gulf's main tidal characteristics reasonably well. In fact, the simulated semidiurnal tidal components M2 and S2 generate important sea level variations and coastal currents. Tidal propagation is directed to the gulf's western sector while tidal resonance occurs in its inner sector where the M2 and S2 amplitudes are about 50 and 36 cm, respectively. Phase maxima (170°-185°) are located inside Boughrara Lagoon for both the simulated M2 and S2 tides. The strongest currents are found in shallow coastal regions and at the lagoon's western inlet. During spring tides, currents are around 10-20 cm s-1 in the gulf center and up to 50 cm s-1 inside the lagoon.

Tides, and tidal and residual currents in Suisun and San Pablo bays, California; results of measurements, 1986

USGS Publications Warehouse

Gartner, J.W.; Yost, B.T.

1988-01-01

Current meter data collected at 11 stations and water level data collected at one station in Suisun and San Pablo Bays, California, in 1986 are compiled in this report. Current-meter measurements include current speed and direction, and water temperature and salinity (computed from temperature and conductivity). For each of the 19 current-meter records, data are presented in two forms. These are: (1) results of harmonic analysis; and (2) plots of tidal current speed and direction versus time and plots of temperature and salinity versus time. Spatial distribution of the properties of tidal currents are given in graphic form. In addition, Eulerian residual currents have been compiled by using a vector-averaging technique. Water level data are presented in the form of a time-series plot and the results of harmonic analysis. (USGS)

Harmonic analysis of tides and tidal currents in South San Francisco Bay, California

USGS Publications Warehouse

Cheng, R.T.; Gartner, J.W.

1985-01-01

Water level observations from tide stations and current observations from current-meter moorings in South San Francisco Bay (South Bay), California have been harmonically analysed. At each tide station, 13 harmonic constituents have been computed by a least-squares regression without inference. Tides in South Bay are typically mixed; there is a phase lag of approximately 1 h and an amplification of 1??5 from north to south for a mean semi-diurnal tide. Because most of the current-meter records are between 14 and 29 days, only the five most important harmonics have been solved for east-west and north-south velocity components. The eccentricity of tidal-current ellipse is generally very small, which indicates that the tidal current in South Bay is strongly bidirectional. The analyses further show that the principal direction and the magnitude of tidal current are well correlated with the basin bathymetry. Patterns of Eulerian residual circulation deduced from the current-meter data show an anticlockwise gyre to the west and a clockwise gyre to the east of the main channel in the summer months due to the prevailing westerly wind. Opposite trends have been observed during winter when the wind was variable. ?? 1985.

Depth-averaged instantaneous currents in a tidally dominated shelf sea from glider observations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Merckelbach, Lucas

2016-12-01

Ocean gliders have become ubiquitous observation platforms in the ocean in recent years. They are also increasingly used in coastal environments. The coastal observatory system COSYNA has pioneered the use of gliders in the North Sea, a shallow tidally energetic shelf sea. For operational reasons, the gliders operated in the North Sea are programmed to resurface every 3-5 h. The glider's dead-reckoning algorithm yields depth-averaged currents, averaged in time over each subsurface interval. Under operational conditions these averaged currents are a poor approximation of the instantaneous tidal current. In this work an algorithm is developed that estimates the instantaneous current (tidal and residual) from glider observations only. The algorithm uses a first-order Butterworth low pass filter to estimate the residual current component, and a Kalman filter based on the linear shallow water equations for the tidal component. A comparison of data from a glider experiment with current data from an acoustic Doppler current profilers deployed nearby shows that the standard deviations for the east and north current components are better than 7 cm s-1 in near-real-time mode and improve to better than 6 cm s-1 in delayed mode, where the filters can be run forward and backward. In the near-real-time mode the algorithm provides estimates of the currents that the glider is expected to encounter during its next few dives. Combined with a behavioural and dynamic model of the glider, this yields predicted trajectories, the information of which is incorporated in warning messages issued to ships by the (German) authorities. In delayed mode the algorithm produces useful estimates of the depth-averaged currents, which can be used in (process-based) analyses in case no other source of measured current information is available.

Observation and analysis of tidal and residual current in the North Yellow Sea in the spring

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Miao, Qingsheng; Yang, Jinkun; Yang, Yang; Wan, Fangfang; Yu, Jia

2018-02-01

In order to study the current characteristics of the North Yellow Sea (NYS), 4 moored ADCPs (Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers) were deployed and Current characteristics were analyzed based on the observations. Results show that tidal current is the dominant and M2 is the main constituent. Shallow water constituents are obvious in the near-shore area, and tidal current ellipses directions have relations with topography. Residual currents in the Bohai Strait point to the Bohai Sea interior and the magnitude have a connection with terrain. Residual current in south NYS can be divided into two layers, and energy of residual current only accounts for about 13% of the total energy. Barotropic eddy kinetic energy plays a major role and the average in NYS accounts for 87%, baroclinic mean kinetic energy is larger in north NYS, in other regions barotropic mean kinetic energy take the leading position.

The Ebb and Flow of Tidal Science, and the Impact of Satellite Altimetry

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ray, Richard; Egbert, Gary

2006-01-01

In the years immediately preceding the launches of Geosat and Topex/Poseidon, tidal science had lapsed into a period of uncertainty and discouragement, brought about by the failure of once-exciting new ideas that eventually proved overly optimistic. A long list of outstanding problems presented themselves, but progress had reached a "low water mark". What was lacking was a high-quality global dataset of tidal measurements, which satellite altimetry -- and especially Topex/Poseidon -- provided. With these data in hand, a "flood tide" of marked progress resulted. In this paper we review some of that progress. An important area of progress, with potentially important implications for other areas of physical oceanography, falls under the topic of "energy dissipation." With precise global constraints provided by altimetry -- combined with precise laser tracking of the altimeter, other geodetic satellites like Lageos, as well as the moon -- the planetary energy budgets of both Earth and ocean tides are now well determined. Moreover, the local energy balances, and thus local estimates of tidal dissipation, have now been mapped, although somewhat coarsely, throughout the ocean. This work has pointed to internal-tide generation in the deep ocean as the once missing sink of tidal energy, and has led to a plethora of new observational and theoretical studies of internal tides, and their role in vertical mixing of the deep ocean. The discovery that internal tides, or some part of them, can be directly mapped with an altimeter opens new lines of research on this topic. Low-mode internal tides have been found, at least in some regions, to propagate several thousand kilometers across open ocean. The study of such waves with altimetry gives us a global view heretofore unattainable, allowing strong observational constraints to be placed on possible ocean mixing processes, such as subharmonic instabilities.

Dancing with the Tides: Fluctuations of Coastal Phytoplankton Orchestrated by Different Oscillatory Modes of the Tidal Cycle

PubMed Central

Blauw, Anouk N.; Benincà, Elisa; Laane, Remi W. P. M.; Greenwood, Naomi; Huisman, Jef

2012-01-01

Population fluctuations are often driven by an interplay between intrinsic population processes and extrinsic environmental forcing. To investigate this interplay, we analyzed fluctuations in coastal phytoplankton concentration in relation to the tidal cycle. Time series of chlorophyll fluorescence, suspended particulate matter (SPM), salinity and temperature were obtained from an automated measuring platform in the southern North Sea, covering 9 years of data at a resolution of 12 to 30 minutes. Wavelet analysis showed that chlorophyll fluctuations were dominated by periodicities of 6 hours 12 min, 12 hours 25 min, 24 hours and 15 days, which correspond to the typical periodicities of tidal current speeds, the semidiurnal tidal cycle, the day-night cycle, and the spring-neap tidal cycle, respectively. During most of the year, chlorophyll and SPM fluctuated in phase with tidal current speed, indicative of alternating periods of sinking and vertical mixing of algal cells and SPM driven by the tidal cycle. Spring blooms slowly built up over several spring-neap tidal cycles, and subsequently expanded in late spring when a strong decline of the SPM concentration during neap tide enabled a temporary “escape” of the chlorophyll concentration from the tidal mixing regime. Our results demonstrate that the tidal cycle is a major determinant of phytoplankton fluctuations at several different time scales. These findings imply that high-resolution monitoring programs are essential to capture the natural variability of phytoplankton in coastal waters. PMID:23166639

Dancing with the tides: fluctuations of coastal phytoplankton orchestrated by different oscillatory modes of the tidal cycle.

PubMed

Blauw, Anouk N; Benincà, Elisa; Laane, Remi W P M; Greenwood, Naomi; Huisman, Jef

2012-01-01

Population fluctuations are often driven by an interplay between intrinsic population processes and extrinsic environmental forcing. To investigate this interplay, we analyzed fluctuations in coastal phytoplankton concentration in relation to the tidal cycle. Time series of chlorophyll fluorescence, suspended particulate matter (SPM), salinity and temperature were obtained from an automated measuring platform in the southern North Sea, covering 9 years of data at a resolution of 12 to 30 minutes. Wavelet analysis showed that chlorophyll fluctuations were dominated by periodicities of 6 hours 12 min, 12 hours 25 min, 24 hours and 15 days, which correspond to the typical periodicities of tidal current speeds, the semidiurnal tidal cycle, the day-night cycle, and the spring-neap tidal cycle, respectively. During most of the year, chlorophyll and SPM fluctuated in phase with tidal current speed, indicative of alternating periods of sinking and vertical mixing of algal cells and SPM driven by the tidal cycle. Spring blooms slowly built up over several spring-neap tidal cycles, and subsequently expanded in late spring when a strong decline of the SPM concentration during neap tide enabled a temporary "escape" of the chlorophyll concentration from the tidal mixing regime. Our results demonstrate that the tidal cycle is a major determinant of phytoplankton fluctuations at several different time scales. These findings imply that high-resolution monitoring programs are essential to capture the natural variability of phytoplankton in coastal waters.

Barrier island facies models and recognition criteria

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mulhern, J.; Johnson, C. L.

2017-12-01

Barrier island outcrops record transgressive shoreline motion at geologic timescales, providing integral clues to understanding how coastlines respond to rising sea levels. However, barrier island deposits are difficult to recognize. While significant progress has been made in understanding the modern coastal morphodynamics, this insight is not fully leveraged in existing barrier island facies models. Excellent outcrop exposures of the paralic Upper Cretaceous Straight Cliffs Formation of southern Utah provide an opportunity to revise facies models and recognition criteria for barrier island deposits. Preserved barrier islands are composed of three main architectural elements (shorefaces, tidal inlets, and tidal channels) which occur independently or in combination to create larger-scale barrier island deposits. Barrier island shorefaces record progradation, while barrier island tidal inlets record lateral migration, and barrier island tidal channels record aggradation within the tidal inlet. Four facies associations are used to describe and characterize these barrier island architectural elements. Barrier islands occur in association with backarrier fill and internally contain lower and upper shoreface, high-energy upper shoreface, and tidal channel facies. Barrier islands bound lagoons or estuaries, and are distinguished from other shoreface deposits by their internal facies and geometry, association with backbarrier facies, and position within transgressive successions. Tidal processes, in particular tidal inlet migration and reworking of the upper shoreface, also distinguish barrier island deposits. Existing barrier island models highlight the short term heterogeneous and dynamic nature of barrier island systems, yet overlook processes tied to geologic time scales, such as multi-directional motion, erosion, and reworking, and their expressions in preserved barrier island strata. This study uses characteristic outcrop expressions of barrier island successions to exemplify how modern morphodynamic concepts can be combined with geologic time-scale processes to update understanding of ancient barrier island motion and preservation.

Tidal and residual currents across the northern Ryukyu Island chain observed by ferryboat ADCP

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Zhao-Jun; Nakamura, Hirohiko; Zhu, Xiao-Hua; Nishina, Ayako; Dong, Menghong

2017-09-01

Ferryboat Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP) data from 2003 to 2012 are used to estimate the tidal and residual currents across the northern Ryukyu Island chain (RIC) between the islands of Okinawa and Amamioshima. In this region, the M2 tide current is the strongest tidal component, and the K1 tide current is the strongest diurnal tidal component. The corresponding maximum amplitudes are 40 and 34 cm s-1, respectively. After removal of the tidal currents, the mean volume transport, 1.5 ± 2.7 Sv, flows into the East China Sea (ECS) from the western North Pacific through four channels in this area. In an empirical orthogonal function (EOF) analysis performed to clarify the temporal and spatial variability of currents through the four channels, the first two EOF modes account for 71% and 18% of the total variance, respectively. The EOF1 mode shows a clear bottom-intensified mode through the deep channel, which is likely to be formed by the propagation of bottom-trapped long topographic Rossby wave caused by the impingement of westward-propagating mesoscale eddies upon the eastern slope of the northern RIC. The EOF2 mode has significant seasonal variability and may be driven by the wind stress prevailing over the Kuroshio flow region around the northern RIC in October-November. This study provides observational evidence of the water exchanges across the northern RIC, which is essential for constructing a circulation scheme in the North Pacific subtropical western boundary region.

Tidal Power Exploitation in Korea

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Choi, Byung Ho; Kim, Kyeong Ok; Choi, Jae Cheon

The highest tides in South Korea are found along the northwest coast between latitudes 36-38 degrees and the number of possible sites for tidal range power barrages to create tidal basins is great due to irregular coastlines with numerous bays. At present Lake Sihwa tidal power plant is completed. The plant is consisted of 10 bulb type turbines with 8 sluice gates. The installed capacity of turbines and generators is 254MW and annual energy output expected is about 552.7 GWh taking flood flow generation scheme. Three other TPP projects are being progressed at Garolim Bay (20 turbines with 25.4MW capacity), Kangwha (28 turbines with 25.4MW capacity), Incheon (44 or 48 turbines with 30 MW capacity) and project features will be outlined here. The introduction of tidal barrages into four major TPP projects along the Kyeonggi bay will render wide range of potential impacts. Preliminary attempts were performed to quantify these impacts using 2 D hydrodynamic model demonstrating the changes in tidal amplitude and phase under mean tidal condition, associated changes in residual circulation (indicator for SPM and pollutant dispersion), bottom stress (indicator for bedload movement), and tidal front (positional indicator for bio-productivity) in both shelf scale and local context. Tidal regime modeling system for ocean tides in the seas bordering the Korean Peninsula is designed to cover an area that is broad in scope and size, yet provide a high degree of resolution in strong tidal current region including off southwestern tip of the Peninsula (Uldolmok , Jangjuk, Wando-Hoenggan), Daebang Sudo (Channel) and Kyeonggi Bay. With this simulation system, real tidal time simulation of extended springneap cycles was performed to estimate spatial distribution of tidal current power potentials in terms of power density, energy density and then extrapolated annual energy density.

Tides and tidal stress: Applications to Europa

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hurford, Terry Anthony, Jr.

A review of analytical techniques and documentation of previously inaccessible mathematical formulations is applied to study of Jupiter's satellite Europa. Compared with numerical codes that are commonly used to model global tidal effects, analytical models of tidal deformation give deeper insight into the mechanics of tides, and can better reveal the nature of the dependence of observable effects on key parameters. I develop analytical models for tidal deformation of multi-layered bodies. Previous studies of Europa, based on numerical computation, only to show isolated examples from parameter space. My results show a systematic dependence of tidal response on the thicknesses and material parameters of Europa's core, rocky mantle, liquid water ocean, and outer layer of ice. As in the earlier work, I restrict these studies to incompressible materials. Any set of Love numbers h 2 and k 2 which describe a planet's tidal deformation, could be fit by a range of ice thickness values, by adjusting other parameters such as mantle rigidity or core size, an important result for mission planning. Inclusion of compression into multilayer models has been addressed analytically, uncovering several issues that are not explicit in the literature. Full evaluation with compression is here restricted to a uniform sphere. A set of singularities in the classical solution, which correspond to instabilities due to self-gravity has been identified and mapped in parameter space. The analytical models of tidal response yield the stresses anywhere within the body, including on its surface. Crack patterns (such as cycloids) on Europa are probably controlled by these stresses. However, in contrast to previous studies which used a thin shell approximation of the tidal stress, I consider how other tidal models compare with the observed tectonic features. In this way the relationship between Europa's surface tectonics and the global tidal distortion can be constrained. While large-scale tidal deformations probe internal structure deep within a body, small-scale deformations can probe internal structure at shallower depths. I have used photoclinometry to obtain topographic profiles across terrain adjacent to Europan ridges to detect the effects of loading on the lithosphere. Lithospheric thicknesses have been determined and correlated with types and ages of terrain.

The dependence of estuarine turbidity on tidal intrusion length, tidal range and residence time

USGS Publications Warehouse

Uncles, R.J.; Stephens, J.A.; Smith, R.E.

2002-01-01

It is shown that there is a marked tendency for long, strongly tidal estuaries to have greater suspended particulate matter (SPM) concentrations within their high-turbidity regions than shorter estuaries with comparable tidal ranges at their mouths, or weakly tidal estuaries. Using consistently derived data from 44 estuaries in Europe and the Americas, contours of the logarithm of maximum estuarine SPM concentration are shown to be reasonably smooth when plotted against the logarithm of mean spring tidal range (at the estuary mouth) and the logarithm of estuarine tidal length. Predictions from the plot are compared with published observations made in the Delaware, Scheldt, Rio de la Plata, Gironde, Bay of Fundy, Changjiang (Yangtze), Amazon, Paros Lagoon and the Hawkesbury Estuary and it is shown that, qualitatively, there are no serious discrepancies. Short, weakly tidal estuaries are predicted to have very low 'intrinsic' SPM concentrations. High SPM concentrations in these estuaries would most likely be the result of either locally generated wave resuspension, high freshwater sediment loads due to freshets, or intruding seawater carrying suspended sediments derived from wave activity in the coastal zone. Application of a generic tidal model demonstrates that longer estuaries possess faster tidal currents for a given tidal range at their mouth and, in the presence of a supply of erodable fine sediment, therefore (by implication) produce greater concentrations of SPM that can be accumulated within a turbidity maximum. The same is true if the tidal range is increased for estuaries of a given length. These features are illustrated by comparing surveys of SPM data from two large estuaries possessing greatly different tidal ranges (the microtidal, medium turbidity Potomac and the macrotidal, highly turbid Humber-Ouse) and a third, much smaller but strongly tidal estuary (the low-turbidity Tweed). It is demonstrated that longer estuaries tend to have longer flushing times for solutes than shorter systems and that larger tides tend to reduce flushing times, although the tidal influence is secondary. Short, rapidly flushed estuaries quickly lose their erodable fine sediment to the coastal zone during freshets and during the ebbing currents of spring tides. Turbidity is therefore small during low runoff, low wave activity conditions. Very long, very slowly flushed estuaries are unlikely to lose a significant fraction of their resuspended sediments during freshets or individual ebb tides and are therefore able to accumulate large and increasing amounts of fine sediment in the long-term. Turbidity within them is therefore high during the fast currents of large spring tides. ?? 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.

The dependence of estuarine turbidity on tidal intrusion length, tidal range and residence time

USGS Publications Warehouse

Uncles, R.J.; Stephens, J.A.; Smith, R.E.

2002-01-01

It is shown that there is a marked tendency for long, strongly tidal estuaries to have greater suspended particulate matter (SPM) concentrations within their high-turbidity regions than shorter estuaries with comparable tidal ranges at their mouths, or weakly tidal estuaries. Using consistently derived data from 44 estuaries in Europe and the Americas, contours of the logarithm of maximum estuarine SPM concentration are shown to be reasonably smooth when plotted against the logarithm of mean spring tidal range (at the estuary mouth) and the logarithm of estuarine tidal length. Predictions from the plot are compared with published observations made in the Delaware, Scheldt, Rio de la Plata, Gironde, Bay of Fundy, Changjiang (Yangtze), Amazon, Patos Lagoon and the Hawkesbury Estuary and it is shown that, qualitatively, there are no serious discrepancies. Short, weakly tidal estuaries are predicted to have very low ‘intrinsic’ SPM concentrations. High SPM concentrations in these estuaries would most likely be the result of either locally generated wave resuspension, high freshwater sediment loads due to freshets, or intruding seawater carrying suspended sediments derived from wave activity in the coastal zone. Application of a generic tidal model demonstrates that longer estuaries possess faster tidal currents for a given tidal range at their mouth and, in the presence of a supply of erodable fine sediment, therefore (by implication) produce greater concentrations of SPM that can be accumulated within a turbidity maximum. The same is true if the tidal range is increased for estuaries of a given length. These features are illustrated by comparing surveys of SPM data from two large estuaries possessing greatly different tidal ranges (the microtidal, medium turbidity Potomac and the macrotidal, highly turbid Humber-Ouse) and a third, much smaller but strongly tidal estuary (the low-turbidity Tweed). It is demonstrated that longer estuaries tend to have longer flushing times for solutes than shorter systems and that larger tides tend to reduce flushing times, although the tidal influence is secondary. Short, rapidly flushed estuaries quickly lose their erodable fine sediment to the coastal zone during freshets and during the ebbing currents of spring tides. Turbidity is therefore small during low runoff, low wave activity conditions. Very long, very slowly flushed estuaries are unlikely to lose a significant fraction of their resuspended sediments during freshets or individual ebb tides and are therefore able to accumulate large and increasing amounts of fine sediment in the long-term. Turbidity within them is therefore high during the fast currents of large spring tides.

Effects of Stream Turbine Array Configuration on Current Energy Extraction Near an Island

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Y.; Lin, B.; Lin, J.

2014-12-01

Enhanced tidal currents close to an island appear to present the potential for power extraction. In this research, a three-dimensional numerical model is employed to predict the tidal current energy extraction potential from turbine arrays near an island. One of the significant challenges is to determine an optimal configuration of turbine array. This paper presents a detailed work to investigate the combined influences of topographic features and array configuration on the performance of power generation. Three single row arrays and three multiple-row arrays, with turbines being arranged in a staggered manner, are examined. It has been found that a single row array with a relatively small spacing between two turbines could achieve good efficiency due to the blockage effects, whereas a larger lateral spacing gives a better performance for multi-row arrays. The reason is that the bypass flow in a staggered layout would results in shadowing effect on downstream turbines. Model results also show that the wake influence can be minimized by increasing not only the longitudinal spacing, but also the lateral spacing. The tidal current flows are shown to have been affected by the inclusion of turbines, with less fluctuant wave in a tidal cycle. The extents of the observed impacts are not only within the turbine array field, but also moving around the island and propagating to the far-field. This study can be used to provide the reference information of the commercial-scale farms for tidal energy development. Keywords: Tidal currents; Array configuration; Energy extraction; Hydrodynamic process

Black guillemot ecology in relation to tidal stream energy generation: An evaluation of current knowledge and information gaps.

PubMed

Johnston, Daniel T; Furness, Robert W; Robbins, Alexandra M C; Tyler, Glen; Taggart, Mark A; Masden, Elizabeth A

2018-03-01

The black guillemot Cepphus grylle has been identified as a species likely to interact with marine renewable energy devices, specifically tidal turbines, with the potential to experience negative impacts. This likelihood is primarily based on the species being a diving seabird, and an inshore, benthic forager often associating with tidal streams. These behavioural properties may bring them into contact with turbine blades, or make them susceptible to alterations to tidal current speed, and/or changes in benthic habitat structure. We examine the knowledge currently available to assess the potential impacts of tidal stream turbines on black guillemot ecology, highlight knowledge gaps and make recommendations for future research. The key ecological aspects investigated include: foraging movements, diving behaviour, seasonal distribution, other sources of disturbance and colony recovery. Relating to foraging behaviour, between studies there is heterogeneity in black guillemot habitat use in relation to season, tide, diurnal cycles, and bathymetry. Currently, there is also little knowledge regarding the benthic habitats associated with foraging. With respect to diving behaviour, there is currently no available research regarding how black guillemots orientate and manoeuvre within the water column. Black guillemots are considered to be a non-migratory species, however little is known about their winter foraging range and habitat. The effect of human disturbance on breeding habitat and the metapopulation responses to potential mortalities are unknown. It is clear further understanding of black guillemot foraging habitat and behaviour is needed to provide renewable energy developers with the knowledge to sustainably locate tidal turbines and mitigate their impacts. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Incorporating future change into current conservation planning: Evaluating tidal saline wetland migration along the U.S. Gulf of Mexico coast under alternative sea-level rise and urbanization scenarios

USGS Publications Warehouse

Enwright, Nicholas M.; Griffith, Kereen T.; Osland, Michael J.

2015-11-02

In this study, the U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, quantified the potential for landward migration of tidal saline wetlands along the U.S. Gulf of Mexico coast under alternative future sea-level rise and urbanization scenarios. Our analyses focused exclusively on tidal saline wetlands (that is, mangrove forests, salt marshes, and salt flats), and we combined these diverse tidal saline wetland ecosystems into a single grouping, “tidal saline wetland.” Collectively, our approach and findings can provide useful information for scientists and environmental planners working to develop future-focused adaptation strategies for conserving coastal landscapes and the ecosystem goods and services provided by tidal saline wetlands. The primary product of this work is a public dataset that identifies locations where landward migration of tidal saline wetlands is expected to occur under alternative future sea-level rise and urbanization scenarios. In addition to identifying areas where landward migration of tidal saline wetlands is possible because of the absence of barriers, these data also identify locations where landward migration of these wetlands could be prevented by barriers associated with current urbanization, future urbanization, and levees.

The study method of estimation tidal flat with remote sensing waterlines

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gao, Zhiqiang; Liu, Xiangyang; Zhang, Yuanyuan; Liu, Chaoshun; Sun, Zhibin

2016-09-01

A tidal flat, the important potential land resource, is the sensitive area of intersection between the sea and the land. With Chinese HJ-1A/B remote sensing images of 2014 as data sources, based on the definition of a tidal flat, using DSAS software and Jenks Natural Breaks classification method synthetically, a more reasonable and accurate method of extracting tidal flat was imposed. In addition, the Bohai Rim was taken as an example to carry out investigation on the current situation of tidal flat. This paper can provide basic date and scientific evidence for rational utilization and sustainable development of tidal flat.

Characterising Tidal Flow Within AN Energetic Tidal Environment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Neill, S. P.; Goward Brown, A.; Lewis, M. J.

2016-02-01

The Pentland Firth is a highly energetic and complex tidal strait separating the north of Scotland with the Orkney Islands and is a key location for tidal energy exploitation. Topographic features including islands and headlands, combined with bathymetric complexities within the Pentland Firth create turbulent hydrodynamic flows which are difficult to observe. Site selection in tidal energy environments historically focuses on tidal current magnitude. Without consideration for the more complex hydrodynamics of tidal energy environments tidal energy developers may miss the opportunity to tune their devices or create environment specific tidal energy converters in order to harness the greatest potential from site. Fully characterising these tidal energy environments ensures economic energy extraction. Understanding the interaction of energy extraction with the environment will reduce uncertainty in site selection and allow mitigation of any potential environmental concerns. We apply the 3D ROMS model to the Pentland Firth with the aim of resolving uncertainties within tidal energy resource assessment. Flow magnitudes and directions are examined with a focus on tidal phasing and asymmetry and application to sediment dynamics. Using the ROMS model, it is possible to determine the extent to which the tidal resource varies temporally and spatially with tidal energy extraction. Accurately modelling the tidal dynamics within this environment ensures that potential consequences of tidal energy extraction on the surrounding environment are better understood.

Tidal Wave Reflectance, Evolution and Distortion in Elkhorn Slough, CA

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-03-01

School O1 Lunisolar diurnal Tidal Constituent ONR Office of Naval Research p Pressure Rhfm High-Frequency Motion Tidal Reflection Coefficient RIVET ...2012 an experiment at the New River Inlet, known as the River and Inlet Dynamics experiment ( RIVET ) was conducted. RIVET 2 is currently scheduled for

Tidal Heating of Earth-like Exoplanets around M Stars: Thermal, Magnetic, and Orbital Evolutions

PubMed Central

Barnes, R.

2015-01-01

Abstract The internal thermal and magnetic evolution of rocky exoplanets is critical to their habitability. We focus on the thermal-orbital evolution of Earth-mass planets around low-mass M stars whose radiative habitable zone overlaps with the “tidal zone,” where tidal dissipation is expected to be a significant heat source in the interior. We develop a thermal-orbital evolution model calibrated to Earth that couples tidal dissipation, with a temperature-dependent Maxwell rheology, to orbital circularization and migration. We illustrate thermal-orbital steady states where surface heat flow is balanced by tidal dissipation and cooling can be stalled for billions of years until circularization occurs. Orbital energy dissipated as tidal heat in the interior drives both inward migration and circularization, with a circularization time that is inversely proportional to the dissipation rate. We identify a peak in the internal dissipation rate as the mantle passes through a viscoelastic state at mantle temperatures near 1800 K. Planets orbiting a 0.1 solar-mass star within 0.07 AU circularize before 10 Gyr, independent of initial eccentricity. Once circular, these planets cool monotonically and maintain dynamos similar to that of Earth. Planets forced into eccentric orbits can experience a super-cooling of the core and rapid core solidification, inhibiting dynamo action for planets in the habitable zone. We find that tidal heating is insignificant in the habitable zone around 0.45 (or larger) solar-mass stars because tidal dissipation is a stronger function of orbital distance than stellar mass, and the habitable zone is farther from larger stars. Suppression of the planetary magnetic field exposes the atmosphere to stellar wind erosion and the surface to harmful radiation. In addition to weak magnetic fields, massive melt eruption rates and prolonged magma oceans may render eccentric planets in the habitable zone of low-mass stars inhospitable for life. Key Words: Tidal dissipation—Thermal history—Planetary interiors—Magnetic field. Astrobiology 15, 739–760. PMID:26393398

Tidal dissipation and evolution of white dwarfs around massive black holes: an eccentric path to tidal disruption

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vick, Michelle; Lai, Dong; Fuller, Jim

2017-06-01

A white dwarf (WD) captured into a high-eccentricity orbit around a massive black hole (MBH) may undergo many pericentre passages before tidal disruption. During these passages, the tidal potential of the MBH excites internal oscillations or waves in the WD, and the dissipation of these oscillations can significantly influence the physical properties of the WD prior to its disruption. We calculate the amplitude of the tidally excited gravity (buoyancy) waves in the WD as a function of the pericentre distance and eccentricity for realistic WD models, under the assumption that these outgoing gravity waves are efficiently dissipated in the outer layers of the WD by non-linear effects or radiative damping. We obtain fitting formulae for the tidal energy and angular momentum transfer rates as well as the tidal heating rate. We find that these dynamical tides are much weaker than gravitational radiation in driving the orbital decay of the WD-MBH binary, and they are also inefficient in changing the WD spin during the orbital evolution. Incorporating our computed tidal dissipation rate into a mesa-based WD evolution code, we find that tidal heating can lead to appreciable brightening of the WD and may induce runaway fusion in the hydrogen envelope well before the WD undergoes tidal disruption.

Tidal wetlands of the Yaquina and Alsea River estuaries, Oregon: Geographic Information Systems layer development and recommendations for National Wetlands Inventory revisions

USGS Publications Warehouse

Brophy, Laura S.; Reusser, Deborah A.; Janousek, Christopher N.

2013-01-01

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) layers of current, and likely former, tidal wetlands in two Oregon estuaries were generated by enhancing the 2010 National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) data with expert local field knowledge, Light Detection and Ranging-derived elevations, and 2009 aerial orthophotographs. Data were generated for two purposes: First, to enhance the NWI by recommending revised Cowardin classifications for certain NWI wetlands within the study area; and second, to generate GIS data for the 1999 Yaquina and Alsea River Basins Estuarine Wetland Site Prioritization study. Two sets of GIS products were generated: (1) enhanced NWI shapefiles; and (2) shapefiles of prioritization sites. The enhanced NWI shapefiles contain recommended changes to the Cowardin classification (system, subsystem, class, and/or modifiers) for 286 NWI polygons in the Yaquina estuary (1,133 acres) and 83 NWI polygons in the Alsea estuary (322 acres). These enhanced NWI shapefiles also identify likely former tidal wetlands that are classified as upland in the current NWI (64 NWI polygons totaling 441 acres in the Yaquina estuary; 16 NWI polygons totaling 51 acres in the Alsea estuary). The former tidal wetlands were identified to assist strategic planning for tidal wetland restoration. Cowardin classifications for the former tidal wetlands were not provided, because their current hydrology is complex owing to dikes, tide gates, and drainage ditches. The scope of this project did not include the field evaluation that would be needed to determine whether the former tidal wetlands are currently wetlands, and if so, determine their correct Cowardin classification. The prioritization site shapefiles contain 49 prioritization sites totaling 2,177 acres in the Yaquina estuary, and 39 prioritization sites totaling 1,045 acres in the Alsea estuary. The prioritization sites include current and former (for example, diked) tidal wetlands, and provide landscape units appropriate for basin-scale wetland restoration and conservation action planning. Several new prioritization sites (not included in the 1999 prioritization) were identified in each estuary, consisting of NWI polygons formerly classified as nontidal wetland or upland. The GIS products of this project improve the accuracy and utility of the NWI data, and provide useful tools for estuarine resource management.

Improved Estimates of Temporally Coherent Internal Tides and Energy Fluxes from Satellite Altimetry

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ray, Richard D.; Chao, Benjamin F. (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

Satellite altimetry has opened a surprising new avenue to observing internal tides in the open ocean. The tidal surface signatures are very small, a few cm at most, but in many areas they are robust, owing to averaging over many years. By employing a simplified two dimensional wave fitting to the surface elevations in combination with climatological hydrography to define the relation between the surface height and the current and pressure at depth, we may obtain rough estimates of internal tide energy fluxes. Initial results near Hawaii with Topex/Poseidon (T/P) data show good agreement with detailed 3D (three dimensional) numerical models, but the altimeter picture is somewhat blurred owing to the widely spaced T/P tracks. The resolution may be enhanced somewhat by using data from the ERS-1 (ESA (European Space Agency) Remote Sensing) and ERS-2 satellite altimeters. The ERS satellite tracks are much more closely spaced (0.72 deg longitude vs. 2.83 deg for T/P), but the tidal estimates are less accurate than those for T/P. All altimeter estimates are also severely affected by noise in regions of high mesoscale variability, and we have obtained some success in reducing this contamination by employing a prior correction for mesoscale variability based on ten day detailed sea surface height maps developed by Le Traon and colleagues. These improvements allow us to more clearly define the internal tide surface field and the corresponding energy fluxes. Results from throughout the global ocean will be presented.

The IERS Special Bureau for Tides

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ray, Richard D.; Chao, B. F.; Desai, S. D.

2002-01-01

The Global Geophysical Fluids Center of the International Earth Rotation Service (IERS) comprises 8 special bureaus, one of which is the Special Bureau for Tides. Its purpose is to facilitate studies related to tidal effects in earth rotation. To that end it collects various relevant datasets and distributes them, primarily through its website at bowie.gsfc.nasa.gov/ggfc/tides. Example datasets include tabulations of tidal variations in angular momentum and in earth rotation as estimated from numerical ocean tide models and from meteorological reanalysis products. The web site also features an interactive tidal prediction "machine" which generates tidal predictions (e.g., of UT1) from lists of harmonic constants. The Special Bureau relies on the tidal and earth-rotation communities to build and enlarge its datasets; further contributions from this community are most welcome.

Critical Latitude in Tidal Dynamics Using the Kara Sea as an Example

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kagan, B. A.; Sofina, E. V.; Timofeev, A. A.

2018-03-01

It is well known that, within the linear nonviscous equations of tidal dynamics, the amplitudes of oscillations of the barotropic and baroclinic tidal velocity components unlimitedly increase when approaching the critical latitude. It is also known that the linear equations of tidal dynamics with a constant and specified vertical eddy viscosity indicate the occurrence of significant tidal velocity shears in the near-bottom layer, which are responsible for increasing the baroclinic tidal energy dissipation, the turbulent kinetic energy, and the thickness of the bottom boundary layer. The first circumstance—the growth of the amplitudes of oscillations of the barotropic and baroclinic tidal velocity components—is due to the elimination in the original equations of small terms, which are small everywhere except for the critical latitude zone. The second circumstance—the occurrence of significant tidal velocity shears—is due to the fact that internal tidal waves, which induce the dissipation of the baroclinic tidal energy and the diapycnal diffusion, are either not taken into account or described inadequately. It is suggested that diapycnal diffusion can lead to the degeneration (complete or partial) of tidal velocity shears, with all the ensuing consequences. The aforesaid is confirmed by simulation results obtained using the QUODDY-4 high-resolution three-dimensional finite-element hydrostatic model along the 66.25° E section, which passes in the Kara Sea across the critical latitude.

Tidal Residual Eddies and their Effect on Water Exchange in Puget Sound

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yang, Zhaoqing; Wang, Taiping

Tidal residual eddies are one of the important hydrodynamic features in tidally dominant estuaries and coastal bays, and they could have significant effects on water exchange in a tidal system. This paper presents a modeling study of tides and tidal residual eddies in Puget Sound, a tidally dominant fjord-like estuary in the Pacific Northwest coast, using a three-dimensional finite-volume coastal ocean model. Mechanisms of vorticity generation and asymmetric distribution patterns around an island/headland were analyzed using the dynamic vorticity transfer approach and numerical experiments. Model results of Puget Sound show that a number of large twin tidal residual eddies existmore » in the Admiralty Inlet because of the presence of major headlands in the inlet. Simulated residual vorticities near the major headlands indicate that the clockwise tidal residual eddy (negative vorticity) is generally stronger than the anticlockwise eddy (positive vorticity) because of the effect of Coriolis force. The effect of tidal residual eddies on water exchange in Puget Sound and its sub-basins were evaluated by simulations of dye transport. It was found that the strong transverse variability of residual currents in the Admiralty Inlet results in a dominant seaward transport along the eastern shore and a dominant landward transport along the western shore of the Inlet. A similar transport pattern in Hood Canal is caused by the presence of tidal residual eddies near the entrance of the canal. Model results show that tidal residual currents in Whidbey Basin are small in comparison to other sub-basins. A large clockwise residual circulation is formed around Vashon Island near entrance of South Sound, which can potentially constrain the water exchange between the Central Basin and South Sound.« less

Resolving high-frequency internal waves generated at an isolated coral atoll using an unstructured grid ocean model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rayson, Matthew D.; Ivey, Gregory N.; Jones, Nicole L.; Fringer, Oliver B.

2018-02-01

We apply the unstructured grid hydrodynamic model SUNTANS to investigate the internal wave dynamics around Scott Reef, Western Australia, an isolated coral reef atoll located on the edge of the continental shelf in water depths of 500,m and more. The atoll is subject to strong semi-diurnal tidal forcing and consists of two relatively shallow lagoons separated by a 500 m deep, 2 km wide and 15 km long channel. We focus on the dynamics in this channel as the internal tide-driven flow and resulting mixing is thought to be a key mechanism controlling heat and nutrient fluxes into the reef lagoons. We use an unstructured grid to discretise the domain and capture both the complex topography and the range of internal wave length scales in the channel flow. The model internal wave field shows super-tidal frequency lee waves generated by the combination of the steep channel topography and strong tidal flow. We evaluate the model performance using observations of velocity and temperature from two through water-column moorings in the channel separating the two reefs. Three different global ocean state estimate datasets (global HYCOM, CSIRO Bluelink, CSIRO climatology atlas) were used to provide the model initial and boundary conditions, and the model outputs from each were evaluated against the field observations. The scenario incorporating the CSIRO Bluelink data performed best in terms of through-water column Murphy skill scores of water temperature and eastward velocity variability in the channel. The model captures the observed vertical structure of the tidal (M2) and super-tidal (M4) frequency temperature and velocity oscillations. The model also predicts the direction and magnitude of the M2 internal tide energy flux. An energy analysis reveals a net convergence of the M2 energy flux and a divergence of the M4 energy flux in the channel, indicating the channel is a region of either energy transfer to higher frequencies or energy loss to dissipation. This conclusion is supported by the mooring observations that reveal high frequency lee waves breaking on the turning phase of the tide.

Titan's interior constrained from its obliquity and tidal Love number

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baland, Rose-Marie; Coyette, Alexis; Yseboodt, Marie; Beuthe, Mikael; Van Hoolst, Tim

2016-04-01

In the last few years, the Cassini-Huygens mission to the Saturn system has measured the shape, the obliquity, the static gravity field, and the tidally induced gravity field of Titan. The large values of the obliquity and of the k2 Love number both point to the existence of a global internal ocean below the icy crust. In order to constrain interior models of Titan, we combine the above-mentioned data as follows: (1) we build four-layer density profiles consistent with Titan's bulk properties; (2) we determine the corresponding internal flattening compatible with the observed gravity and topography; (3) we compute the obliquity and tidal Love number for each interior model; (4) we compare these predictions with the observations. Previously, we found that Titan is more differentiated than expected (assuming hydrostatic equilibrium), and that its ocean is dense and less than 100 km thick. Here, we revisit these conclusions using a more complete Cassini state model, including: (1) gravitational and pressure torques due to internal tidal deformations; (2) atmosphere/lakes-surface exchange of angular momentum; (3) inertial torque due to Poincaré flow. We also adopt faster methods to evaluate Love numbers (i.e. the membrane approach) in order to explore a larger parameter space.

Mechanisms of Sediment Transport to an Abandoned Distributary Channel on the Huanghe (Yellow River) Delta, China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumpf, L. L.; Kineke, G. C.; Carlson, B.; Mullane, M.

2017-12-01

Avulsions on the fine-grained Huanghe delta have left it scarred with traces of abandoned distributary channels that become intertidal systems, open to water and sediment exchange with the sea. In 1996, an engineered avulsion of the Huanghe left a 30 km long abandoned channel to the south of the modern active river channel. Though all fluvial input was cut off, present-day sedimentation on the new tidal flats has been observed at rates around 2 cm/yr. The source must be suspended-sediment from the Bohai Sea conveyed by the tidal channel network, but the mechanisms promoting sediment import are unknown. Possible mechanisms include (A) import sourced from the sediment-rich buoyant coastal plume, (B) wave resuspension on the shallow shelf, (C) reverse-estuarine residual circulation in the tidal channel, and (D) tidal asymmetry in the channel. Over three summers, in situ measurements of current velocity, suspended-sediment concentration (SSC), and wave climate were made on the delta front, and measurements of velocity, SSC, and salinity were made within the tidal channel. Results suggest that the buoyant plume from the active Huanghe channel can transport sediment south toward the tidal channel mouth (A). Additionally, wave resuspension (B) takes place on the subaqueous topset beds when the significant wave height exceeds 1 m, providing potential sources of suspended-sediment to the tidal channel. Within the abandoned channel, the tidal channel can become hypersaline and exhibit reverse-estuarine circulation (C), which would promote import of turbid coastal water near the surface. Time-series of velocity in the tidal channel indicate that ebb currents are consistently higher than flood currents through the spring-neap cycle (D), with maximum velocities exceeding 1 m/s and corresponding maximum SSC reaching 2 g/L during spring tide. While ebb dominance would typically tend to flush the system of its sediment over time, sediment supplied to the tidal flats may not be removed during the ebb, leading to net accumulation. Flocculation may also enhance settling over the inundated mudflats, contributing to the observed sedimentation. If import and sedimentation proceed at current rates, this abandoned channel may eventually anneal, contributing to the stability of the Huanghe delta.

Morphologic and hydrodynamic controls on the occurrence of tidal bundles in an open-coast macrotidal environment, northern Gyeonggi Bay, west coast of Korea

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Choi, Kyungsik; Kim, Do Hyeong

2016-06-01

Tidal dunes with well-defined rhythmic tidal bundles are documented from the lower intertidal zone of an open-coast macrotidal environment in Gyeonggi Bay, Korea. Based on combined morphologic, sedimentologic and hydrodynamic datasets, this study aims to characterize the factors that govern the temporal and spatial variability of tidal bundles in a non-barred, unconfined macrotidal environment. The tidal dunes are flood-asymmetric and of longer wavelength (10-20 m) with small ebb caps on the upper bank, and symmetric to slightly ebb-asymmetric and of shorter wavelength (5-10 m) with larger ebb caps on the lower bank. The upper-bank dunes are characterized by more steeply dipping flood-directed planar cross-beds and thinner mud drapes than the lower-bank dunes. Each tidal bundle consists of a single mud drape that is stratified to cross-stratified, rich in silt and very fine sand. It overlies ebb-directed ripples and represents dynamic mud deposition during the ebb tidal phase. The presence of strong rotary currents (up to 0.25 m/s) and low suspended-sediment concentration of flood currents prevent deposition of mud drapes during the high-tide slack-water period. The distinct asymmetry in the water elevation at which the velocity peaks during the ebb and flood phases results in the preferential preservation of flood-directed cross-beds in the lower intertidal zone, where the ebb current - although stronger than the flood currents - is of shorter duration and hence unable to reverse the dune profile. The pronounced time-velocity asymmetry at the higher elevation combined with the distinct velocity peak asymmetry leads to a better preservation of hierarchical tidal cycles in the upper-bank dunes. The present study suggests that the persistent occurrence of single, stratified to cross-stratified mud drapes, which reflect dynamic mud deposition during the ebb phase, and the dominance of flood-directed cross-beds are diagnostic features of tidal bundles in the intertidal zone of unbarred, open-coast macrotidal environments. A proposed model for mud drape deposition provides a new perspective on the origin of tidal bundles together with useful criteria for reconstructing the paleo-depositional setting.

Characterisation of physical environmental factors on an intertidal sandflat, Manukau Harbour, New Zealand

USGS Publications Warehouse

Bell, R.G.; Hume, T.M.; Dolphin, T.J.; Green, M.O.; Walters, R.A.

1997-01-01

Physical environmental factors, including sediment characteristics, inundation time, tidal currents and wind waves, likely to influence the structure of the benthic community at meso-scales (1-100 m) were characterised for a sandflat off Wiroa Island (Manukau Harbour, New Zealand). In a 500 x 250 m study site, sediment characteristics and bed topography were mostly homogenous apart from patches of low-relief ridges and runnels. Field measurements and hydrodynamic modelling portray a complex picture of sediment or particulate transport on the intertidal flat, involving interactions between the larger scale tidal processes and the smaller scale wave dynamics (1-4 s; 1-15 m). Peak tidal currents in isolation are incapable of eroding bottom sediments, but in combination with near-bed orbital currents generated by only very small wind waves, sediment transport can be initiated. Work done on the bed integrated over an entire tidal cycle by prevailing wind waves is greatest on the elevated and flatter slopes of the study site, where waves shoal over a wider surf zone and water depths remain shallow e enough for wave-orbital currents to disturb the bed. The study also provided physical descriptors quantifying static and hydrodynamic (tidal and wave) factors which were used in companion studies on ecological spatial modelling of bivalve distributions and micro-scale sediment reworking and transport.

Do Changes in Current Flow as a Result of Arrays of Tidal Turbines Have an Effect on Benthic Communities?

PubMed

Kregting, Louise; Elsaesser, Bjoern; Kennedy, Robert; Smyth, David; O'Carroll, Jack; Savidge, Graham

2016-01-01

Arrays of tidal energy converters have the potential to provide clean renewable energy for future generations. Benthic communities may, however, be affected by changes in current speeds resulting from arrays of tidal converters located in areas characterised by strong currents. Current speed, together with bottom type and depth, strongly influence benthic community distributions; however the interaction of these factors in controlling benthic dynamics in high energy environments is poorly understood. The Strangford Lough Narrows, the location of SeaGen, the world's first single full-scale, grid-compliant tidal energy extractor, is characterised by spatially heterogenous high current flows. A hydrodynamic model was used to select a range of benthic community study sites that had median flow velocities between 1.5-2.4 m/s in a depth range of 25-30 m. 25 sites were sampled for macrobenthic community structure using drop down video survey to test the sensitivity of the distribution of benthic communities to changes in the flow field. A diverse range of species were recorded which were consistent with those for high current flow environments and corresponding to very tide-swept faunal communities in the EUNIS classification. However, over the velocity range investigated, no changes in benthic communities were observed. This suggested that the high physical disturbance associated with the high current flows in the Strangford Narrows reflected the opportunistic nature of the benthic species present with individuals being continuously and randomly affected by turbulent forces and physical damage. It is concluded that during operation, the removal of energy by marine tidal energy arrays in the far-field is unlikely to have a significant effect on benthic communities in high flow environments. The results are of major significance to developers and regulators in the tidal energy industry when considering the environmental impacts for site licences.

Do Changes in Current Flow as a Result of Arrays of Tidal Turbines Have an Effect on Benthic Communities?

PubMed Central

Kregting, Louise; Elsaesser, Bjoern; Kennedy, Robert; Smyth, David; O’Carroll, Jack; Savidge, Graham

2016-01-01

Arrays of tidal energy converters have the potential to provide clean renewable energy for future generations. Benthic communities may, however, be affected by changes in current speeds resulting from arrays of tidal converters located in areas characterised by strong currents. Current speed, together with bottom type and depth, strongly influence benthic community distributions; however the interaction of these factors in controlling benthic dynamics in high energy environments is poorly understood. The Strangford Lough Narrows, the location of SeaGen, the world’s first single full-scale, grid-compliant tidal energy extractor, is characterised by spatially heterogenous high current flows. A hydrodynamic model was used to select a range of benthic community study sites that had median flow velocities between 1.5–2.4 m/s in a depth range of 25–30 m. 25 sites were sampled for macrobenthic community structure using drop down video survey to test the sensitivity of the distribution of benthic communities to changes in the flow field. A diverse range of species were recorded which were consistent with those for high current flow environments and corresponding to very tide-swept faunal communities in the EUNIS classification. However, over the velocity range investigated, no changes in benthic communities were observed. This suggested that the high physical disturbance associated with the high current flows in the Strangford Narrows reflected the opportunistic nature of the benthic species present with individuals being continuously and randomly affected by turbulent forces and physical damage. It is concluded that during operation, the removal of energy by marine tidal energy arrays in the far-field is unlikely to have a significant effect on benthic communities in high flow environments. The results are of major significance to developers and regulators in the tidal energy industry when considering the environmental impacts for site licences. PMID:27560657

Dissipation of Tidal Energy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2002-01-01

The moon's gravity imparts tremendous energy to the Earth, raising tides throughout the global oceans. What happens to all this energy? This question has been pondered by scientists for over 200 years, and has consequences ranging from the history of the moon to the mixing of the oceans. Richard Ray at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md. and Gary Egbert of the College of Oceanic and Atmospheric Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Ore. studied six years of altimeter data from the TOPEX/Poseidon satellite to address this question. According to their report in the June 15 issue of Nature, about 1 terawatt, or 25 to 30 percent of the total tidal energy dissipation, occurs in the deep ocean. The remainder occurs in shallow seas, such as on the Patagonian Shelf. 'By measuring sea level with the TOPEX/Poseidon satellite altimeter, our knowledge of the tides in the global ocean has been remarkably improved,' said Richard Ray, a geophysicist at Goddard. The accuracies are now so high that this data can be used to map empirically the tidal energy dissipation. (Red areas, above) The deep-water tidal dissipation occurs generally near rugged bottom topography (seamounts and mid-ocean ridges). 'The observed pattern of deep-ocean dissipation is consistent with topographic scattering of tidal energy into internal motions within the water column, resulting in localized turbulence and mixing', said Gary Egbert an associate professor at OSU. One important implication of this finding concerns the possible energy sources needed to maintain the ocean's large-scale 'conveyor-belt' circulation and to mix upper ocean heat into the abyssal depths. It is thought that 2 terawatts are required for this process. The winds supply about 1 terawatt, and there has been speculation that the tides, by pumping energy into vertical water motions, supply the remainder. However, all current general circulation models of the oceans ignore the tides. 'It is possible that properly accounting for tidally induced ocean mixing may have important implications for long-term climate modeling', Egbert said. In the past, most geophysical theories held that the only significant tidal energy sink was bottom friction in shallow seas. Egbert and Ray find that this sink is indeed dominant, but it is not the whole story. There had always been suggestive evidence that tidal energy is also dissipated in the open ocean to create internal waves, but published estimates of this effect varied widely and had met with no general consensus before TOPEX/Poseidon. TOPEX/Poseidon mission, a joint U.S.-French mission, is managed by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory for NASA's Office of Earth Science, Washington, DC. The satellite was launched in August 1992, and it continues to produce sea level measurements of the highest quality. For supporting images: http://svs.gsfc.nasa.gov/search/Instrumentsdatasets/TOPEX-POSEIDON.html Image by Richard Ray, NASA GSFC

Sensitivity of tidal characteristics in double inlet systems to momentum dissipation on tidal flats: a perturbation analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hepkema, Tjebbe M.; de Swart, Huib E.; Zagaris, Antonios; Duran–Matute, Matias

2018-05-01

In a tidal channel with adjacent tidal flats, along-channel momentum is dissipated on the flats during rising tides. This leads to a sink of along-channel momentum. Using a perturbative method, it is shown that the momentum sink slightly reduces the M2 amplitude of both the sea surface elevation and current velocity and favours flood dominant tides. These changes in tidal characteristics (phase and amplitude of sea surface elevations and currents) are noticeable if widths of tidal flats are at least of the same order as the channel width, and amplitudes and gradients of along-channel velocity are large. The M2 amplitudes are reduced because stagnant water flows from the flats into the channel, thereby slowing down the current. The M4 amplitudes and phases change because the momentum sink acts as an advective term during the fall of the tide, such a term generates flood dominant currents. For a prototype embayment that resembles the Marsdiep-Vlie double-inlet system of the Western Wadden Sea, it is found that for both the sea surface elevation and current velocity, including the momentum sink, lead to a decrease of approximately 2 % in M2 amplitudes and an increase of approximately 25 % in M4 amplitudes. As a result, the net import of coarse sediment is increased by approximately 35 %, while the transport of fine sediment is hardly influenced by the momentum sink. For the Marsdiep-Vlie system, the M2 sea surface amplitude obtained from the idealised model is similar to that computed with a realistic three-dimensional numerical model whilst the comparison with regard to M4 improves if momentum sink is accounted for.

Lagrangian trajectories, residual currents and rectification process in the Northern Gulf of California

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rodríguez, Pablo Alonso; Carbajal, Noel; Rodríguez, Juan Heberto Gaviño

2017-07-01

Considering a semi-implicit approximation of the Coriolis terms, a numerical solution of the vertically integrated equations of motion is proposed. To test the two-dimensional numerical model, several experiments for the calculation of Euler, Stokes and Lagrange residual currents in the Gulf of California were carried out. To estimate the Lagrangian residual current, trajectories of particles were also simulated. The applied tidal constituents were M2, S2, K2, N2, K1, P1 and O1. At spring tides, strong tidal velocities occur in the northern half of the gulf. In this region of complex geometry, depths change from a few meter in the northern shelf zone to more than 3000 m in the southern part. In the archipelago region, the presence of islands alters amplitude and direction of tidal currents producing a rectification process which is reflected in a clockwise circulation around Tiburón Island in the Lagrangian residual current. The rectification process is explained by the superposition of the Euler and Stokes residual currents. Residual current patterns show several cyclonic and anticyclonic gyres in the Northern Gulf of California. Numerical experiments for individual and combinations of several tidal constituents revealed a large variability of Lagrangian trajectories.

Blade design and performance analysis on the horizontal axis tidal current turbine for low water level channel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, C. C.; Choi, Y. D.; Y Yoon, H.

2013-12-01

Most tidal current turbine design are focused on middle and large scale for deep sea, less attention was paid in low water level channel, such as the region around the islands, coastal seas and rivers. This study aims to develop a horizontal axis tidal current turbine rotor blade which is applicable to low water level island region in southwest of Korea. The blade design is made by using BEMT(blade element momentum theory). The section airfoil profile of NACA63-415 is used, which shows good performance of lift coefficient and drag coefficient. Power coefficient, pressure and velocity distributions are investigated according to TSR by CFD analysis.

Tidally averaged water and salt transport velocities and their distributions in the Pearl River Estuary

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, Shouxian; Sheng, Jinyu; Ji, Xiaomei

2016-09-01

Tidally averaged transports of water and substance are important physical quantities over estuarine, coastal, and shelf waters, but they have been indistinguishably expressed in terms of the Eulerian residual current (ERC) or Lagrangian residual current (LRC) in many previous studies. In this study, the tidally averaged transport velocities for water (TA-WTV) and substance (TA-STV) are considered based on residual fluxes. The main advantage of these newly defined transport velocities is that they can be used to quantify differences in amplitude and direction between the tidally averaged water and substance transports. The two-dimensional TA-STV is interpreted as the transport due to the residual flow of water, tidal pumping, and vertical shear. The three-dimensional TA-STV includes transports from the residual flow of water and tidal pumping. Numerical results of sea surface elevations, currents, and salinity produced by a triply nested coastal ocean model for the Pearl River Estuary (PRE) are used to calculate the TA-WTV and TA-STV for salt (TA-STVsa). The general features of the TA-WTV and TA-STVsa are similar over the most part of the PRE but differ significantly in amplitude and direction over the salinity frontal zone. The ERC and LRC calculated from model results are also significantly different from the TA-STVsa over the salinity frontal zone.

Energy storage inherent in large tidal turbine farms

PubMed Central

Vennell, Ross; Adcock, Thomas A. A.

2014-01-01

While wind farms have no inherent storage to supply power in calm conditions, this paper demonstrates that large tidal turbine farms in channels have short-term energy storage. This storage lies in the inertia of the oscillating flow and can be used to exceed the previously published upper limit for power production by currents in a tidal channel, while simultaneously maintaining stronger currents. Inertial storage exploits the ability of large farms to manipulate the phase of the oscillating currents by varying the farm's drag coefficient. This work shows that by optimizing how a large farm's drag coefficient varies during the tidal cycle it is possible to have some flexibility about when power is produced. This flexibility can be used in many ways, e.g. producing more power, or to better meet short predictable peaks in demand. This flexibility also allows trading total power production off against meeting peak demand, or mitigating the flow speed reduction owing to power extraction. The effectiveness of inertial storage is governed by the frictional time scale relative to either the duration of a half tidal cycle or the duration of a peak in power demand, thus has greater benefits in larger channels. PMID:24910516

Energy storage inherent in large tidal turbine farms.

PubMed

Vennell, Ross; Adcock, Thomas A A

2014-06-08

While wind farms have no inherent storage to supply power in calm conditions, this paper demonstrates that large tidal turbine farms in channels have short-term energy storage. This storage lies in the inertia of the oscillating flow and can be used to exceed the previously published upper limit for power production by currents in a tidal channel, while simultaneously maintaining stronger currents. Inertial storage exploits the ability of large farms to manipulate the phase of the oscillating currents by varying the farm's drag coefficient. This work shows that by optimizing how a large farm's drag coefficient varies during the tidal cycle it is possible to have some flexibility about when power is produced. This flexibility can be used in many ways, e.g. producing more power, or to better meet short predictable peaks in demand. This flexibility also allows trading total power production off against meeting peak demand, or mitigating the flow speed reduction owing to power extraction. The effectiveness of inertial storage is governed by the frictional time scale relative to either the duration of a half tidal cycle or the duration of a peak in power demand, thus has greater benefits in larger channels.

Tidal and atmospheric forcing of the upper ocean in the Gulf of California. I - Sea surface temperature variability

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Paden, Cynthia A.; Winant, Clinton D.; Abbott, Mark R.

1991-01-01

SST variability in the northern Gulf of California is examined on the basis of findings of two years of satellite infrared imagery (1984-1986). Empirical orthogonal functions of the temporal and spatial SST variance for 20 monthly mean images show that the dominant SST patterns are generated by spatially varying tidal mixing in the presence of seasonal heating and cooling. Atmospheric forcing of the northern gulf appears to occur over large spatial scales. Area-averaged SSTs for the Guaymas Basin, island region, and northern basin exhibit significant fluctuations which are highly correlated. These fluctuations in SST correspond to similar fluctuations in the air temperature which are related to synoptic weather events over the gulf. A regression analysis of the SST relative to the fortnightly tidal range shows that tidal mixing occurs over the sills in the island region as well as on the shallow northern shelf. Mixing over the sills occurs as a result of large breaking internal waves of internal hydraulic jumps which mix over water in the upper 300-500 m.

Turning the tide: effects of river inflow and tidal amplitude on sandy estuaries in laboratory landscape experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kleinhans, Maarten; Braat, Lisanne; Leuven, Jasper; Baar, Anne; van der Vegt, Maarten; van Maarseveen, Marcel; Markies, Henk; Roosendaal, Chris; van Eijk, Arjan

2016-04-01

Many estuaries formed over the Holocene through a combination of fluvial and coastal influxes, but how estuary planform shape and size depend on tides, wave climate and river influxes remains unclear. Here we use a novel tidal flume setup of 20 m length by 3 m width, the Metronome (http://www.uu.nl/metronome), to create estuaries and explore a parameter space for the simple initial condition of a straight river in sandy substrate. Tidal currents capable of transporting sediment in both the ebb and flood phase because they are caused by periodic tilting of the flume rather than the classic method of water level fluctuation. Particle imaging velocimetry and a 1D shallow flow model demonstrate that this principle leads to similar sediment mobility as in nature. Ten landscape experiments recorded by timelapse overhead imaging and AGIsoft DEMs of the final bed elevation show that absence of river inflow leads to short tidal basins whereas even a minor discharge leads to long convergent estuaries. Estuary width and length as well as morphological time scale over thousands of tidal cycles strongly depend on tidal current amplitude. Paddle-generated waves subdue the ebb delta causing stronger tidal currents in the basin. Bar length-width ratios in estuaries are slightly larger to those in braided rivers in experiments and nature. Mutually evasive ebb- and flood-dominated channels are ubiquitous and appear to be formed by an instability mechanism with growing bar and bifurcation asymmetry. Future experiments will include mud flats and live vegetation.

Modeling tides and their influence on the circulation in Prince William Sound, Alaska

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Xiaochun; Chao, Yi; Zhang, Hongchun; Farrara, John; Li, Zhijin; Jin, Xin; Park, Kyungeen; Colas, Francois; McWilliams, James C.; Paternostro, Chris; Shum, C. K.; Yi, Yuchan; Schoch, Carl; Olsson, Peter

2013-07-01

In the process of developing a real-time data-assimilating coastal ocean forecasting system for Prince William Sound, Alaska, tidal signal was added to a three-domain nested model for the region. The model, which is configured from the Regional Ocean Modeling System (ROMS), has 40 levels in the vertical direction and horizontal resolutions of 10.6km, 3.6km and 1.2km for its three nested domains, respectively. In the present research, the ROMS tidal solution was validated using data from coastal tide gauges, satellite altimeters, high-frequency coastal radars, and Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP) current surveys. The error of barotropic tides, as measured by the total root mean square discrepancy of eight major tidal constituents is 5.3cm, or 5.6% of the tidal sea surface height variability in the open ocean. Along the coastal region, the total discrepancy is 9.6cm, or 8.2% of the tidal sea surface height variability. Model tidal currents agree reasonably well with the observations. The influence of tides on the circulation was also investigated using numerical experiments. Besides tides, other types of forcing fields (heat flux, wind stress, evaporation minus precipitation, and freshwater discharge) were also included in the model. Our results indicate that tides play a significant role in shaping the mean circulation of the region. For the summer months, the tidal residual circulation tends to generate a cyclonic gyre in the central Sound. The net transport into the Sound through Hinchinbrook Entrance is reduced. Tides also increase the mixed layer depth in the Sound, especially during the winter months.

77 FR 39694 - National Currents Energy Services, LLC; Notice of Declaration of Intention and Petition for...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-07-05

... Sea Dragon Tidal Turbine; (2) a vessel-based deployment Principal Project Works or Structural Support... Services, LLC. e. Name of Project: Wards Island Tidal Energy Project. f. Location: The proposed Wards Island Tidal Energy Project will be located off the south shore of Wards Island, in the Hell Gate...

A simple approach to adjust tidal forcing in fjord models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hjelmervik, Karina; Kristensen, Nils Melsom; Staalstrøm, André; Røed, Lars Petter

2017-07-01

To model currents in a fjord accurate tidal forcing is of extreme importance. Due to complex topography with narrow and shallow straits, the tides in the innermost parts of a fjord are both shifted in phase and altered in amplitude compared to the tides in the open water outside the fjord. Commonly, coastal tide information extracted from global or regional models is used on the boundary of the fjord model. Since tides vary over short distances in shallower waters close to the coast, the global and regional tidal forcings are usually too coarse to achieve sufficiently accurate tides in fjords. We present a straightforward method to remedy this problem by simply adjusting the tides to fit the observed tides at the entrance of the fjord. To evaluate the method, we present results from the Oslofjord, Norway. A model for the fjord is first run using raw tidal forcing on its open boundary. By comparing modelled and observed time series of water level at a tidal gauge station close to the open boundary of the model, a factor for the amplitude and a shift in phase are computed. The amplitude factor and the phase shift are then applied to produce adjusted tidal forcing at the open boundary. Next, we rerun the fjord model using the adjusted tidal forcing. The results from the two runs are then compared to independent observations inside the fjord in terms of amplitude and phases of the various tidal components, the total tidal water level, and the depth integrated tidal currents. The results show improvements in the modelled tides in both the outer, and more importantly, the inner parts of the fjord.

Short-term variations in mesozooplankton, ichthyoplankton, and nutrients associated with semi-diurnal tides in a patagonian Gulf

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Castro, L. R.; Cáceres, M. A.; Silva, N.; Muñoz, M. I.; León, R.; Landaeta, M. F.; Soto-Mendoza, S.

2011-03-01

The relationships between the distribution of different zooplankton and ichthyoplankton stages and physical and chemical variables were studied using samples and data (CTD profiles, ADCP and current meter measurements, nutrients, mesozooplankton, ichthyoplankton) obtained from different strata during two 24-h cycles at two oceanographic stations in a Chilean Patagonian gulf during the CIMAR 10-Fiordos cruise (November, 2004). A station located at the Chacao Channel was dominated by tidal mixing and small increments in surface stratification during high tides, leading to decreased nutrient availability. This agreed with short periods of increased phytoplankton abundance during slack waters at the end of flood currents. Increases in larval density for all zooplankton and ichthyoplankton taxa corresponded to the flooding phases of the tidal cycle. When the larval density data were fit to a sinusoidal model, the regression coefficients were high, suggesting that tides are important features that modulate short-term variations in plankton abundance. All larvae did not vary synchronously with the tidal phase; rather, time lags were observed among species. The abundances of older individuals of the copepodite Rhincalanus nasutus and all zoea stages of the squat lobster Munida gregaria increased during night flood tides, whereas younger stages increased during daytime flood tides. At a station located at the Queullin Pass, which was dominated by vertical stratification patterns, the variations in peak larval density were better fitted to the semi-diurnal sea level fluctuations. Other evidence indicated internal tides below the pycnocline, which could promote larval transport in deeper layers. In the overall picture that emerges from this study, planktonic organisms from different habitats and phylogenetic origins seem to respond to the local tidal regimes. In some cases, this response might be beneficial, transporting these individuals inshore to areas that are rich in food during the peak biological production season.

Sedimentary infilling of bedrock-controlled palaeo-embayments off Cape Trafalgar, Strait of Gibraltar (Gulf of Cadiz)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

de Castro, Sandra; Lobo, Francisco J.

2018-02-01

This study investigates two bedrock-controlled palaeo-coastal embayments on the Barbate Platform off Cape Trafalgar near the Strait of Gibraltar (Gulf of Cadiz shelf, SW Iberian Peninsula), aiming to reveal their infilling dynamics and the influence of rocky outcrops on shallow-water hydrodynamics and sediment transport. The approach relies on detailed multibeam bathymetric data, high-resolution seismic profiles and tidal current simulations. Elongated rocky outcrops formed a palaeo-coast when sea level was approximately 35 to 20 m below that of the present day, and bound a relatively flat area. However, the seismic profiles enabled to distinguish two main troughs (A and B) that were infilled following a distinctive evolution during the last transgression. Five seismic units were identified (I to V, from base to top). Deposit A is composed of seismic units II to V and is interpreted as a marine embayment infill, here termed the Barbate palaeo-embayment (BPE). Deposit B is composed of seismic units I to IV and is interpreted as a palaeo-valley infill, here termed the Barbate palaeo-valley (BPV). The complex internal stratigraphic architecture depicts an overall evolution from tidal/fluvial deposits to shallow-water marine deposits. Most significant is the occurrence of coupled tidal flats/estuarine sand bars constituting the infilling of the BPE; this suggests the persistence of a high-energy current in a shallow, confined embayment, which was amplified by the rocky outcrop constrictions and possibly facilitated by the episodic movement of a normal fault. In contrast to this active setting, the nearby straight and narrow BPV was subjected to lower-energy infilling dynamics during its initial flooding phases. There, tidal activity was possibly reduced by the straight morphology of the valley and the occurrence of a topographic constriction (i.e. the Barbate Passage) at the mouth of the valley.

Flocculation and sediment deposition in a hypertidal creek

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

O'Laughlin, C.; van Proosdij, D.; Milligan, T. G.

2014-07-01

In the hypertidal Bay of Fundy, environmental impacts in response to commercial-scale tidal power development remain to be fully understood. The extraction of tidal energy may impact sediment dynamics in far-field environments, such as the intertidal zone, through potential alterations to tidal amplitude in the Minas Basin. Tidal conditions (e.g. current velocity, turbulence, suspended sediment concentration) were monitored in a sheltered salt marsh creek over 18 tidal cycles in various stages of the spring-neap cycle. Samples of deposited and suspended sediments were collected and analyzed for grain size using a Beckman Coulter Multisizer III. Results suggest that the flocculated component of both deposited and suspended sediment is consistently high over a wide range of tidal conditions. A routinely high incoming concentration of highly-flocculated material results in large amounts of sediment deposition in tidal creeks in response to individual tidal cycles. Resuspension and removal of newly deposited material is shown to vary with over-marsh, bankfull and channel-restricted tides. Disruption of the tidal regime due to a reduction in Minas Basin tidal amplitude may lessen the cumulative export capacity of tidal channels over time, potentially leading to gradual infilling of tidal creeks. The long-term effects of tidal power development on intertidal areas are generally unknown.

Modelling the far field hydro-environmental impacts of tidal farms - A focus on tidal regime, inter-tidal zones and flushing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nash, S.; O'Brien, N.; Olbert, A.; Hartnett, M.

2014-10-01

The introduction of tidal stream turbines into water bodies can have an impact on the environment due to changes in the hydrodynamic flow fields resulting from the extraction of energy by the tidal turbines. Water levels, tidal currents and flushing characteristics could potentially be significantly altered with the introduction of tidal turbine farms, which could lead to possible loss of habitat and a change in the tidal regime. Therefore, planning of tidal turbines field deployments must take into account possible hydro-environmental impacts. This paper describes research undertaken by the authors in the Shannon Estuary to predict changes in the tidal regime and flushing characteristics, with the introduction of tidal turbine farms of different array configurations. The model was simulated using a 2D hydrodynamic model that was modified to incorporate the effects of tidal turbine fields. Water levels are shown to have been affected with the inclusion of turbines, especially in areas upstream of the turbine farm where inter-tidal zones could become predominately inundated resulting in loss of habitat in the estuary. Flushing parameters were also shown to be altered with the inclusion of turbines, with residence time shown to be increased, which could change pollutant transport in the region.

Hydrogeology and analysis of ground-water-flow system, Sagamore Marsh area, southeastern Massachusetts

USGS Publications Warehouse

Walter, Donald A.; Masterson, John P.; Barlow, Paul M.

1996-01-01

A study of the hydrogeology and an analysis of the ground-water-flow system near Sagamore Marsh, southeastern Massachusetts, was undertaken to improve the understanding of the current (1994­ 95) hydrogeologic conditions near the marsh and how the ground-water system might respond to proposed changes in the tidal-stage regime of streams that flood and drain the marsh. Sagamore Marsh is in a coastal area that is bounded to the east by Cape Cod Bay and to the south by the Cape Cod Canal. The regional geology is characterized by deltaic and glaciolacustrine sediments. The sediments consist of gravel, sand, silt, and clay and are part of the Plymouth-Carver regional aquifer system. The glacial sediments are hounded laterally by marine sand, silt, and clay along the coast. The principal aquifer in the area consists of fine to coarse glacial sand and is locally confined by fine-grained glaciolacustrine deposits consisting of silt and sandy clay and fine-grained salt-marsh sediments consisting of peat and clay. The aquifer is underlain by finer grained glaciolacustrine sediments in upland areas and by marine clay along the coast.Shallow ground water discharges primarily along the edge of the marsh, whereas deeper ground water flows beneath the marsh and discharges to Cape Cod Bay. Tidal pulses originating from Cape Cod Bay and from tidal channels in the marsh are rapidly attenuated in the subsurface. Tidal ranges in Cape Cod Bay and in the tidal channels were on the order of 9 and 1.5 feet, respectively, whereas tidal ranges in the ground-water levels were less than 0.2 foot. Tidal pulses measured in the water table beneath a barrier beach between the marsh and Cape Cod Bay were more in phase with tidal pulses from Cape Cod Bay than with tidal pulses from the tidal channels in Sagamore Marsh, whereas tidal pulses in the regional aquifer were more in phase with tidal pulses from the tidal channels. A 5-day aquifer test at a public-supply well adjacent to the marsh gave a transmissivity of the regional aquifer of 9,300 to 10,900 feet squared per day and a hydraulic conductivity of 181 to 213 feet per day, assuming a saturated thickness of the aquifer of 51.3 feet. The regional aquifer became unconfined near the pumped well during the test. The ratio of tidal ranges in the tidal channel to the ranges in the underlying aquifer at two sites (the lower and upper marsh) indicated aquifer diffusivities for the marsh sediments of 380 and 170 feet squared per day; these values correspond to hydraulic conductivities of 2.5 x 10-3 and 1.7 x 10-3 feet per day, respectively. The maximum distances from the tidal channel at the lower and upper marsh sites where tidal ranges would exceed 0.01 foot, as calculated from aquifer diffusivities and current (1995) tidal ranges in the tidal channels, were 24.4 and 26.7 feet, respectively. The maximum distances from the tidal channel where tidal pulses in the ground water would exceed 0.01 foot, using potential increased tidal stages resulting from proposed tidal-stage modifications and predicted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, were 37.1 and 42.0 feet, respectively. A numerical model of the marsh and surrounding aquifer system indicated that the contributing area for the supply well adjacent to the marsh, for current (1994) pumping conditions, extends toward Great Herring Pond, about 2 miles northwest (upgradient) of the well, and does not extend beneath the marsh. The model also indicates that the predicted increases in tidal stages in the marsh will have a negligible effect on local ground-water levels.

Linking benthic hydrodynamics and cold-water coral occurrences: A high-resolution model study at three cold-water coral provinces in the NE Atlantic

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mohn, Christian; Rengstorf, Anna; White, Martin; Duineveld, Gerard; Mienis, Furu; Soetaert, Karline; Grehan, Anthony

2014-03-01

Observations from numerous cold-water coral locations in the NE Atlantic show energetic near-bottom flow dynamics along the European continental margin at individual coral mounds and mound clusters. Dynamics are largely controlled by tide-topography interaction generating and enhancing periodic motions such as trapped waves, freely propagating internal tides and internal hydraulic jumps. In this study, linkages between key abiotic parameters and cold water coral occurrences are explored across entire cold-water coral mound provinces using an integrated modelling and observational approach. The 3-D ocean circulation model ROMS-AGRIF was applied to simulate near-bottom hydrodynamic conditions at three provinces in the NE Atlantic (Logachev mounds, Arc mounds and Belgica mounds) adopting a nested model setup with a central grid resolution of 250 m. Simulations were carried out with a focus on accurate high-resolution topography and tidal forcing. The central model bathymetry was taken from high-resolution INSS (Irish National Seabed Survey) seafloor mapping data. The model was integrated over a full one-year reference period starting from the 1st January 2010. Interannual variability was not considered. Tidal forcing was obtained from a global solution of the Oregon State University (OSU) inverse tidal model. Modelled fields of benthic currents were validated against available independent in situ observations. Coral assemblage patterns (presence and absence locations) were obtained from benthic surveys of the EU FP7 CoralFISH programme and supplemented by data from additional field surveys. Modelled near-bottom currents, temperature and salinity were analysed for a 1-month subset (15th April to 15th May 2010) corresponding to the main CoralFISH survey period. The model results show intensified near-bottom currents in areas where living corals are observed by contrast with coral absence and random background locations. Instantaneous and time-mean current speeds at mound clusters in the Logachev province exceeded typical values in non-coral areas by up to a factor of three. Currents at cold-water coral locations in the Arc and Belgica mound provinces were less energetic, but still elevated compared to non-coral locations. An analysis of dynamical processes associated with oscillatory flow interacting with topography suggests that these motions are locally important food supply mechanisms to cold-water corals by promoting large amplitude local vertical mixing and organic matter fluxes. It is shown that their presence varies considerably between provinces based on the interplay of topographic slope, flow magnitude and ambient stratification.

Spatial trends in tidal flat shape and associated environmental parameters in South San Francisco Bay

USGS Publications Warehouse

Bearman, J.A.; Friedrichs, Carl T.; Jaffe, B.E.; Foxgrover, A.C.

2010-01-01

Spatial trends in the shape of profiles of South San Francisco Bay (SSFB) tidal flats are examined using bathymetric and lidar data collected in 2004 and 2005. Eigenfunction analysis reveals a dominant mode of morphologic variability related to the degree of convexity or concavity in the cross-shore profileindicative of (i) depositional, tidally dominant or (ii) erosional, wave impacted conditions. Two contrasting areas of characteristic shapenorth or south of a constriction in estuary width located near the Dumbarton Bridgeare recognized. This pattern of increasing or decreasing convexity in the inner or outer estuary is correlated to spatial variability in external and internal environmental parameters, and observational results are found to be largely consistent with theoretical expectations. Tidal flat convexity in SSFB is observed to increase (in decreasing order of significance) in response to increased deposition, increased tidal range, decreased fetch length, decreased sediment grain size, and decreased tidal flat width. ?? 2010 Coastal Education and Research Foundation.

Dispersion and retrievability of water quality indicators during tidal cycles in coastal Salaya, Gulf of Kachchh (West coast of India).

PubMed

Mohandass, Chellandi; Kumar, S Jaya; Ramaiah, N; Vethamony, P

2010-10-01

Bacterial indicators in relation to tidal variations were studied at five locations for over 2 days covering three tidal cycles in the southwestern region of Gulf of Kachchh, India. Tidal flow here is predominantly in the east west direction and can transport particles up to 32 km. Tidal amplitude appears to play a prominent role in abundance, distribution, and dispersal of coliform bacteria examined during this study. Shallow depths, clayey sediments, strong currents, and higher tidal amplitudes appear to rise by an order of magnitude in total bacterial abundance up to 2.4 x 10(4) ml(-1) due to their resuspension from the churned up sediments. Dispersal of allochthonous microflora far into coastal marine regions appears to be governed by the strong tidal amplitude in this region.

Predicting the vertical structure of tidal current and salinity in San Francisco Bay, California

USGS Publications Warehouse

Ford, Michael; Wang, Jia; Cheng, Ralph T.

1990-01-01

A two-dimensional laterally averaged numerical estuarine model is developed to study the vertical variations of tidal hydrodynamic properties in the central/north part of San Francisco Bay, California. Tidal stage data, current meter measurements, and conductivity, temperature, and depth profiling data in San Francisco Bay are used for comparison with model predictions. An extensive review of the literature is conducted to assess the success and failure of previous similar investigations and to establish a strategy for development of the present model. A σ plane transformation is used in the vertical dimension to alleviate problems associated with fixed grid model applications in the bay, where the tidal range can be as much as 20–25% of the total water depth. Model predictions of tidal stage and velocity compare favorably with the available field data, and prototype salinity stratification is qualitatively reproduced. Conclusions from this study as well as future model applications and research needs are discussed.

Tidal dynamics of the Terminos Lagoon, Mexico: observations and 3D numerical modelling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Contreras Ruiz Esparza, Adolfo; Douillet, Pascal; Zavala-Hidalgo, Jorge

2014-09-01

The tidal circulation patterns in the Terminos Lagoon were studied based on the analysis of 1 year of measurements and numerical simulations using a baroclinic 3D hydrodynamic model, the MARS3D. A gauging network was installed consisting of six self-recording pressure-temperature sensors, a tide gauge station and two current profilers, with pressure and temperature sensors moored in the main lagoon inlets. Model simulations were validated against current and sea level observations and were used to analyse the circulation patterns caused by the tidal forcing. The numerical model was forced with eight harmonic components, four diurnal ( K 1, O 1, P 1, Q 1) and four semi-diurnal ( M 2, S 2, N 2, K 2), extracted from the TPX0.7 database. The tidal patterns in the study area vary from mixed, mainly diurnal in the two main inlets of the lagoon, to diurnal in its interior. The tidal residual circulation inside the lagoon is dominated by a cyclonic gyre. The results indicate a net flux from the southwest Ciudad del Carmen inlet (CdC) towards the northeast Puerto Real inlet (PtR) along the southern side of the lagoon and the opposite in the northern side. The results indicate two areas of strong currents in the vicinity of the inlets and weak currents inside the lagoon. The area of strong currents in the vicinity of the CdC inlet is larger than that observed in the PtR inlet. Nevertheless, the current analysis indicates that the highest current speeds, which can reach a magnitude of 1.9 m s-1, occurred in PtR. A further analysis of the tide distortion in the inlets revealed that both passages are ebb dominated.

Tidal Heating of Earth-like Exoplanets around M Stars: Thermal, Magnetic, and Orbital Evolutions.

PubMed

Driscoll, P E; Barnes, R

2015-09-01

The internal thermal and magnetic evolution of rocky exoplanets is critical to their habitability. We focus on the thermal-orbital evolution of Earth-mass planets around low-mass M stars whose radiative habitable zone overlaps with the "tidal zone," where tidal dissipation is expected to be a significant heat source in the interior. We develop a thermal-orbital evolution model calibrated to Earth that couples tidal dissipation, with a temperature-dependent Maxwell rheology, to orbital circularization and migration. We illustrate thermal-orbital steady states where surface heat flow is balanced by tidal dissipation and cooling can be stalled for billions of years until circularization occurs. Orbital energy dissipated as tidal heat in the interior drives both inward migration and circularization, with a circularization time that is inversely proportional to the dissipation rate. We identify a peak in the internal dissipation rate as the mantle passes through a viscoelastic state at mantle temperatures near 1800 K. Planets orbiting a 0.1 solar-mass star within 0.07 AU circularize before 10 Gyr, independent of initial eccentricity. Once circular, these planets cool monotonically and maintain dynamos similar to that of Earth. Planets forced into eccentric orbits can experience a super-cooling of the core and rapid core solidification, inhibiting dynamo action for planets in the habitable zone. We find that tidal heating is insignificant in the habitable zone around 0.45 (or larger) solar-mass stars because tidal dissipation is a stronger function of orbital distance than stellar mass, and the habitable zone is farther from larger stars. Suppression of the planetary magnetic field exposes the atmosphere to stellar wind erosion and the surface to harmful radiation. In addition to weak magnetic fields, massive melt eruption rates and prolonged magma oceans may render eccentric planets in the habitable zone of low-mass stars inhospitable for life.

Optical Estimation of Depth and Current in a Ebb Tidal Delta Environment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Holman, R. A.; Stanley, J.

2012-12-01

A key limitation to our ability to make nearshore environmental predictions is the difficulty of obtaining up-to-date bathymetry measurements at a reasonable cost and frequency. Due to the high cost and complex logistics of in-situ methods, research into remote sensing approaches has been steady and has finally yielded fairly robust methods like the cBathy algorithm for optical Argus data that show good performance on simple barred beach profiles and near immunity to noise and signal problems. In May, 2012, data were collected in a more complex ebb tidal delta environment during the RIVET field experiment at New River Inlet, NC. The presence of strong reversing tidal currents led to significant errors in cBathy depths that were phase-locked to the tide. In this paper we will test methods for the robust estimation of both depths and vector currents in a tidal delta domain. In contrast to previous Fourier methods, wavenumber estimation in cBathy can be done on small enough scales to resolve interesting nearshore features.

Measurements of Turbulence at Two Tidal Energy Sites in Puget Sound, WA

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Thomson, Jim; Polagye, Brian; Durgesh, Vibhav

2012-06-05

Field measurements of turbulence are pre- sented from two sites in Puget Sound, WA (USA) that are proposed for electrical power generation using tidal current turbines. Rapidly sampled data from multiple acoustic Doppler instruments are analyzed to obtain statistical mea- sures of fluctuations in both the magnitude and direction of the tidal currents. The resulting turbulence intensities (i.e., the turbulent velocity fluctuations normalized by the harmonic tidal currents) are typically 10% at the hub- heights (i.e., the relevant depth bin) of the proposed turbines. Length and time scales of the turbulence are also analyzed. Large-scale, anisotropic eddies dominate the energymore » spectra, which may be the result of proximity to headlands at each site. At small scales, an isotropic turbulent cascade is observed and used to estimate the dissipation rate of turbulent kinetic energy. Data quality and sampling parameters are discussed, with an emphasis on the removal of Doppler noise from turbulence statistics.« less

A numerical study of the Magellan Plume

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Palma, Elbio D.; Matano, Ricardo P.

2012-05-01

In this modeling study we investigate the dynamical mechanisms controlling the spreading of the Magellan Plume, which is a low-salinity tongue that extends along the Patagonian Shelf. Our results indicate that the overall characteristics of the plume (width, depth, spreading rate, etc.) are primarily influenced by tidal forcing, which manifests through tidal mixing and tidal residual currents. Tidal forcing produces a homogenization of the plume's waters and an offshore displacement of its salinity front. The interaction between tidal and wind-forcing reinforces the downstream and upstream buoyancy transports of the plume. The influence of the Malvinas Current on the Magellan Plume is more dominant north of 50°S, where it increases the along-shelf velocities and generates intrusions of saltier waters from the outer shelf, thus causing a reduction of the downstream buoyancy transport. Our experiments also indicate that the northern limit of the Magellan Plume is set by a high salinity discharge from the San Matias Gulf. Sensitivity experiments show that increments of the wind stress cause a decrease of the downstream buoyancy transport and an increase of the upstream buoyancy transport. Variations of the magnitude of the discharge produce substantial modifications in the downstream penetration of the plume and buoyancy transport. The Magellan discharge generates a northeastward current in the middle shelf, a recirculation gyre south of the inlet and a region of weak currents father north.

Giant sand waves at the mouth of San Francisco Bay

USGS Publications Warehouse

Barnard, P.L.; Hanes, D.M.; Rubin, D.M.; Kvitek, R.G.

2006-01-01

A field of giant sand waves, among the largest in the world, recently was mapped in high resolution for the first time during a multibeam survey in 2004 and 2005 through the strait of the Golden Gate at the mouth of San Francisco Bay in California (Figure la). This massive bed form field covers an area of approximately four square kilometers in water depths ranging from 30 to 106 meters, featuring more than 40 distinct sand waves with crests aligned approximately perpendicular to the dominant tidally generated cross-shore currents, with wavelengths and heights that measure up to 220 meters and 10 meters, respectively. Sand wave crests can be traced continuously for up to two kilometers across the mouth of this energetic tidal inlet, where depth-averaged tidal currents through the strait below the Golden Gate Bridge exceed 2.5 meters per second during peak ebb flows. Repeated surveys demonstrated that the sand waves are active and dynamic features that move in response to tidally generated currents. The complex temporal and spatial variations in wave and tidal current interactions in this region result in an astoundingly diverse array of bed form morphologies, scales, and orientations. Bed forms of approximately half the scale of those reported in this article previously were mapped inside San Francisco Bay during a multibeam survey in 1997 [Chin et al., 1997].

Characterising the spatial variability of the tidal stream energy resource from floating turbines

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ward, Sophie; Neill, Simon; Robins, Peter

2017-04-01

The shelf seas, in particular the northwest European shelf seas surrounding the UK, contain significant tidal power potential. Tidal stream energy is both predictable and reliable providing that sites are well-selected based upon the hydrodynamic regime and the device specifics. In this high resolution three-dimensional tidal modelling study, we investigate how the tidal stream resource around the Welsh coast (UK) varies with water depth and location, with particular focus on the Pembrokeshire region. The potential extractable energy for a floating tidal stream energy converter is compared with that for a bottom-fixed device, highlighting the need to vary the resource characterisation criteria based on device specifics. We demonstrate how small variations in the tidal current speeds - with hub depth or due to tidal asymmetry - can lead to substantial variations in potential power output. Further, the results indicate that power generation from floating tidal energy converters will be more significantly influenced by tidal elevations in regions characterised by a lower tidal range (more progressive waves) than regions that experience a high tidal range (standing waves). As numerical modelling capacity improves and tidal stream energy converter technologies develop, ongoing improved quantification of the tidal resource is needed, as well as consideration of the possible feedbacks of the devices and energy extraction on the hydrodynamic regime and the surrounding area.

Homogeneous internal wave turbulence driven by tidal flows

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Le Reun, Thomas; Favier, Benjamin; Le Bars, Michael; Erc Fludyco Team

2017-11-01

We propose a novel investigation of the stability of strongly stratified planetary fluid layers undergoing periodic tidal distortion in the limit where rotational effects are negligible compared to buoyancy. With the help of a local model focusing on a small fluid area compared to the global layer, we find that periodic tidal distortion drives a parametric subharmonic resonance of internal. This instability saturates into an homogeneous internal wave turbulence pervading the whole fluid interior: the energy is injected in the unstable waves which then feed a succession of triadic resonances also generating small spatial scales. As the timescale separation between the forcing and Brunt-Väisälä is increased, the temporal spectrum of this turbulence displays a -2 power law reminiscent of the Garrett and Munk spectrum measured in the oceans (Garett & Munk 1979). Moreover, in this state consisting of a superposition of waves in weak non-linear interaction, the mixing efficiency is increased compared to classical, Kolmogorov-like stratified turbulence. This study is of wide interest in geophysical fluid dynamics ranging from oceanic turbulence and tidal heating in icy satellites to dynamo action in partially stratified planetary cores as it could be the case in the Earth. We acknowledge support from the European Research Council (ERC) under the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation program (Grant Agreement No. 681835-FLUDYCO-ERC-2015-CoG).

Short-term tidal asymmetry inversion in a macrotidal estuary (Beira, Mozambique)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nzualo, Teodósio N. M.; Gallo, Marcos N.; Vinzon, Susana B.

2018-05-01

The distortion of the tide in estuaries, bays and coastal areas is the result of the generation of overtides due to the non-linear effects associated with friction, advection, and the finite effects of the tidal amplitude in shallow waters. The Beira estuary is classified as macrotidal, with a large ratio of S2/M2. Typical tides ranges from 6 m and 0.8 m, during springs and neaps tides, respectively. As a consequence of this large fortnightly tidal amplitude difference and the estuarine morphology, asymmetry inversions occur. Two types of tidal asymmetries were investigated in this paper, one considering tidal duration asymmetry (time difference between rising and falling tide) and the other, related to tidal velocity asymmetry (unequal magnitudes of flood and ebb peaks currents). In the Beira estuary when we examine the tidal duration asymmetry, flood dominance is observed during spring tide periods (negative time difference between rising and falling tide), while ebb dominance appears during neap tides (positive time difference between rising and falling tide). A 2DH hydrodynamic model was implemented to analyze this asymmetry inversion. The model was calibrated with water-level data measured at the Port of Beira and current data measured along the estuary. The model was run for different scenarios considering tidal constituents at the ocean boundary, river discharge and the morphology of the estuary. River discharge did not show significant effects on the tidal duration asymmetry. Through comparison of the scenarios, it was shown that the incoming ocean tide at the boundary has an ebb-dominant asymmetry, changing to flood-dominant only during spring tides due to the effect of shoaling and friction within the estuary. During neap tides, the propagation occurs mainly in the channels, and ebb dominance remains. The interplay between the estuary morphodynamics was thus identified and the relation between tidal duration asymmetry and tidal velocity asymmetry was observed. While fortnightly inversion in the tidal duration asymmetry is explained by the presence of channels and sandbanks, at the same time, the tidal velocity asymmetry acts as a positive feedback mechanism for bank formation and sediment retention.

Tidal energetics: Studies with a barotropic model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stewart, James Scott

The tidal energy from luni-solar gravitational forcing is dissipated principally through the dissipation of oceanic tides. Recent estimates using disparate methods, including analysis of satellite orbits and the timing of ancient eclipses, now indicate that this dissipation totals approximately 3.5 terawatts. However, the mechanisms and spatial distribution of this dissipation is not yet fully understood. In this work, three different aspects of tidal energetics are investigated with a variable resolution barotropic tidal model. The distribution of tidal energy, dissipation and energy flux are examined using high resolution models of several marginal seas: the European shelf, the Sea of Okhotsk, the Yellow and East China Seas, the South China Sea and the Bering Sea. Most modern tide models dissipate tidal energy with a quadratic friction parameterization of bottom friction. Since such dissipation depends nonlinearly on the velocity of the tidal current, these models dissipate primarily in shallow seas where current magnitudes are high. Without assimilating observational data, such tidal models have unreasonably high levels of tidal-period averaged kinetic and potential energies. I have added a linear friction parameterization to the traditional quadratic formulation and am able to obtain realistic tidal energy levels with an unassimilated model. The resulting model is used to investigate the tidal energetics of the recent geological past when sea level was 50 meters higher and 120 meters lower than at the present time. Long-period tides are of small enough amplitude that their energetics are an almost negligible part of the total tidal energy budget. However, the behavior of these tides yields insights into the response of the ocean to large scale forcing. We have modeled the lunar fortnightly (M f) and lunar monthly (Mm) tidal components and determined that the ratio of the Mf potential-to-kinetic energy ratio to that of Mm is about 3.9, consistent with values expected for long Rossby wave dynamics. Also, we obtain quality (Q) values for the Mf and Mm tides of 5.9 and 6.2 respectively which is consistent with recent inferences of basin circulation responses of Q of about 5.5 for 5-day synoptic forcing.

Tidal Turbine Array Optimization Based on the Discrete Particle Swarm Algorithm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Guo-wei; Wu, He; Wang, Xiao-yong; Zhou, Qing-wei; Liu, Xiao-man

2018-06-01

In consideration of the resource wasted by unreasonable layout scheme of tidal current turbines, which would influence the ratio of cost and power output, particle swarm optimization algorithm is introduced and improved in the paper. In order to solve the problem of optimal array of tidal turbines, the discrete particle swarm optimization (DPSO) algorithm has been performed by re-defining the updating strategies of particles' velocity and position. This paper analyzes the optimization problem of micrositing of tidal current turbines by adjusting each turbine's position, where the maximum value of total electric power is obtained at the maximum speed in the flood tide and ebb tide. Firstly, the best installed turbine number is generated by maximizing the output energy in the given tidal farm by the Farm/Flux and empirical method. Secondly, considering the wake effect, the reasonable distance between turbines, and the tidal velocities influencing factors in the tidal farm, Jensen wake model and elliptic distribution model are selected for the turbines' total generating capacity calculation at the maximum speed in the flood tide and ebb tide. Finally, the total generating capacity, regarded as objective function, is calculated in the final simulation, thus the DPSO could guide the individuals to the feasible area and optimal position. The results have been concluded that the optimization algorithm, which increased 6.19% more recourse output than experience method, can be thought as a good tool for engineering design of tidal energy demonstration.

A reassessment of the role of tidal dispersion in estuaries and bays

USGS Publications Warehouse

Geyer, W. Rockwell; Signell, Richard P.

1992-01-01

The role of tidal dispersion is reassessed, based on a consideration of the relevant physical mechanisms, particularly those elucidated by numerical simulations of tide-induced dispersion. It appears that the principal influence of tidal currents on dispersion occurs at length scales of the tidal excursion and smaller; thus the effectiveness of tidal dispersion depends on the relative scale of the tidal excursion to the spacing between major bathymetric and shoreline features. In estuaries where the typical spacing of topographic features is less than the tidal excursion, tidal dispersion may contribute significantly to the overall flushing. In estuaries and embayments in which the typical spacing between major features is larger than the tidal excursion, the influence of tidal dispersion will be localized, and it will not markedly contribute to overall flushing. Tidal dispersion is most pronounced in regions of abrupt topographic changes such as headlands and inlets, where flow separation occurs. The strong strain rate in the region of flow separation tends to stretch patches of fluid into long filaments, which are subsequently rolled up and distorted by the transient eddy field. The dispersion process accomplished by the tides varies strongly as a function of position and tidal phase and thus does not lend itself to parameterization by an eddy diffusion coefficient.

Comparison of Water Turbine Characteristics using Different Blades in Darrieus Water Turbines used for Tidal Current Generations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shiono, Mitsuhiro; Suzuki, Katsuyuki; Kiho, Seiji

The use of renewable energies has been focused on for preserving environments and coping with the shortage of future energy supplies. In oceans, a tide reverses its current direction every six hours, and the current velocity changes into a sine wave after a period of time. Tidal current generation uses a generator to produce energy, changing the kinetic energy of current into a turning force by setting a water turbine in the tidal current. Therefore, it is considered to be very advantageous to use a water turbine that can always revolve in a fixed direction without any influence from tidal current directions. Water turbines with these characteristics are known as Darrieus water turbines. The Darrieus water turbines were modified for water from turbines originally developed for windmills. Darrieus water turbines have a difficulty in starting, but these days Darrieus water turbines have been developed with spiral blades, which make it easy to get the turbines started. However, there are very few reports regarding Darrieus water turbines with spiral blades, and therefore their characteristics are unknown. From the above points of view, this study devises and investigates spiral blade-Darrieus water turbines to clarify their characteristics through hydrographic experiments, and at the same time, it compares the characteristics of spiral-blade Darrieus water turbines with those of straight-blade ones.

Tidal bending of ice shelves as a mechanism for large-scale temporal variations in ice flow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rosier, Sebastian H. R.; Hilmar Gudmundsson, G.

2018-05-01

GPS measurements reveal strong modulation of horizontal ice shelf and ice stream flow at a variety of tidal frequencies, most notably a fortnightly (Msf) frequency not present in the vertical tides themselves. Current theories largely fail to explain the strength and prevalence of this signal over floating ice shelves. We show how well-known non-linear aspects of ice rheology can give rise to widespread, long-periodic tidal modulation in ice shelf flow, generated within ice shelves themselves through tidal flexure acting at diurnal and semidiurnal frequencies. Using full-Stokes viscoelastic modelling, we show that inclusion of tidal bending within the model accounts for much of the observed tidal modulation of ice shelf flow. Furthermore, our model shows that, in the absence of vertical tidal forcing, the mean flow of the ice shelf is reduced by almost 30 % for the geometry that we consider.

Geo-morphological changes of the Wanpingkou tidal system arising from the building of a sailing boat station in Rizhao of China.

PubMed

Bian, Shuhua; Zhang, Yuanzhi; Feng, Aiping; Chiu, Long; Wu, Sangyun; Hu, Zejian

2008-03-01

This paper examines a small tidal system in Wanpingkou, Rizhao of China. The tidal system was originally maintained by a balance of the natural interaction between tidal currents and waves. But this tidal system was diminishing by reclamation processes since the 1980s, especially in 2003 when a sailing boat station was built in the study area. To investigate the stability and development mechanism of the tidal system, its feasibility was evaluated before the sailing boat station was built. The erosion and deposition in and out of the tidal system was analyzed, forecasted and compared with the data from field monitoring. The results show that the tidal system would remain relatively stable, although its adjacent shoreline might change somewhat after the newly built sailing boat station. This change would also affect the coastal water and wetland environment in the study area. Further field monitoring in the area is still necessary.

TIDALLY HEATED TERRESTRIAL EXOPLANETS: VISCOELASTIC RESPONSE MODELS

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Henning, Wade G.; O'Connell, Richard J.; Sasselov, Dimitar D., E-mail: henning@fas.harvard.ed

Tidal friction in exoplanet systems, driven by orbits that allow for durable nonzero eccentricities at short heliocentric periods, can generate internal heating far in excess of the conditions observed in our own solar system. Secular perturbations or a notional 2:1 resonance between a hot Earth and hot Jupiter can be used as a baseline to consider the thermal evolution of convecting bodies subject to strong viscoelastic tidal heating. We compare results first from simple models using a fixed Quality factor and Love number, and then for three different viscoelastic rheologies: the Maxwell body, the Standard Anelastic Solid (SAS), and themore » Burgers body. The SAS and Burgers models are shown to alter the potential for extreme tidal heating by introducing the possibility of new equilibria and multiple response peaks. We find that tidal heating tends to exceed radionuclide heating at periods below 10-30 days, and exceed insolation only below 1-2 days. Extreme cases produce enough tidal heat to initiate global-scale partial melting, and an analysis of tidal limiting mechanisms such as advective cooling for earthlike planets is discussed. To explore long-term behaviors, we map equilibria points between convective heat loss and tidal heat input as functions of eccentricity. For the periods and magnitudes discussed, we show that tidal heating, if significant, is generally detrimental to the width of habitable zones.« less

On tide-induced Lagrangian residual current and residual transport: 2. Residual transport with application in south San Francisco Bay, California

USGS Publications Warehouse

Feng, Shizuo; Cheng, Ralph T.; Pangen, Xi

1986-01-01

The transports of solutes and other tracers are fundamental to estuarine processes. The apparent transport mechanisms are convection by tidal current and current-induced shear effect dispersion for processes which take place in a time period of the order of a tidal cycle. However, as emphasis is shifted toward the effects of intertidal processes, the net transport is mainly determined by tide-induced residual circulation and by residual circulation due to other processes. The commonly used intertidal conservation equation takes the form of a convection-dispersion equation in which the convective velocity is the Eulerian residual current, and the dispersion terms are often referred to as the phase effect dispersion or, sometimes, as the “tidal dispersion.” The presence of these dispersion terms is merely the result of a Fickian type hypothesis. Since the actual processes are not Fickian, thus a Fickian hypothesis obscures the physical significance of this equation. Recent research results on residual circulation have suggested that long-term transport phenomena are closely related to the Lagrangian residual current or the Lagrangian residual transport. In this paper a new formulation of an intertidal conservation equation is presented and examined in detail. In a weakly nonlinear tidal estuary the resultant intertidal transport equation also takes the form of a convection-dispersion equation without the ad hoc introduction of phase effect dispersion in a form of dispersion tensor. The convective velocity in the resultant equation is the first-order Lagrangian residual current (the sum of the Eulerian residual current and the Stokes drift). The remaining dispersion terms are important only in higher-order solutions; they are due to shear effect dispersion and turbulent mixing. There exists a dispersion boundary layer adjacent to shoreline boundaries. An order of magnitude estimate of the properties in the dispersion boundary layer is given. The present treatment of intertidal transport processes is illustrated by an analytical solution for an amphidromic system and by a numerical application in South San Francisco Bay, California. The present formulation reveals that the mechanism for long-term transport of solutes is mainly convection due to the Lagrangian residual current in the interior of a tidal estuary. This result also points out the weakness in the tidal dispersion formulation, and explains the large variability of the observed values for tidal dispersion coefficients. Further research on properties of the dispersion boundary layer is needed.

High-resolution modeling assessment of tidal stream resource in Western Passage of Maine, USA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Zhaoqing; Wang, Taiping; Feng, Xi; Xue, Huijie; Kilcher, Levi

2017-04-01

Although significant efforts have been taken to assess the maximum potential of tidal stream energy at system-wide scale, accurate assessment of tidal stream energy resource at project design scale requires detailed hydrodynamic simulations using high-resolution three-dimensional (3-D) numerical models. Extended model validation against high quality measured data is essential to minimize the uncertainties of the resource assessment. Western Passage in the State of Maine in U.S. has been identified as one of the top ranking sites for tidal stream energy development in U.S. coastal waters, based on a number of criteria including tidal power density, market value and transmission distance. This study presents an on-going modeling effort for simulating the tidal hydrodynamics in Western Passage using the 3-D unstructured-grid Finite Volume Community Ocean Model (FVCOM). The model domain covers a large region including the entire the Bay of Fundy with grid resolution varies from 20 m in the Western Passage to approximately 1000 m along the open boundary near the mouth of Bay of Fundy. Preliminary model validation was conducted using existing NOAA measurements within the model domain. Spatial distributions of tidal power density were calculated and extractable tidal energy was estimated using a tidal turbine module embedded in FVCOM under different tidal farm scenarios. Additional field measurements to characterize resource and support model validation were discussed. This study provides an example of high resolution resource assessment based on the guidance recommended by the International Electrotechnical Commission Technical Specification.

About Tidal Evolution of Quasi-Periodic Orbits of Satellites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ershkov, Sergey V.

2017-06-01

Tidal interactions between Planet and its satellites are known to be the main phenomena, which are determining the orbital evolution of the satellites. The modern ansatz in the theory of tidal dissipation in Saturn was developed previously by the international team of scientists from various countries in the field of celestial mechanics. Our applying to the theory of tidal dissipation concerns the investigating of the system of ODE-equations (ordinary differential equations) that govern the orbital evolution of the satellites; such an extremely non-linear system of 2 ordinary differential equations describes the mutual internal dynamics for the eccentricity of the orbit along with involving the semi-major axis of the proper satellite into such a monstrous equations. In our derivation, we have presented the elegant analytical solutions to the system above; so, the motivation of our ansatz is to transform the previously presented system of equations to the convenient form, in which the minimum of numerical calculations are required to obtain the final solutions. Preferably, it should be the analytical solutions; we have presented the solution as a set of quasi- periodic cycles via re-inversing of the proper ultra- elliptical integral. It means a quasi-periodic character of the evolution of the eccentricity, of the semi-major axis for the satellite orbit as well as of the quasi-periodic character of the tidal dissipation in the Planet.

Extended I-Love relations for slowly rotating neutron stars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gagnon-Bischoff, Jérémie; Green, Stephen R.; Landry, Philippe; Ortiz, Néstor

2018-03-01

Observations of gravitational waves from inspiralling neutron star binaries—such as GW170817—can be used to constrain the nuclear equation of state by placing bounds on stellar tidal deformability. For slowly rotating neutron stars, the response to a weak quadrupolar tidal field is characterized by four internal-structure-dependent constants called "Love numbers." The tidal Love numbers k2el and k2mag measure the tides raised by the gravitoelectric and gravitomagnetic components of the applied field, and the rotational-tidal Love numbers fo and ko measure those raised by couplings between the applied field and the neutron star spin. In this work, we compute these four Love numbers for perfect fluid neutron stars with realistic equations of state. We discover (nearly) equation-of-state independent relations between the rotational-tidal Love numbers and the moment of inertia, thereby extending the scope of I-Love-Q universality. We find that similar relations hold among the tidal and rotational-tidal Love numbers. These relations extend the applications of I-Love universality in gravitational-wave astronomy. As our findings differ from those reported in the literature, we derive general formulas for the rotational-tidal Love numbers in post-Newtonian theory and confirm numerically that they agree with our general-relativistic computations in the weak-field limit.

Are neutron stars crushed? Gravitomagnetic tidal fields as a mechanism for binary-induced collapse

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Favata, Marc

Numerical simulations of binary neutron stars by Wilson, Mathews, and Marronetti indicated that neutron stars that are stable in isolation can be made to collapse to black holes when placed in a binary. This claim was surprising as it ran counter to the Newtonian expectation that a neutron star in a binary should be more stable, not less. After correcting an error found by Flanagan, Wilson and Mathews found that the compression of the neutron stars was significantly reduced but not eliminated. This has motivated us to ask the following general question: Under what circumstances can general-relativistic tidal interactions causemore » an otherwise stable neutron star to be compressed? We have found that if a nonrotating neutron star possesses a current-quadrupole moment, interactions with a gravitomagnetic tidal field can lead to a compressive force on the star. If this current quadrupole is induced by the gravitomagnetic tidal field, it is related to the tidal field by an equation-of-state-dependent constant called the gravitomagnetic Love number. This is analogous to the Newtonian Love number that relates the strength of a Newtonian tidal field to the induced mass quadrupole moment of a star. The compressive force is almost never larger than the Newtonian tidal interaction that stabilizes the neutron star against collapse. In the case in which a current quadrupole is already present in the star (perhaps as an artifact of a numerical simulation), the compressive force can exceed the stabilizing one, leading to a net increase in the central density of the star. This increase is small (< or approx. 1%) but could, in principle, cause gravitational collapse in a star that is close to its maximum mass. This paper also reviews the history of the Wilson-Mathews-Marronetti controversy and, in an appendix, extends the discussion of tidally induced changes in the central density to rotating stars.« less

Wave-induced Maintenance of Suspended Sediment Concentration during Slack in a Tidal Channel on a Sheltered Macro-tidal Flat, Gangwha Island, Korea

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Guan-hong; Kang, KiRyong

2018-05-01

A field campaign was conducted to better understand the influence of wave action, in terms of turbulence and bed shear stress, on sediment resuspension and transport processes on a protected tidal flat. An H-frame was deployed in a tidal channel south of Gangwha Island for 6 tidal cycles during November 2006 with instrumentation including an Acoustic Doppler Velocimeter, an Acoustic Backscatter System, and an Optical Backscatter Sensor. During calm conditions, the current-induced shear was dominant and responsible for suspending sediments during the accelerating phases of flood and ebb. During the high-tide slack, both bed shear stress and suspended sediment concentration were reduced. The sediment flux was directed landward due to the scour-lag effect over a tidal cycle. On the other hand, when waves were stronger, the wave-induced turbulence appeared to keep sediments in suspension even during the high-tide slack, while the current-induced shear remained dominant during the accelerating phases of flood and ebb. The sediment flux under strong waves was directed offshore due to the sustained high suspended sediment concentration during the high-tide slack. Although strong waves can induce offshore sediment flux, infrequent events with strong waves are unlikely to alter the long-term accretion of the protected southern Gangwha tidal flats.

Influence of San Gabriel submarine canyon on narrow-shelf sediment dynamics, southern California

USGS Publications Warehouse

Karl, Herman A.

1980-01-01

A conceptual model attributes the PTC to modification of shelf circulation patterns by San Gabriel Canyon. Surface waves diverge over the canyon head resulting in differential wave set up at the shore face. This forces back turbid nearshore water for a distance of a few kilometers toward the canyon. At some point on the shelf, seaward nearshore flow overlaps offshore currents generated or modified by internal waves focused onto the shelf by the canyon and/or turbulent eddies produced by flow separation in currents moving across the canyon axis. At times, these subtle processes overprint tidal and wind-driven currents and thereby create the PTC. The model suggests that canyons heading several kilometers from shore can have a regulatory effect on narrow-shelf sediment dynamics.

Facies characterization and sequential evolution of an ancient offshore dunefield in a semi-enclosed sea: Neuquén Basin, Argentina

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Veiga, Gonzalo D.; Schwarz, Ernesto

2017-08-01

This study analyses a 30-m-thick, sand-dominated succession intercalated between offshore mudstones in the Lower Cretaceous record of the Neuquén Basin, Argentina, defining facies associated with unidirectional currents as sand dunes (simple and compound), rippled sand sheets and heterolithic sheets. These facies associations are related to the development of an offshore, forward-accreting dunefield developed as a response to the onset of a tidal-transport system. The reported stratigraphic record results from the combination of the gradual downcurrent decrease of the current speed together with the long-term climbing of the entire system. Maximum amplification of the tidal effect associated with incoming oceanic tides to this epicontinental sea would develop at the time of more efficient connection between the basin and the open ocean. Thus, the onset of the offshore tidal system approximately corresponds to the time of maximum flooding conditions (or immediately after). The short-term evolution of the tidal-transport system is more complex and characterized by the vertical stacking of small-scale cycles defined by the alternation of episodes of construction and destruction of the dunefield. The development of these cycles could be the response to changes in tidal current speed and transport capacity.

Effects of tidal current phase at the junction of two straits

USGS Publications Warehouse

Warner, J.; Schoellhamer, D.; Burau, J.; Schladow, G.

2002-01-01

Estuaries typically have a monotonic increase in salinity from freshwater at the head of the estuary to ocean water at the mouth, creating a consistent direction for the longitudinal baroclinic pressure gradient. However, Mare Island Strait in San Francisco Bay has a local salinity minimum created by the phasing of the currents at the junction of Mare Island and Carquinez Straits. The salinity minimum creates converging baroclinic pressure gradients in Mare Island Strait. Equipment was deployed at four stations in the straits for 6 months from September 1997 to March 1998 to measure tidal variability of velocity, conductivity, temperature, depth, and suspended sediment concentration. Analysis of the measured time series shows that on a tidal time scale in Mare Island Strait, the landward and seaward baroclinic pressure gradients in the local salinity minimum interact with the barotropic gradient, creating regions of enhanced shear in the water column during the flood and reduced shear during the ebb. On a tidally averaged time scale, baroclinic pressure gradients converge on the tidally averaged salinity minimum and drive a converging near-bed and diverging surface current circulation pattern, forming a "baroclinic convergence zone" in Mare Island Strait. Historically large sedimentation rates in this area are attributed to the convergence zone. 

High Resolution Tidal Modelling in the Arctic Ocean: Needs and Upcoming Developments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cancet, M.; Andersen, O.; Stenseng, L.; Lyard, F.; Cotton, D.; Benveniste, J.; Schulz, A.

2015-12-01

The Arctic Ocean is a challenging region for tidal modelling, because of its complex and not well-documented bathymetry, together combined with the intermittent presence of sea ice and the fact that the in situ tidal observations are rather scarce at such high latitudes. As a consequence, the accuracy of the global tidal models decreases by several centimetres in the Polar Regions. In particular, it has a large impact on the quality of the satellite altimeter sea surface heights in these regions (ERS1/2, Envisat, CryoSat-2, SARAL/AltiKa and the future Sentinel-3 mission). Better knowledge of the tides would improve the quality of the high latitudes altimeter sea surface heights and of all derived products, such as the altimetry-derived geostrophic currents, the mean sea surface and the mean dynamic topography. In addition, accurate tidal models are highly strategic information for ever-growing maritime and industrial activities in this region. NOVELTIS and DTU Space are currently working on the development of a regional, high-resolution tidal atlas in the Arctic Ocean. In particular, this atlas will benefit from the assimilation of the most complete satellite altimetry dataset ever used in this region, including Envisat data up to 82°N and the CryoSat-2 reprocessed data between 82°N and 88°N. The combination of all these satellites will give the best possible coverage of altimetry-derived tidal constituents. The available tide gauge data will also be used either for assimilation or validation. This paper presents the performances of the available global tidal models in the Arctic Ocean and the on-going development of an improved regional tidal atlas in this region.

High resolution tidal modeling in the Arctic Ocean: needs and upcoming developments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cancet, Mathilde; Baltazar Andersen, Ole; Cotton, David; Lyard, Florent; Benveniste, Jerome

2015-04-01

The Arctic Ocean is a challenging region for tidal modeling, because of its complex and not well-documented bathymetry, combined with the intermittent presence of sea ice and the fact that the in situ tidal observations are rather scarce at high latitudes. As a consequence, the accuracy of the global tidal models decreases by several centimeters in the Polar Regions. As a consequence the quality of the satellite altimeter sea surface heights in these regions (ERS1/2, Envisat, CryoSat-2, SARAL/AltiKa and the future Sentinel-3 mission) are impacted. Better knowledge of the tides would improve the quality of the high latitudes altimeter sea surface heights and of all derived products, such as the altimetry-derived geostrophic currents, the mean sea surface and the mean dynamic topography. In addition, accurate tidal models are highly strategic information for ever-growing maritime and industrial activities in this region. NOVELTIS and DTU Space are currently working on the development of a regional, high-resolution tidal atlas in the Arctic Ocean. In particular, this atlas will benefit from the assimilation of the most complete satellite altimetry dataset ever used in this region, including Envisat and SARAL/AltiKa data up to 82°N and the CryoSat-2 reprocessed data between 82°N and 88°N. The combination of all these satellites will give the best possible coverage of altimetry-derived tidal constituents. The available tide gauge data will also be used either for assimilation or validation. This paper presents the deficiencies and needs of the global tidal models in the Arctic Ocean as identified using the CryoSat altimetry data, and the on-going work to develop an improved regional tidal atlas in this region.

Relative value of managed wetlands and tidal marshlands for wintering northern pintails

USGS Publications Warehouse

Coates, Peter S.; Casazza, Michael L.; Halstead, Brian J.; Fleskes, Joseph P.

2012-01-01

Northern pintail Anas acuta (hereafter, pintail) populations have declined substantially throughout the western US since the 1970s, largely as a result of converting wetlands to cropland. Managed wetlands have been developed throughout the San Francisco Bay estuaries to provide wildlife habitat, particularly for waterfowl. Many of these areas were historically tidal baylands and plans are underway to remove dikes and restore tidal action. The relationship between tidal baylands and waterfowl populations is poorly understood. Our objective was to provide information on selection and avoidance of managed and tidal marshland by pintails. During 1991–1993 and 1998–2000, we radio-marked and relocated 330 female pintails (relocations, n =11,574) at Suisun Marsh, the largest brackish water estuary within San Francisco Bay, to estimate resource selection functions during the nonbreeding months (winter). Using a distance-based modeling approach, we calculated selection functions for different ecological communities (e.g., tidal baylands) and investigated variation explained by time of day (day or night hours) to account for differences in pintail behavior (i.e., foraging vs. roosting). We found strong evidence for selection of managed wetlands. Pintails also avoided tidal marshes and bays and channels. We did not detect differences in selection function between day and night hours for managed wetlands but the degree of avoidance of other habitats varied by time of day. We also found that areas subjected to tidal action did not influence the selection of immediately adjacent managed wetlands. If current management goals include providing habitat for wintering waterfowl populations, particularly pintail, then we recommend wildlife managers focus tidal restoration on areas that are not currently managed wetland and/or improve conditions in areas of managed wetlands to increase local carrying capacities

Transient tidal eddy motion in the western Gulf of Maine, part 1: Primary structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brown, W. S.; Marques, G. M.

2013-07-01

High frequency radar-derived surface current maps of the Great South Channel (GSC) in the western Gulf of Maine in 2005 revealed clockwise (CW) and anticlockwise (ACW) eddy motion associated with the strong regional tidal currents. To better elucidate the kinematics and dynamics of these transient tidal eddy motions, an observational and modeling study was conducted during the weakly stratified conditions of winter 2008-2009. Our moored bottom pressure and ADCP current measurements in 13m depth were augmented by historical current measurements in about 30m in documenting the dominance of highly polarized M2 semidiurnal currents in our nearshore study region. The high-resolution finite element coastal ocean model (QUODDY) - forced by the five principal tidal constituents - produced maps depicting the formation and evolution of the CW and ACW eddy motions that regularly follow maximum ebb and flood flows, respectively. Observation versus model current comparison required that the model bottom current drag coefficient be set to at an unusually high Cd=0.01 - suggesting the importance of form drag in the study region. The observations and model results were consistent in diagnosing CW or ACW eddy motions that (a) form nearshore in the coastal boundary layer (CBL) for about 3h after the respective tidal current maxima and then (b) translate southeastward across the GSC along curved 50m isobath at speeds of about 25m/s. Observation-based and model-based momentum budget estimates were consistent in showing a first order forced semidiurnal standing tidal wave dynamics (like the adjacent Gulf of Maine) which was modulated by adverse pressure gradient/bottom stress forcing to generate the eddy motions. Observation-based estimates of terms in the transport vorticity budget showed that in the shallower Inner Zone subregion (average depth=23m) that the diffusion of nearshore vorticity was dominant in feeding the growth of eddy motion vorticity; while in the somewhat deeper Outer Zone subregion (33m) bottom current lateral shear and water column stretching/squashing was significant in modulating the eddy motion. We conclude that the transient eddy motions in the GSC region are phase eddies that accompany the change of tide across the GSC and are (1) generated by bottom stress gradients in the shallower nearshore - an issue which needs to be better understood for improved future forecasting.

Methods for accurate estimation of net discharge in a tidal channel

USGS Publications Warehouse

Simpson, M.R.; Bland, R.

2000-01-01

Accurate estimates of net residual discharge in tidally affected rivers and estuaries are possible because of recently developed ultrasonic discharge measurement techniques. Previous discharge estimates using conventional mechanical current meters and methods based on stage/discharge relations or water slope measurements often yielded errors that were as great as or greater than the computed residual discharge. Ultrasonic measurement methods consist of: 1) the use of ultrasonic instruments for the measurement of a representative 'index' velocity used for in situ estimation of mean water velocity and 2) the use of the acoustic Doppler current discharge measurement system to calibrate the index velocity measurement data. Methods used to calibrate (rate) the index velocity to the channel velocity measured using the Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler are the most critical factors affecting the accuracy of net discharge estimation. The index velocity first must be related to mean channel velocity and then used to calculate instantaneous channel discharge. Finally, discharge is low-pass filtered to remove the effects of the tides. An ultrasonic velocity meter discharge-measurement site in a tidally affected region of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Rivers was used to study the accuracy of the index velocity calibration procedure. Calibration data consisting of ultrasonic velocity meter index velocity and concurrent acoustic Doppler discharge measurement data were collected during three time periods. Two sets of data were collected during a spring tide (monthly maximum tidal current) and one of data collected during a neap tide (monthly minimum tidal current). The relative magnitude of instrumental errors, acoustic Doppler discharge measurement errors, and calibration errors were evaluated. Calibration error was found to be the most significant source of error in estimating net discharge. Using a comprehensive calibration method, net discharge estimates developed from the three sets of calibration data differed by less than an average of 4 cubic meters per second, or less than 0.5% of a typical peak tidal discharge rate of 750 cubic meters per second.

Impacts of historic morphology and sea level rise on tidal hydrodynamics in a microtidal estuary (Grand Bay, Mississippi)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Passeri, Davina L.; Hagen, Scott C.; Medeiros, Stephen C.; Bilskie, Matthew V.

2015-12-01

This study evaluates the geophysical influence of the combined effects of historic sea level rise (SLR) and morphology on tidal hydrodynamics in the Grand Bay estuary, located in the Mississippi Sound. Since 1848, the landscape of the Mississippi Sound has been significantly altered as a result of natural and anthropogenic factors including the migration of the offshore Mississippi-Alabama (MSAL) barrier islands and the construction of navigational channels. As a result, the Grand Bay estuary has undergone extensive erosion resulting in the submergence of its protective barrier island, Grand Batture. A large-domain hydrodynamic model was used to simulate present (circa 2005) and past conditions (circa 1848, 1917, and 1960) with unique sea levels, bathymetry, topography and shorelines representative of each time period. Additionally, a hypothetical scenario was performed in which Grand Batture Island exists under 2005 conditions in order to observe the influence of the island on tidal hydrodynamics within the Grand Bay estuary. Changes in tidal amplitudes from the historic conditions varied. Within the Sound, tidal amplitudes were unaltered due to the open exposed shoreline; however, in semi-enclosed embayments outside of the Sound, tidal amplitudes increased. In addition, harmonic constituent phases were slower historically. The position of the MSAL barrier island inlets influenced tidal currents within the Sound; the westward migration of Petit Bois Island allowed stronger tidal velocities to be centered on the Grand Batture Island. Maximum tidal velocities within the Grand Bay estuary were 5 cm/s faster historically, and reversed from being flood dominant in 1848 to ebb dominant in 2005. If the Grand Batture Island was reconstructed under 2005 conditions, tidal amplitudes and phases would not be altered, indicating that the offshore MSAL barrier islands and SLR have a greater influence on these tidal parameters within the estuary. However, maximum tidal velocities would increase by as much as 5 cm/s (63%) and currents would become more ebb dominant. Results of this study illustrate the hydrodynamic response of the system to SLR and the changing landscape, and provide insight into potential future changes under SLR and barrier island evolution.

A synopsis of X-band radar-derived results from New River Inlet, NC (May 2012): Wave transformation, bathymetry, and tidal currents

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Honegger, D. A.; Haller, M. C.; Diaz Mendez, G. M.; Pittman, R.; Catalan, P. A.

2012-12-01

Land-based X-band marine radar observations were collected as part of the month-long DARLA-MURI / RIVET-DRI field experiment at New River Inlet, NC in May 2012. Here we present a synopsis of preliminary results utilizing microwave radar backscatter time series collected from an antenna located 400 m inside the inlet mouth and with a footprint spanning 1000 m beyond the ebb shoals. Two crucial factors in the forcing and constraining of nearshore numerical models are accurate bathymetry and offshore variability in the wave field. Image time series of radar backscatter from surface gravity waves can be utilized to infer these parameters over a large swath and during times of poor optical visibility. Presented are radar-derived wavenumber vector maps obtained from the Plant et al. (2008) algorithm and bathymetric estimates as calculated using Holman et al. (JGR, in review). We also evaluate the effects of tidal currents on the wave directions and depth inversion accuracy. In addition, shifts in the average wave breaking patterns at tidal frequencies shed light on depth- (and possibly current-) induced breaking as a function of tide level and tidal current velocity, while shifts over longer timescales imply bedform movement during the course of the experiment. Lastly, lowpass filtered radar image time series of backscatter intensity are shown to identify the structure and propagation of tidal plume fronts and multiscale ebb jets at the offshore shoal boundary.

How Do Tides and Tsunamis Interact in a Highly Energetic Channel? The Case of Canal Chacao, Chile

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Winckler, Patricio; Sepúlveda, Ignacio; Aron, Felipe; Contreras-López, Manuel

2017-12-01

This study aims at understanding the role of tidal level, speed, and direction in tsunami propagation in highly energetic tidal channels. The main goal is to comprehend whether tide-tsunami interactions enhance/reduce elevation, currents speeds, and arrival times, when compared to pure tsunami models and to simulations in which tides and tsunamis are linearly superimposed. We designed various numerical experiments to compute the tsunami propagation along Canal Chacao, a highly energetic channel in the Chilean Patagonia lying on a subduction margin prone to megathrust earthquakes. Three modeling approaches were implemented under the same seismic scenario: a tsunami model with a constant tide level, a series of six composite models in which independent tide and tsunami simulations are linearly superimposed, and a series of six tide-tsunami nonlinear interaction models (full models). We found that hydrodynamic patterns differ significantly among approaches, being the composite and full models sensitive to both the tidal phase at which the tsunami is triggered and the local depth of the channel. When compared to full models, composite models adequately predicted the maximum surface elevation, but largely overestimated currents. The amplitude and arrival time of the tsunami-leading wave computed with the full model was found to be strongly dependent on the direction of the tidal current and less responsive to the tide level and the tidal current speed. These outcomes emphasize the importance of addressing more carefully the interactions of tides and tsunamis on hazard assessment studies.

High Frequency Radar Observations of Tidal Current Variability in the Lower Chesapeake Bay

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Updyke, T. G.; Dusek, G.; Atkinson, L. P.

2016-02-01

Analysis of eight years of high frequency radar surface current observations in the lower Chesapeake Bay is presented with a focus on the variability of the tidal component of the surface circulation which accounts for a majority of the variance of the surface flow (typically 70-80% for the middle of the radar footprint). Variations in amplitude and phase of the major tidal constituents are examined in the context of water level, wind and river discharge data. Comparisons are made with harmonic analysis results from long-term records of current data measured by three current profilers operated by NOAA as part of the Chesapeake Bay Physical Oceanographic Real-Time System (PORTS). Preliminary results indicate that there is significant spatial variability in the M2 amplitude over the HF radar grid as well as temporal variability when harmonic analysis is performed using bi-monthly time segments over the course of the record.

The ESASSI-08 cruise in the South Scotia Ridge region: Water masses, currents, and the ASF

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Palmer, M.; Gomis, D.; Flexas, M. M.; Jordà, G.; Orsi, A. H.

2009-04-01

The ESASSI-08 oceanographic cruise carried out in January 2008 was the major milestone of ESASSI, the Spanish component of SASSI (a core project of the International Polar Year devoted to study the shelf-slope exchanges in different locations of Antarctica). The specific objectives of ESASSI, the sampling strategy and the overall distribution of the main variables across the 11 sections covered by the cruise are presented in a poster. Here we focus on three specific issues: i) the observation of strong tidal currents over some of the sampled slopes; ii) the path of the Antarctic Slope Front (ASF) over the SSR; and iii) the outflow of dense, ventilated water from the Weddell Sea into the South Scotia Sea. The main results are: i) Strong tidal currents with a significant diurnal component were observed over the southern slope of the SSR. Three tidal models are compared with the observations and used to de-tide ADCP currents. ii) The signature of the ASF is clearly detected on the southern slopes of the SSR (on the Weddell Sea flank). Over the northern slopes (the Scotia Sea flank), however, only weak signatures of frontal structures are observed; an in-depth biochemical analysis will be required to link the structures observed over the two flanks of the SSR. What seems clear is that the ASF does not extend further than Elephant Island, since southwestward of that island the shelf and the slope are fully occupied by Circumpolar Deep Water (CDW) from the Antarctic Circumpolar Current. iii) The shallower component of Weddell Sea Deep Water (Upper WSDW) flows over the SSR and pours into the Scotia Sea except to the east of Elephant Island, where the channels are less than 1500 m deep. The densest component of WSDW (Lower WSDW) is observed at both flanks of the SSR, but again a more detailed analysis of biochemical data will be required to prove a direct flux of this water mass across the SSR. Weddell Sea Bottom Water (WSBW) is not observed in any of the sampled sections.

A downslope propagating thermal front over the continental slope

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

van Haren, Hans; Hosegood, Phil J.

2017-04-01

In the ocean, internal frontal bores above sloping topography have many appearances, depending on the local density stratification, and on the angle and source of generation of the carrier wave. However, their common characteristics are a backward breaking wave, strong sediment resuspension, and relatively cool (denser) water moving more or less upslope underneath warm (less dense) water. In this paper, we present a rare example of a downslope moving front of cold water moving over near-bottom warm water. Large backscatter is observed in the downslope moving front's trailing edge, rather than the leading edge as is common in upslope moving fronts. Time series observations have been made during a fortnight in summer, using a 101 m long array of high-resolution temperature sensors moored with an acoustic Doppler current profiler at 396 m depth in near-homogeneous waters, near a small canyon in the continental slope off the Malin shelf (West-Scotland, UK). Occurring between fronts that propagate upslope with tidal periodicity, the rare downslope propagating one resembles a gravity current and includes strong convective turbulence coming from the interior rather than the more usual frictionally generated turbulence arising from interaction with the seabed. Its turbulence is 3-10 times larger than that of more common upslope propagating fronts. As the main turbulence is in the interior with a thin stratified layer close to the bottom, little sediment is resuspended by a downslope propagating front. The downslope propagating front is suggested to be generated by oblique propagation of internal (tidal) waves and flow over a nearby upstream promontory.

Diurnal tides in the Arctic Ocean

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kowalik, Z.; Proshutinsky, A. Y.

1993-01-01

A 2D numerical model with a space grid of about 14 km is applied to calculate diurnal tidal constituents K(1) and O(1) in the Arctic Ocean. Calculated corange and cotidal charts show that along the continental slope, local regions of increased sea level amplitude, highly variable phase and enhanced currents occur. It is shown that in these local regions, shelf waves (topographic waves) of tidal origin are generated. In the Arctic Ocean and Northern Atlantic Ocean more than 30 regions of enhanced currents are identified. To prove the near-resonant interaction of the diurnal tides with the local bottom topography, the natural periods of oscillations for all regions have been calculated. The flux of energy averaged over the tidal period depicts the gyres of semitrapped energy, suggesting that the shelf waves are partially trapped over the irregularities of the bottom topography. It is shown that the occurrence of near-resonance phenomenon changes the energy flow in the tidal waves. First, the flux of energy from the astronomical sources is amplified in the shelf wave regions, and afterwards the tidal energy is strongly dissipated in the same regions.

77 FR 5817 - Ocean Renewable Power Company, Tidal Energy Project, Cobscook Bay, ME

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-02-06

... ocean floor, used for generating electricity from tidal currents and is now providing the public the... impacts associated with installation of an underwater cable assembly to transfer electricity to a power...

The frequency and properties of young tidal dwarf galaxies in nearby groups

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee-Waddell, K.; Spekkens, K.; Chandra, P.; Patra, N.; Cuillandre, J.-C.; Wang, J.; Haynes, M. P.; Cannon, J.; Stierwalt, S.; Sick, J.; Giovanelli, R.

2017-03-01

We present the results of a multi-wavelength investigation of the dwarf galaxy populations in three interacting galaxy groups: NGC 871/6/7, NGC 3166/9, NGC 4725/47. Using degree-scale Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope Hi mosaics and deep optical photometry from the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope, we measured the Hi and stellar properties of the gas-rich low-mass group members to classify each one as a classical dwarf galaxy, a short-lived tidal knot or a tidal dwarf galaxy (TDG). Our observations detect several dwarf irregulars and various tidal knots. We identify four potentially long-lived tidal objects in the three groups, implying that TDGs are not readily produced. The tidal objects examined in this small survey also appear to have a wider variety of properties than TDGs formed in current simulations.

Understanding the potential risk to marine mammals from collision with tidal turbines

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Copping, Andrea; Grear, Molly; Jepsen, Richard

The advent of the marine renewable energy industry has raised questions, particularly for tidal turbines, about potential threats to populations of marine mammals. This research examines the sequence of behavioral events that lead up to a potential collision of a marine mammal with a tidal turbine, within the context of the physical environment, the attributes of the tidal device, and the biomechanical properties of a marine mammal that may resist injury from a tidal blade collision. There are currently no data available to determine the risk of collision to a marine mammal, and obtaining those data would be extremely difficult.more » The surrogate data examined in this research (likelihood of a marine mammal being in close proximity to a tidal turbine, biomechanics of marine mammal tissues, and engineering models) provide insight into the interaction.« less

Numerical simulation of tidal dispersion around a coastal headland

USGS Publications Warehouse

Signell, R.P.; Geyer, W. Rockwell; Cheng, Ralph T.

1990-01-01

Tidal flows around headlands can exhibit strong spatial gradients in the Eulerian currents, resulting in complex Lagrangian trajectories and dispersion of the vertically integrated flow. This typically occurs when the horizontal length scale of the headland is comparable to or smaller than the tidal excursion. The effects of these headlands on dispersion are investigated using a depthaveraged hydrodynamic model combined with a particle tracking model. The dispersion of patches of fluid is found to vary by more than an order of magnitude, depending both on position and tidal phase at the time of release. This is due to the infrequent interaction of material with the strongly sheared flow at the tip of the headland, where flow separation occurs during times of maximum tidal flow. Spreading of these patches over many tidal cycles is not Gaussian, but rather shows a patchy, streaky structure.

Is There a Tectonically Driven Supertidal Cycle?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Green, J. A. M.; Molloy, J. L.; Davies, H. S.; Duarte, J. C.

2018-04-01

Earth is 180 Myr into the current supercontinent cycle, and the next supercontinent is predicted to form in 250 Myr. The continuous changes in continental configuration can move the ocean between resonant states, and the semidiurnal tides are currently large compared to the past 252 Myr due to tidal resonance in the Atlantic. This leads to the hypothesis that there is a "supertidal" cycle linked to the supercontinent cycle. Here this is tested using new tectonic predictions for the next 250 Myr as bathymetry in a numerical tidal model. The simulations support the following hypothesis: a new tidal resonance will appear 150 Myr from now, followed by a decreasing tide as the supercontinent forms 100 Myr later. This affects the dissipation of tidal energy in the oceans, with consequences for the evolution of the Earth-Moon system, ocean circulation and climate, and implications for the ocean's capacity of hosting and evolving life.

Turning the tide: comparison of tidal flow by periodic sea level fluctuation and by periodic bed tilting in scaled landscape experiments of estuaries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kleinhans, Maarten G.; van der Vegt, Maarten; Leuven, Jasper; Braat, Lisanne; Markies, Henk; Simmelink, Arjan; Roosendaal, Chris; van Eijk, Arjan; Vrijbergen, Paul; van Maarseveen, Marcel

2017-11-01

Analogue models or scale experiments of estuaries and short tidal basins are notoriously difficult to create in the laboratory because of the difficulty to obtain currents strong enough to transport sand. Our recently discovered method to drive tidal currents by periodically tilting the entire flume leads to intense sediment transport in both the ebb and flood phase, causing dynamic channel and shoal patterns. However, it remains unclear whether tilting produces periodic flows with characteristic tidal properties that are sufficiently similar to those in nature for the purpose of landscape experiments. Moreover, it is not well understood why the flows driven by periodic sea level fluctuation, as in nature, are not sufficient for morphodynamic experiments. Here we compare for the first time the tidal currents driven by sea level fluctuations and by tilting. Experiments were run in a 20 × 3 m straight flume, the Metronome, for a range of tilting periods and with one or two boundaries open at constant head with free inflow and outflow. Also, experiments were run with flow driven by periodic sea level fluctuations. We recorded surface flow velocity along the flume with particle imaging velocimetry and measured water levels along the flume. We compared the results to a one-dimensional model with shallow flow equations for a rough bed, which was tested on the experiments and applied to a range of length scales bridging small experiments and large estuaries. We found that the Reynolds method results in negligible flows along the flume except for the first few metres, whereas flume tilting results in nearly uniform reversing flow velocities along the entire flume that are strong enough to move sand. Furthermore, tidal excursion length relative to basin length and the dominance of friction over inertia is similar in tidal experiments and reality. The sediment mobility converges between the Reynolds method and tilting for flumes hundreds of metres long, which is impractical. Smaller flumes of a few metres in length, on the other hand, are much more dominated by friction than natural systems, meaning that sediment suspension would be impossible in the resulting laminar flow on tidal flats. Where the Reynolds method is limited by small sediment mobility and high tidal range relative to water depth, the tilting method allows for independent control over the variables flow depth, velocity, sediment mobility, tidal period and excursion length, and tidal asymmetry. A periodically tilting flume thus opens up the possibility of systematic biogeomorphological experimentation with self-formed estuaries.

The influence of neap-spring tidal variation and wave energy on sediment flux in salt marsh tidal creeks

USGS Publications Warehouse

Lacy, Jessica; Ferner, Matthew C.; Callaway, John C.

2018-01-01

Sediment flux in marsh tidal creeks is commonly used to gage sediment supply to marshes. We conducted a field investigation of temporal variability in sediment flux in tidal creeks in the accreting tidal marsh at China Camp State Park adjacent to northern San Francisco Bay. Suspended-sediment concentration (SSC), velocity, and depth were measured near the mouths of two tidal creeks during three six-to-ten-week deployments: two in winter and one in summer. Currents, wave properties and SSC were measured in the adjacent shallows. All deployments spanned the largest spring tides of the season. Results show that tidally-averaged suspended-sediment flux (SSF) in the tidal creeks decreased with increasing tidal energy, and SSF was negative (bayward) for tidal cycles with maximum water surface elevation above the marsh plain. Export during the largest spring tides dominated the cumulative SSF measured during the deployments. During ebb tides following the highest tides, velocities exceeded 1 m/s in the narrow tidal creeks, resulting in negative tidally-averaged water flux, and mobilizing sediment from the creek banks or bed. Storm surge also produced negative SSF. Tidally-averaged SSF was positive in wavey conditions with moderate tides. Spring-tide sediment export was about 50% less at a station 130 m further up the tidal creek than at the creek mouth. The negative tidally-averaged water flux near the creek mouth during spring tides indicates that in the lower marsh, some of the water flooding directly across the bay--marsh interface drains through the tidal creeks, and suggests that this interface may be a pathway for sediment supply to the lower marsh as well.

A Lower Permian sandwave-containing shelf sequence exposed at Zungwini Mountain, Republic of South Africa

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smith, A. M.

1989-08-01

As a result of railway excavations the Pietermaritzburg Shale-Vryheid Formation transition is spectacularly exposed on the southern slope of Zungwini Mountain. Nine facies and three facies associations are recognised. Deposition occurred in a palaeoshelf and offshore setting. The reconstructed coastline was SW-NE with land to the northwest. The inner shelf was tide- and the outer-shelf storm-influenced. Fluvial input supplied sediment which was reworked into flood-tidal sandwaves, probably within the confines of an estuary. A rising sea level brought the sandwaves into the realm of a more distal, coast-parallel, storm-tidal current regime where reworking of the sediment occurred. Intense storm-augmented tidal currents swept some of the better-sorted material seaward to be deposited as storm layers in the inner and outer shelf. These same currents formed the low-density turbidites and sediment plumes from which the offshore argillaceous deposits were formed. The shelf edge poorly sorted rhythmite facies may have developed from sediment flushed out of the rivers during flood or from the flood-tidal sandwave system as a result of exceptional coastal storms.

Frequency content of sea surface height variability from internal gravity waves to mesoscale eddies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Savage, Anna C.; Arbic, Brian K.; Richman, James G.; Shriver, Jay F.; Alford, Matthew H.; Buijsman, Maarten C.; Thomas Farrar, J.; Sharma, Hari; Voet, Gunnar; Wallcraft, Alan J.; Zamudio, Luis

2017-03-01

High horizontal-resolution (1/12.5° and 1/25°) 41-layer global simulations of the HYbrid Coordinate Ocean Model (HYCOM), forced by both atmospheric fields and the astronomical tidal potential, are used to construct global maps of sea surface height (SSH) variability. The HYCOM output is separated into steric and nonsteric and into subtidal, diurnal, semidiurnal, and supertidal frequency bands. The model SSH output is compared to two data sets that offer some geographical coverage and that also cover a wide range of frequencies—a set of 351 tide gauges that measure full SSH and a set of 14 in situ vertical profilers from which steric SSH can be calculated. Three of the global maps are of interest in planning for the upcoming Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) two-dimensional swath altimeter mission: (1) maps of the total and (2) nonstationary internal tidal signal (the latter calculated after removing the stationary internal tidal signal via harmonic analysis), with an average variance of 1.05 and 0.43 cm2, respectively, for the semidiurnal band, and (3) a map of the steric supertidal contributions, which are dominated by the internal gravity wave continuum, with an average variance of 0.15 cm2. Stationary internal tides (which are predictable), nonstationary internal tides (which will be harder to predict), and nontidal internal gravity waves (which will be very difficult to predict) may all be important sources of high-frequency "noise" that could mask lower frequency phenomena in SSH measurements made by the SWOT mission.

Annotated Bibliography of Sediment Transport Occurring over Ebb-Tidal Deltas.

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-09-01

and trough cross stratification from the shallower channel, should be expected. Swash-generated, horizontal plane laminations or * slightly inclined... laminations from the shallow channel sides. Transitional inlets would produce a variety of sequences, the exact nature of which would reflect the relative...and tidal currents. The beach face is characterized by flatbeds and antidunes; the runnel contains cuspate megaripples and current ripples oriented

Tidal effects in differentiated viscoelastic bodies: a numerical approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Walterová, M.; Běhounková, M.

2017-09-01

The majority of confirmed terrestrial exoplanets orbits close to their host stars and their evolution was likely altered by tidal interaction. Nevertheless, due to their viscoelastic properties on the tidal frequencies, their response cannot be described exactly by standardly employed constant-lag models. We therefore introduce a tidal model based on the numerical evaluation of a continuum mechanics problem describing the deformation of viscoelastic (Maxwell or Andrade) planetary mantles subjected to external force. We apply the method on a model Earth-size planet orbiting a low-mass star and study the effect of the orbital eccentricity, the mantle viscosity and the chosen rheology on the tidal dissipation, the complex Love numbers and the tidal torque. The number of stable spin states (i.e., zero tidal torque) grows with increasing mantle viscosity, similarly to the analytical model of Correia et al. (Astron Astrophys 571:A50, 2014) for homogeneous bodies. This behavior is only slightly influenced by the rheology used. Similarly, the Love numbers do not distinctly depend on the considered rheological model. The increase in viscosity affects the amplitude of their variations. The tidal heating described by the Maxwell rheology attains local minima associated with low spin-orbit resonances, with depth and shape depending on both the eccentricity and the viscosity. For the Andrade rheology, the minima at low resonances are very shallow and the tidal heating for all viscosities resembles a "fluid limit." The tidal heating is the quantity influenced the most by the rheology, having thus possible impact on the internal thermal evolution.

Riders on the storm: selective tidal movements facilitate the spawning migration of threatened delta smelt in the San Francisco Estuary

USGS Publications Warehouse

Bennett, W.A.; Burau, Jon R.

2015-01-01

Migration strategies in estuarine fishes typically include behavioral adaptations for reducing energetic costs and mortality during travel to optimize reproductive success. The influence of tidal currents and water turbidity on individual movement behavior were investigated during the spawning migration of the threatened delta smelt, Hypomesus transpacificus, in the northern San Francisco Estuary, California, USA. Water current velocities and turbidity levels were measured concurrently with delta smelt occurrence at sites in the lower Sacramento River and San Joaquin River as turbidity increased due to first-flush winter rainstorms in January and December 2010. The presence/absence of fish at the shoal-channel interface and near the shoreline was quantified hourly over complete tidal cycles. Delta smelt were caught consistently at the shoal-channel interface during flood tides and near the shoreline during ebb tides in the turbid Sacramento River, but were rare in the clearer San Joaquin River. The apparent selective tidal movements by delta smelt would facilitate either maintaining position or moving upriver on flood tides, and minimizing advection down-estuary on ebb tides. These movements also may reflect responses to lateral gradients in water turbidity created by temporal lags in tidal velocities between the near-shore and mid-channel habitats. This migration strategy can minimize the energy spent swimming against strong river and tidal currents, as well as predation risks by remaining in turbid water. Selection pressure on individuals to remain in turbid water may underlie population-level observations suggesting that turbidity is a key habitat feature and cue initiating the delta smelt spawning migration.

Tidally influenced alongshore circulation at an inlet-adjacent shoreline

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hansen, Jeff E.; Elias, Edwin P.L.; List, Jeffrey H.; Erikson, Li H.; Barnard, Patrick L.

2013-01-01

The contribution of tidal forcing to alongshore circulation inside the surfzone is investigated at a 7 km long sandy beach adjacent to a large tidal inlet. Ocean Beach in San Francisco, CA (USA) is onshore of a ∼150 km2 ebb-tidal delta and directly south of the Golden Gate, the sole entrance to San Francisco Bay. Using a coupled flow-wave numerical model, we find that the tides modulate, and in some cases can reverse the direction of, surfzone alongshore flows through two separate mechanisms. First, tidal flow through the inlet results in a barotropic tidal pressure gradient that, when integrated across the surfzone, represents an important contribution to the surfzone alongshore force balance. Even during energetic wave conditions, the tidal pressure gradient can account for more than 30% of the total alongshore pressure gradient (wave and tidal components) and up to 55% during small waves. The wave driven component of the alongshore pressure gradient results from alongshore wave height and corresponding setup gradients induced by refraction over the ebb-tidal delta. Second, wave refraction patterns over the inner shelf are tidally modulated as a result of both tidal water depth changes and strong tidal flows (∼1 m/s), with the effect from currents being larger. These tidally induced changes in wave refraction result in corresponding variability of the alongshore radiation stress and pressure gradients within the surfzone. Our results indicate that tidal contributions to the surfzone force balance can be significant and important in determining the direction and magnitude of alongshore flow.

Homogeneous wave turbulence driven by tidal flows

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Favier, B.; Le Reun, T.; Barker, A.; Le Bars, M.

2017-12-01

When a moon orbits around a planet, the rotation of the induced tidal bulge drives a homogeneous, periodic, large-scale flow. The combination of such an excitation with the rotating motion of the planet has been shown to drive parametric resonance of a pair of inertial waves in a mechanism called the elliptical instability. Geophysical fluid layers can also be stratified: this is the case for instance of the Earth's oceans and, as suggested by several studies, of the upper part of the Earth's liquid Outer Core. We thus investigate the stability of a rotating and stratified layer undergoing tidal distortion in the limit where either rotation or stratification is dominant. We show that the periodic tidal flow drives a parametric subharmonic resonance of inertial (resp. internal) waves in the rotating (resp. stratified) case. The instability saturates into a wave turbulence pervading the whole fluid layer. In such a state, the instability mechanism conveys the tidal energy from the large scale tidal flow to the resonant modes, which then feed a succession of triadic resonances also generating small spatial scales. In the rotating case, we observe a kinetic energy spectrum with a k-2 slope for which the Coriolis force is dominant at all spatial scales. In the stratified case, where the timescale separation is increased between the tidal excitation and the Brunt-Väisälä frequencies, the temporal spectrum decays with a ω-2 power law up to the cut-off frequency beyond which waves do not exist. This result is reminiscent of the Garrett and Munk spectrum measured in the oceans and theoretically described as a manifestation of internal wave turbulence. In addition to revealing an instability driving homogeneous turbulence in geophysical fluid layers, our approach is also an efficient numerical tool to investigate the possibly universal properties of wave turbulence in a geophysical context.

Derivation of Delaware Bay tidal parameters from Space Shuttle photography

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zheng, Quanan; Yan, Xiao-Hai; Klemas, Vic

1993-01-01

The tide-related parameters of the Delaware Bay are derived from Space Shuttle time-series photographs. The water areas in the bay are measured from interpretation maps of the photographs with a CALCOMP 9100 digitizer and ERDAS Image Processing System. The corresponding tidal levels are calculated using the exposure time annotated on the photographs. From these data, an approximate function relating the water area to the tidal level at a reference point is determined. Based on the function, the water areas of the Delaware Bay at mean high water (MHW) and mean low water (MLW), below 0 m, and for the tidal zone are inferred. With MHW and MLW areas and the mean tidal range, we calculate the tidal influx of the Delaware Bay, which is 2.76 x 10 exp 9 cu m. The velocity of flood tide at the bay mouth is determined using the tidal flux and an integral of the velocity distribution function at the cross section between Cape Henlopen and Cape May. The result is 132 cm/s, which compares well with the data on tidal current charts.

76 FR 65323 - Endangered and Threatened Species; Designation of Critical Habitat for the Southern Distinct...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-10-20

... dispersed by estuarine, tidal, and ocean currents. Larval eulachon may remain in low salinity, surface... fish ascend well beyond the tidal influence (Willson et al., 2006). In the Kemano River, Canada, water...

Determining Tidal Phase Differences from X-Band Radar Images

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Newman, Kieran; Bell, Paul; Brown, Jennifer; Plater, Andrew

2017-04-01

Introduction Previous work by Bell et. al. (2016) has developed a method using X-band marine radar to measure intertidal bathymetry, using the waterline as a level over a spring-neap tidal cycle. This has been used in the Dee Estuary to give a good representation of the bathymetry in the area. However, there are some sources of inaccuracy in the method, as a uniform spatial tidal signal is assumed over the entire domain. Motivation The method used by Bell et. al. (2016) applies a spatially uniform tidal signal to the entire domain. This fails to account for fine-scale variations in water level and tidal phase. While methods are being developed to account for small-scale water level variations using high resolution modelling, a method to determine tidal phase variations directly from the radar intensity images could be advantageous operationally. Methods The tidal phase has been computed using two different methods, with hourly averaged images from 2008. In the first method, the cross-correlation between each raw pixel time series and a tidal signal at a number of lags is calculated, and the lag with the highest correlation to the pixel series is recorded. For the second method, the same method of correlation is used on signals generated by tracking movement of buoys, which show up strongly in the radar image as they move on their moorings with the tidal currents. There is a broad agreement between the two methods, but validation is needed to determine the relative accuracy. The phase has also been calculated using a Fourier decomposition, and agrees broadly with the above methods. Work also needs to be done to separate areas where the recorded phase is due to tidal current (mostly subtidal areas) or due to elevation (mostly the wetting/drying signal in intertidal areas), by classifying radar intensities by the phases and amplitudes of the tides. Filtering out signal variations due to wind strength and attenuation of the radar signal will also be applied. Validation Validation will be attempted using data from a POLCOMS-WAM model run for Liverpool Bay at 180m resolution for February 2008 (Brown, 2011), and ongoing work to develop a model at 5m resolution using DELFT3D-FLOW. There are also a series of ADCP and other direct measurements of tidal current and elevation available, although periods of measurement do not all overlap. However, this could still be used for some validation. Conclusion While this work is in very early stages, it could present a method to determine fine-scale variations in tidal phase without a network of current recorders, and an improvement in the accuracy of bathymetric methods using X-band Radar. References Bell, P.S., Bird, C.O., Plater, A.J., 2016. A temporal waterline approach to mapping intertidal areas using X-band marine radar. Coastal Engineering, 07: 84-101. Brown, J.M., Bolaños, R., Wolf, J., 2011. Impact assessment of advanced coupling features in a tide-surge-wave model, POLCOMS-WAM, in a shallow water application. Journal of Marine Systems, 87: 13-24. Deltares, 2010. Delft3D FLOW. Delft: Deltares.

Redistribution of energy available for ocean mixing by long-range propagation of internal waves.

PubMed

Alford, Matthew H

2003-05-08

Ocean mixing, which affects pollutant dispersal, marine productivity and global climate, largely results from the breaking of internal gravity waves--disturbances propagating along the ocean's internal stratification. A global map of internal-wave dissipation would be useful in improving climate models, but would require knowledge of the sources of internal gravity waves and their propagation. Towards this goal, I present here computations of horizontal internal-wave propagation from 60 historical moorings and relate them to the source terms of internal waves as computed previously. Analysis of the two most energetic frequency ranges--near-inertial frequencies and semidiurnal tidal frequencies--reveals that the fluxes in both frequency bands are of the order of 1 kW x m(-1) (that is, 15-50% of the energy input) and are directed away from their respective source regions. However, the energy flux due to near-inertial waves is stronger in winter, whereas the tidal fluxes are uniform throughout the year. Both varieties of internal waves can thus significantly affect the space-time distribution of energy available for global mixing.

Influence of fortnightly earth tides at Kilauea Volcano, Hawaii

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Dzurisin, D.

1980-11-01

Analysis of 52 historic eruptions confirms the premise that fortnightly earth tides play a significant role in triggering activity at Kilauea Volcano, Hawaii. Since January 1832, nearly twice as many eruptions have occurred nearer fortnightly tidal maximum than tidal minimum (34 vs 18). A straightforward significance test indicates that the likelihood of a fortnightly tidal influence on Kilauea eruptions is roughly 90%. This is not the case for Mauna Loa Volcano, where 37 historic eruptions have been distributed randomly with respect to the fortnightly tide. At Kilauea, stresses induced by fortnightly earth tides presumably act in concert with volcanic andmore » tectonic stresses to trigger shallow magma movements along preexisting zones of weakness. Differences in structure or internal plumbing may limit the effectiveness of this mechanism at Mauna Loa. Tidal effects seem to be less marked at shields than at some island-arc volcanoes, possibly because higher average volcanic stress rates in Hawaii more often override the effects of tidal stresses.« less

Influence of fortnightly earth tides at Kilauea Volcano, Hawaii.

USGS Publications Warehouse

Dzurisin, D.

1980-01-01

Analysis of 52 historic eruptions confirms the premise that fortnightly earth tides play a significant role in triggering activity at Kilauea Volcano, Hawaii. Since January 1832, nearly twice as many eruptions have occurred nearer fortnightly tidal maximum than tidal minimum (34 vs. 18). A straightforward significance test indicates that the likelihood of a fortnightly tidal influence on Kilauea eruptions is roughly 90%. This is not the case for Mauna Loa Volcano, where 37 historic eruptions have been distributed randomly with respect to the fortnightly tide. At Kilauea, stresses induced by fortnightly earth tides presumably act in concert with volcanic and tectonic stresses to trigger shallow magma movements along preexisting zones of weakness. Differences in structure or internal plumbing may limit the effectiveness of this mechanism at Mauna Loa. Tidal effects seem to be less marked at shields than at some island-arc volcanoes, possibly because higher average volcanic stress rates in Hawaii more often override the effects of tidal stresses.-Author

Multi-Layer Artificial Neural Networks Based MPPT-Pitch Angle Control of a Tidal Stream Generator

PubMed Central

Bouallègue, Soufiene; Garrido, Aitor J.; Haggège, Joseph

2018-01-01

Artificial intelligence technologies are widely investigated as a promising technique for tackling complex and ill-defined problems. In this context, artificial neural networks methodology has been considered as an effective tool to handle renewable energy systems. Thereby, the use of Tidal Stream Generator (TSG) systems aim to provide clean and reliable electrical power. However, the power captured from tidal currents is highly disturbed due to the swell effect and the periodicity of the tidal current phenomenon. In order to improve the quality of the generated power, this paper focuses on the power smoothing control. For this purpose, a novel Artificial Neural Network (ANN) is investigated and implemented to provide the proper rotational speed reference and the blade pitch angle. The ANN supervisor adequately switches the system in variable speed and power limitation modes. In order to recover the maximum power from the tides, a rotational speed control is applied to the rotor side converter following the Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) generated from the ANN block. In case of strong tidal currents, a pitch angle control is set based on the ANN approach to keep the system operating within safe limits. Two study cases were performed to test the performance of the output power. Simulation results demonstrate that the implemented control strategies achieve a smoothed generated power in the case of swell disturbances. PMID:29695127

Multi-Layer Artificial Neural Networks Based MPPT-Pitch Angle Control of a Tidal Stream Generator.

PubMed

Ghefiri, Khaoula; Bouallègue, Soufiene; Garrido, Izaskun; Garrido, Aitor J; Haggège, Joseph

2018-04-24

Artificial intelligence technologies are widely investigated as a promising technique for tackling complex and ill-defined problems. In this context, artificial neural networks methodology has been considered as an effective tool to handle renewable energy systems. Thereby, the use of Tidal Stream Generator (TSG) systems aim to provide clean and reliable electrical power. However, the power captured from tidal currents is highly disturbed due to the swell effect and the periodicity of the tidal current phenomenon. In order to improve the quality of the generated power, this paper focuses on the power smoothing control. For this purpose, a novel Artificial Neural Network (ANN) is investigated and implemented to provide the proper rotational speed reference and the blade pitch angle. The ANN supervisor adequately switches the system in variable speed and power limitation modes. In order to recover the maximum power from the tides, a rotational speed control is applied to the rotor side converter following the Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) generated from the ANN block. In case of strong tidal currents, a pitch angle control is set based on the ANN approach to keep the system operating within safe limits. Two study cases were performed to test the performance of the output power. Simulation results demonstrate that the implemented control strategies achieve a smoothed generated power in the case of swell disturbances.

Suspended sediment in tidal currents: an often-neglected pollutant that aggravates mangrove degradation.

PubMed

Fu, Weiguo; Liu, Daomin; Yin, Qilin; Wu, Yanyou; Li, Pingping

2014-07-15

In this study, the influence of sediments deposited on the leaves of different mangrove species due to tidal movements on photosynthetic characteristics and chlorophyll fluorescence of the species was explored. The degree of accelerated degradation among different mangrove species was also obtained. Results show that the leaves of mangrove species have varying degrees of sediment deposition. Sediment deposition leads to photosynthetic reduction and physiological stress among Kandelia candel, Aegiceras corniculatum, and Avicennia marina in the Quanzhou Bay. Thus, the deposition of suspended sediments from tidal currents is an important environmental factor that accelerates the degradation of some mangrove species. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Tides and deltaic morphodynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Plink-Bjorklund, Piret

2016-04-01

Tide-dominated and tide-influenced deltas are not widely recognized in the ancient record, despite the numerous modern and Holocene examples, including eight of the twelve modern largest deltas in the world, like the Ganges-Brahmaputra, Amazon, Chang Jiang, and Irrawadi. Furthermore, tide-dominated or tide-influenced deltas are suggested to be more common in inner-shelf or embayment settings rather than close to or at a shelf edge, primarily because wave energy is expected to be higher and tidal energy lower in outer shelf and shelf-edge areas. Thus, most shelf-edge deltas are suggested to be fluvial or wave dominated. However, there are ancient examples of tide-influenced shelf-edge deltas, indicating that the controls on tidal morphodynamics in deltas are not yet well understood. This paper asks the following questions: (1) How do tides influence delta deposition, beyond creating recognizable tidal facies? (2) Does tidal reworking create specific geometries in delta clinoforms? (3) Does tidal reworking change progradation rates of deltas? (4) Is significant tidal reworking of deltas restricted to inner-shelf deltas only? (5) What are the conditions at which deltas may be tidally influenced or tide-dominated in outer-shelf areas or at the shelf edge? (6) What are the main morphodynamic controls on the degree of tidal reworking of deltas? The paper utilizes a dataset of multiple ancient and modern deltas, situated both on the shelf and shelf edge. We show that beyond the commonly recognized shore-perpendicular morphological features and the recognizable tidal facies, the main effects of tidal reworking of deltas are associated with delta clinoform morphology, morphodynamics of delta lobe switching, delta front progradation rates, and the nature of the delta plain. Strong tidal influence is here documented to promote subaqueous, rapid progradation of deltas, by efficiently removing sediment from river mouth and thus reducing mouth bar aggradation and fluvial delta plain construction rates. Such subaqueous progradation of the delta front is decoupled from shoreline progradation. The delta plain of such tide-dominated deltas consists of a few distributary channels and tidal flats on top of the emerged tidal bars. The delta front clinoforms become gentler and longer, as ebb tidal currents together with river effluent efficiently transport sediment to the basin. Tide-dominated deltas tend to maintain a funnel shape and show low lobe switching rates, compared to fluvial-dominated and tide-influenced deltas. The funnel and thus river mouth position is further stabilized by fine-grained sediment accumulation on marginal tidal flats due to the flood current sediment transport. However, all these effect weaken as the deltas prograde to the shelf edge, due to the loss of vertical (and lateral) restriction and tidal amplification. Here significant tidal reworking tends to be restricted to topographic irregularities, caused by incision, delta-lobe or mouth bar deposition and avulsions, or tectonic processes. The role of such topographic restrictions is twofold, by reducing wave energy and amplifying tidal energy.

Tidal dissipation in rotating low-mass stars and implications for the orbital evolution of close-in planets. I. From the PMS to the RGB at solar metallicity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gallet, F.; Bolmont, E.; Mathis, S.; Charbonnel, C.; Amard, L.

2017-08-01

Context. Star-planet interactions must be taken into account in stellar models to understand the dynamical evolution of close-in planets. The dependence of the tidal interactions on the structural and rotational evolution of the star is of particular importance and should be correctly treated. Aims: We quantify how tidal dissipation in the convective envelope of rotating low-mass stars evolves from the pre-main sequence up to the red-giant branch depending on the initial stellar mass. We investigate the consequences of this evolution on planetary orbital evolution. Methods: We couple the tidal dissipation formalism previously described to the stellar evolution code STAREVOL and apply this coupling to rotating stars with masses between 0.3 and 1.4 M⊙. As a first step, this formalism assumes a simplified bi-layer stellar structure with corresponding averaged densities for the radiative core and the convective envelope. We use a frequency-averaged treatment of the dissipation of tidal inertial waves in the convection zone (but neglect the dissipation of tidal gravity waves in the radiation zone). In addition, we generalize a recent work by following the orbital evolution of close-in planets using the new tidal dissipation predictions for advanced phases of stellar evolution. Results: On the pre-main sequence the evolution of tidal dissipation is controlled by the evolution of the internal structure of the contracting star. On the main sequence it is strongly driven by the variation of surface rotation that is impacted by magnetized stellar winds braking. The main effect of taking into account the rotational evolution of the stars is to lower the tidal dissipation strength by about four orders of magnitude on the main sequence, compared to a normalized dissipation rate that only takes into account structural changes. Conclusions: The evolution of the dissipation strongly depends on the evolution of the internal structure and rotation of the star. From the pre-main sequence up to the tip of the red-giant branch, it varies by several orders of magnitude, with strong consequences for the orbital evolution of close-in massive planets. These effects are the strongest during the pre-main sequence, implying that the planets are mainly sensitive to the star's early history.

Quantification of Saturn and Enceladus tidal dissipation by astrometry after Cassini

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lainey, V.

2017-12-01

Enceladus is the smallest moon known today harboring a global ocean under its crust. While the existence of liquid water in high quantity for such a small object is exciting from an exobiological perspective, the existence and maintenance of such an ocean over time has been very debated. The discovery of strong, largely unexpected, tidal dissipation inside Saturn has turned out to be a major actor for sustaining Enceladus ocean and geysers activity. In particular, interior evolution of Enceladus and Saturn appear closely related. In this talk we will present the way tidal mechanisms occurring inside Saturn are currently tested using astrometry. Since tidal friction may occur both inside the core and the atmosphere, looking at the frequency dependence of tidal parameters is required to assess the magnitude of both processes. Expected results using the whole Cassini data, including the possible global quantification of Enceladus tidal dissipation, will be discussed.

Tidal interaction of black holes and Newtonian viscous bodies

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Poisson, Eric

The tidal interaction of a (rotating or nonrotating) black hole with nearby bodies produces changes in its mass, angular momentum, and surface area. Similarly, tidal forces acting on a Newtonian, viscous body do work on the body, change its angular momentum, and part of the transferred gravitational energy is dissipated into heat. The equations that describe the rate of change of the black-hole mass, angular momentum, and surface area as a result of the tidal interaction are compared with the equations that describe how the tidal forces do work, torque, and produce heat in the Newtonian body. The equations aremore » strikingly similar, and unexpectedly, the correspondence between the Newtonian-body and black-hole results is revealed to hold in near-quantitative detail. The correspondence involves the combination k{sub 2}{tau} of 'Love quantities' that incorporate the details of the body's internal structure; k{sub 2} is the tidal Love number, and {tau} is the viscosity-produced delay between the action of the tidal forces and the body's reaction. The combination k{sub 2}{tau} is of order GM/c{sup 3} for a black hole of mass M; it does not vanish, in spite of the fact that k{sub 2} is known to vanish individually for a nonrotating black hole.« less

Modeling the Internal Structure of Mars Using Normal Mode Relaxation Theory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pithawala, T. M.; Ghent, R. R.; Bills, B. G.

2010-12-01

We seek to resolve an apparent paradox between two sets of observations, which seem to suggest quite different thermal structures for the deep interior of Mars. The orbit of Phobos is observed to be accelerating along-track at a rate of (273.4 ± 1.2) 10^(-5) deg/yr^(2), which implies that the orbit is shrinking at (4.03 ± 0.03) cm/yr, and losing energy at a rate of 3.4 MW. The most likely sink for that energy is tidal dissipation within Mars, seemingly requiring a warm interior. However, static support of the gravity and topography of Mars requires a thick elastic lithosphere, indicating a relatively cool (and therefore stiff) mantle. Using normal mode relaxation theory we model the internal viscosity structure of Mars by analyzing its response to tidal forcing from Phobos. We investigate spherical axisymmetric layered viscoelastic models, seeking to satisfy what is known about planetary differentiation, to support large-scale topography via a thick elastic lithosphere, and to yield the observed tidal dissipation rate. We present a family of 4-layer models (core, mantle, lithosphere, and thin weak layer) that satisfy these constraints, and discuss the implications for Mars’ internal structure.

How does a tidal embayment morphodynamically react on sea level rise?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

van der Wegen, Mick

2010-05-01

Conditions for (assumed) equilibrium in tidal embayments have been studied extensively in the past years with morphodynamic 1D models (Van Dongeren and De Vriend, 1994; Schuttelaars and de Swart, 1996, 2000; Lanzoni and Seminara, 2002) and 2D models (Hibma et al. [2003], Van der Wegen and Roelvink [2008]) Van der Wegen et al 2008). The current research addresses the impact of sea level rise on tidal embayments. Although effects of sea level rise may only become apparent after decades, the character of the embayment can change considerably. Examples are the (dis)appearance or re-allocation of intertidal flats, increased tidal resonance, shift from sediment export to import, deepening of channel area and other related (ecological) parameters. The research applies a 2D morphodynamic model (Delft3D) in an idealized environment. The model is based on the 2 D shallow water equations, the Engelund -Hansen transport formula and includes bed slope effects, drying and flooding procedures and an advanced morphodynamic update scheme (Roelvink 2006). The initial condition of the bathymetry is generated by 3000 years of morphodynamic calculations in a 80 km long and 2.5 km wide rectangular tidal embayment under constant M2 tidal forcing conditions (Van der Wegen and Roelvink [2008]). After this period sea level rise gradually developing towards a rate of 0.4 m/century is added to the boundary conditions. Model results describe development towards less intertidal area and a transition from an exporting system to a importing system. Model results are evaluated in terms of M2, M4 and M6 tidal constituents as well as against Vs/Vc (shoal volume over channel volume) versus a/h (amplitude over water depth) relationship as proposed by Friedrichs and Aubrey (1988). Although the model describes morphodynamic development in a strongly idealized environment the results can provide an excellent tool to systematically study the impact of sea level rise in tidal embayments as well as the time scales of dominant underlying resulting transport mechanisms and processes. DISSANAYAKE, D.M.P.K; RANASINGHE, R. and ROELVINK, J.A., 2009. Effect of Sea Level Rise in tidal inlet evolution: a numerical modelling approach. Journal of Coastal Research, SI 56 (Proceedings of the 10th International Coastal Symposium), pg - pg. Lisbon, Portugal. Friedrichs, C. T., and D. G. Aubrey (1988), Non-linear tidal distortion in shallow well mixed estuaries: A synthesis, Estuarine Coastal Shelf Sci.,27, 521- 545, doi:10.1016/0272-7714(88)90082-0. Hibma, A., H.M. Schuttelaars, and H. J. de Vriend (2003b), Initial formation and long-term evolution of channel-shoal patterns in estuaries, in Proc. 3rd RCEM conf.edited by A. Sánchez -Acrilla and A. Bateman, pp. 740-760, IAHR., Barcelona, Spain. Lanzoni, S., and G. Seminara (2002), Long-term evolution and morphodynamic equilibrium of tidal channels, J. Geophys. Res., 107(C1), 3001, doi:10.1029/2000JC000468. Roelvink, J. A. (2006), Coastal morphodynamic evolution techniques, J. Coastal Eng., 53, 177-187. Schuttelaars, H. M., and H. E. De Swart (1996), An idealized long termmorphodynamic model of a tidal embayment, Eur. J. Mech. B Fluids, 15(1), 55-80. Schuttelaars, H. M., and H. E. De Swart (2000), Multiple morphodynamic equilibria in tidal embayments, J. Geophys. Res., 105(C10), 24,105 - 24,118. Van Dongeren, A. D., and H. J. De Vriend (1994), A model of morphological behaviour of tidal basins, Coastal Eng., 22, 287- 310. van der Wegen, M., and J. A. Roelvink (2008), Long-term morphodynamic evolution of a tidal embayment using a twodimensional, process-based model, J. Geophys. Res., 113, C03016, doi:10.1029/2006JC003983 van der Wegen, M., Z. B. Wang, H. H. G. Savenije, and J. A. Roelvink (2008), Long-term morphodynamic evolution and energy dissipation in a coastal plain, tidal embayment, J. Geophys. Res., 113, F03001, doi:10.1029/2007JF000898

Investigation of the environmental change pattern of Japan

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Maruyasu, T. (Principal Investigator)

1973-01-01

The author has identified the following significant results. ERTS-1 imagery clearly identifies the relationships between the status of erosion, effluent patterns affected by the coastal current, and the cultural construction activities. Simple photographic techniques can be used for detecting water mass distribution separately from cloud cover and also noise caused by reflected sunlight from wave surfaces. Polluted water does not diffuse continuously into the oceanic water, but forms masses in the water in the Kuroshio area. The polluted or turbid water in the area just north of the Tomogashima Channel, the south outlet of the Osaka Bay, shows that the northward tidal current runs in a clockwise eddy at the tidal period when the imagery was taken. Such an eddy-like pattern of tidal current had never been revealed by conventional oceanographic data. A front between an oceanic water mass and a polluted water mass runs in a NW-SE direction in the central part of the Osaka Bay. The patterns of turbid water discharged from the Kii River and Yoshino River show a northward tidal current in the North Kii Straits. The pattern of lighter turbid or polluted water located in the northwest region of the North Kii straits suggests the existence of a clockwise eddy in the straits.

Tilt Current Meter Field Validation in the Surf Zone

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anarde, K.; Myres, H.; Figlus, J.

2016-12-01

Tilt current meters (TCMs) are a low-cost way of measuring current velocities in coastal waters. They consist of a slightly buoyant floater, tilt sensor assembly, and internal logger tethered to a fixed base. TCMs measure the tilt of the sensor induced by the forces of the flowing water to infer local current velocity. They have been successfully deployed to measure unidirectional flows in rivers and slowly oscillating flows in tidally influenced bodies of water where the inertia of the instrument does not create a problem. Here we attempt to validate an array of TCMs for use in the surf zone where waves, wave bores, and alongshore currents dominate the hydrodynamics in relatively shallow water (0.3 - 2.0 m) with relatively high oscillatory frequencies. A series of test deployments using seven measuring pods outfitted with TCMs and pressure transducers were conducted in the surf zone off Galveston Island, Texas. Field experiments were supported by laboratory tests of the instrument assemblies in a moveable-bed wave flume. Instrument pod design was optimized over the series of tests to minimize issues caused by scouring, sedimentation, and overturning. The end design consists of a low-profile concrete base plate secured to the bed by sand stakes. Field measurements of tilt and bearing were calibrated against co-located acoustic Doppler velocimeter (ADV) and wave-current profiler (ADCP) measurements as well as laboratory-supplied calibration curves. While optimization of the setup is ongoing, the initial field studies show good correlation between instrument pairs. If successfully validated, the TCMs will be used as part of an instrument array designed to measure overland flow dynamics during extreme storms. Other potential uses include detailed analysis of spatial and temporal gradients in nearshore hydrodynamics such as the complex flow scenarios through tidal inlets and around barrier islands.

Transports and tidal current estimates in the Taiwan Strait from shipboard ADCP observations (1999-2001)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Y. H.; Jan, S.; Wang, D. P.

2003-05-01

Tidal and mean flows in the Taiwan Strait are obtained from analysis of 2.5 years (1999-2001) of shipboard ADCP data using a spatial least-squares technique. The average tidal current amplitude is 0.46 ms -1, the maximum amplitude is 0.80 ms -1 at the northeast and southeast entrances and the minimum amplitude is 0.20 ms -1 in the middle of the Strait. The tidal current ellipses derived from the shipboard ADCP data compare well with the predictions of a high-resolution regional tidal model. For the mean currents, the average velocity is about 0.40 ms -1. The mean transport through the Strait is northward (into the East China Sea) at 1.8 Sv. The transport is related to the along Strait wind by a simple regression, transport (Sv)=2.42+0.12×wind (ms -1). Using this empirical formula, the maximum seasonal transport is in summer, about 2.7 Sv, the minimum transport is in winter, at 0.9 Sv, and the mean transport is 1.8 Sv. For comparison, this result indicates that the seasonal amplitude is almost identical to the classical estimate by Wyrtki (Physical oceanography of the southeast Asian waters, scientific results of marine investigations of the South China Sea and Gulf of Thailand, 1959-1961. Naga Report 2, Scripps Institute of Oceanography, 195 pp.) based on the mass balance in the South China Sea, while the mean is close to the recent estimate by Isobe [Continental Shelf Research 19 (1999) 195] based on the mass balance in the East China Sea.

Non-stationary internal tides observed with satellite altimetry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ray, R. D.; Zaron, E. D.

2011-09-01

Temporal variability of the internal tide is inferred from a 17-year combined record of Topex/Poseidon and Jason satellite altimeters. A global sampling of along-track sea-surface height wavenumber spectra finds that non-stationary variance is generally 25% or less of the average variance at wavenumbers characteristic of mode-1 tidal internal waves. With some exceptions the non-stationary variance does not exceed 0.25 cm2. The mode-2 signal, where detectable, contains a larger fraction of non-stationary variance, typically 50% or more. Temporal subsetting of the data reveals interannual variability barely significant compared with tidal estimation error from 3-year records. Comparison of summer vs. winter conditions shows only one region of noteworthy seasonal changes, the northern South China Sea. Implications for the anticipated SWOT altimeter mission are briefly discussed.

Non-Stationary Internal Tides Observed with Satellite Altimetry

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ray, Richard D.; Zaron, E. D.

2011-01-01

Temporal variability of the internal tide is inferred from a 17-year combined record of Topex/Poseidon and Jason satellite altimeters. A global sampling of along-track sea-surface height wavenumber spectra finds that non-stationary variance is generally 25% or less of the average variance at wavenumbers characteristic of mode-l tidal internal waves. With some exceptions the non-stationary variance does not exceed 0.25 sq cm. The mode-2 signal, where detectable, contains a larger fraction of non-stationary variance, typically 50% or more. Temporal subsetting of the data reveals interannual variability barely significant compared with tidal estimation error from 3-year records. Comparison of summer vs. winter conditions shows only one region of noteworthy seasonal changes, the northern South China Sea. Implications for the anticipated SWOT altimeter mission are briefly discussed.

Jason 1 Investigation: Altimetric Studies of Ocean Tidal Dynamics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Egbert, Gary D.

2004-01-01

Two papers on tidal dissipation were completed and published. The first of these extended our earlier work, which focused on the dominant M2 constituent, to include 7 additional constituents. In addition to confirming a total deep water dissipation total very close to 1 TW, this study demonstrated significant differences in the distribution of dissipation between diurnal and semi-diurnal constituents. The second paper involved an extensive modeling study of tides in the present day and the last glacial maximum. In this study we showed that accuracy of tidal solutions for the present day Ocean were significantly improved by including a parameterization of internal tide drag over rough topography in the deep ocean. It was also demonstrated that a complete self-consistent treatment of Ocean self attraction and tidal loading was required for accurate solutions.

Oceanic response to Typhoon Nari (2007) in the East China Sea

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oh, Kyung-Hee; Lee, Seok; Kang, Sok-Kuh; Song, Kyu-Min

2017-06-01

The oceanic response to a typhoon in the East China Sea (ECS) was examined using thermal and current structures obtained from ocean surface drifters and a bottom-moored current profiler installed on the right side of the typhoon's track. Typhoon Nari (2007) had strong winds as it passed the central region of the ECS. The thermal structure in the ECS responded to Typhoon Nari (2007) very quickly: the seasonal thermocline abruptly collapsed and the sea surface temperature dropped immediately by about 4°C after the typhoon passed. The strong vertical mixing and surface cooling caused by the typhoon resulted in a change in the thermal structure. Strong near-inertial oscillation occurred immediately after the typhoon passed and lasted for at least 4-5 days, during which a strong vertical current existed in the lower layer. Characteristics of the near-inertial internal oscillation were observed in the middle layer. The clockwise component of the inertial frequency was enhanced in the surface layer and at 63 m depth after the typhoon passed, with these layers almost perfectly out of phase. The vertical shear current was intensified by the interaction of the wind-driven current in the upper layer and the background semi-diurnal tidal current during the arrival of the typhoon, and also by the near-inertial internal oscillation after the typhoon passage. The strong near-inertial internal oscillation persisted without significant interfacial structure after the mixing of the thermocline, which could enhance the vertical mixing over several days.

Structure, distribution, and evolution history of the Early Holocene erosional mud ridge system on the inner East China Sea shelf near the Yangtze River estuary

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Feng, Zhibing; Liu, Baohua; Zhao, Yuexia; Li, Xishuang; Dada, Olusegun A.; Jiang, Li; Si, Shaokun

2017-04-01

Utilizing the collected high-resolution seismic dataset and accompanying borehole and bathymetric data, we systematically evaluated the morphology, architecture, sedimentology, and evolution of erosional mud ridges within the inner East China Sea (ECS) shelf. We identified 20 mud ridges, i.e., seismic reflection profile crossings of exposed or buried mud ridges, which are 3.0-30.1 km in width and 2.5-17.3 m in height. The mud ridges are composed predominantly of gray clayey silt, and on seismic profiles contain parallel to subparallel reflectors. They formed around 10-12 ka BP within an estuarine environment. Scouring features of some mud ridges on the eastern part of the study area can be recognized. Consideration of the relative positions of mud ridges, together with the topographical features, enables us to map four linear mud ridges (LMRs). The SE-NW oriented LMRs are > 50 km in length, 3.0-9.5 km in width and running parallel to each other. They also display asymmetric shapes, with steeper slopes to the SW. The eastern segments of some LMRs are exposed on the present seafloor whereas other segments are mainly overlain by the mid- and late Holocene strata. Since the LMRs share similarities with the modern tidal sand ridges in shape and orientation, we hypothesize that they are formed under a uniform tidal current. Seismic data highlight that the internal reflectors of sand ridges consist of dipping clinoforms and are significantly different from LMRs, a feature which is largely due to the difference in grain-size composition of sediments between the inner and mid-outer ECS shelf. The mid- to outer ECS shelf is capped by coarser-grained sediments (i.e., medium to fine-grained), which were reworked and deposited at locations near the erosional areas under a polycyclic tidal current, thus forming multiphase sand ridges. However, fine-grained sediments (i.e., silty clay and clayey silt) overlain on the inner ECS shelf with light mass were carried far away from the erosional areas by the tidal currents, and the relict mud ridges were built. Evidence shows that the LMRs were formed by the early Holocene strata being scoured by a persistent southeasterly flowing current during 8-10 ka BP. The evolution of the LMRs occurred in three stages: (a) formation of the transgressional strata at 10-12 ka BP, (b) strong trough erosion at 8-10 ka BP, and (c) local adjustment (i.e., local erosion slightly and preservation) after 8 ka BP.

Numerical simulation of tides in Ontario Lacus

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vincent, David; Karatekin, Ozgür

2015-04-01

Hydrocarbons liquid filled lakes has been recently detected on Titan's surface. Most of these lakes are located in the northern latitudes but there is a substantial lake in the southern latitudes: Ontario Lacus. This lake gets our attention because of possible shoreline changes suggested by Cassini flybys over Ontario Lacus between September 2005 (T7) et January 2010 (T65). The shoreline changes could be due to evaporation-precipitation processes but could also be a consequence of tides. Previous studies showed that the maximal tidal amplitudes of Ontario Lacus would be about 0.2m (for an uniform bathymetry of 20m). In this study we simulate tidal amplitude and currents with SLIM (Second-generation Louvain-la-Neuve Ice-ocean Model, http://sites.uclouvain.be/slim/ ) which resolves 2D shallow water equation on an unstructured mesh. Unstructured mesh prevents problems like mesh discontinuities at poles and allows higher accuracy at some place like coast or straits without drastically increasing computing costs. The tide generating force modeled in this work is the gradient of tidal potential due to titan's obliquity and titan's orbital eccentricity around Saturn (other contribution such as sun tide generating force are unheeded). The uncertain input parameters such as the wind direction and amplitude, bottom friction and thermo-physical properties of hydrocarbons liquids are varied within their expected ranges. SAR data analysis can result in different bathymetry according to the method. We proceed simulations for different bathymetries: tidal amplitudes doesn't change but this is not the case for tidal currents. Using a recent bathymetry deduced from most recent RADAR/SAR observations and a finer mesh, the peak-to peak tidal amplitudes are calculated to be up to 0.6 m. which is more than a factor two larger than the previous results. The maximal offshore tidal currents magnitude is about 0.06 m/s.

Potential effects of large-scale offshore tidal energy extraction in the Pentland Firth on North Sea biogeochemistry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

van der Molen, Johan; Ruardij, Piet; Greenwood, Naomi

2016-04-01

Final results are presented of a model study to assess the potential wider area effects of large-scale tidal energy extraction in the Pentland Firth on the biogeochemistry. The coupled hydrodynamics-biogeochemistry model GETM-ERSEM-BFM was used in a shelf-wide application with a parameterisation of the effects of power extraction by tidal turbines on fluid momentum. Three secenario runs were carried out: a reference run without turbines, an 800 MW extraction run corresponding to current licenses, and an academic 8 GW extraction run. The changes simulated with the 800 MW extraction were negligible. The academic 8 GW extraction resulted in reductions in tidal elevations along the east coast of the UK that would be measurable (several cm.), and associated reductions in bed-shear stresses. These resulted in reductions in SPM concentrations, increased primary production, and increased biomass of zooplankton and benthic fauna. The effects were most pronounced in the shallow seas surrounding The Wash, with changes of up to 10%. These results indicate that, should tidal power generation substantially beyond the currently licensed amount be planned, either concentrated in one location or spread over multiple locations along the coast, further investigations are advisable.

Wave actions and topography determine the small-scale spatial distribution of newly settled Asari clams Ruditapes philippinarum on a tidal flat

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nambu, Ryogen; Saito, Hajime; Tanaka, Yoshio; Higano, Junya; Kuwahara, Hisami

2012-03-01

There are many studies on spatial distributions of Asari clam Ruditapes philippinarum adults on tidal flats but few have dealt with spatial distributions of newly settled Asari clam (<0.3 mm shell length, indicative of settlement patterns) in relation to physical/topographical conditions on tidal flats. We examined small-scale spatial distributions of newly settled individuals on the Matsunase tidal flat, central Japan, during the low spring tides on two days 29th-30th June 2007, together with the shear stress from waves and currents on the flat. The characteristics of spatial distribution of newly settled Asari clam markedly varied depending on both of hydrodynamic and topographical conditions on the tidal flat. Using generalized linear models (GLMs), factors responsible for affecting newly settled Asari clam density and its spatial distribution were distinguished between sampling days, with "crest" sites always having a negative influence each on the density and the distribution on both sampling days. The continuously recorded data for the wave-current flows at the "crest" site on the tidal flat showed that newly settled Asari clam, as well as bottom sediment particles, at the "crest" site to be easily displaced. Small-scale spatial distributions of newly settled Asari clam changed with more advanced benthic stages in relation to the wave shear stress.

Observations of transitional tidal boundary layers and their impact on sediment transport in the Great Bay, NH

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Koetje, K. M.; Foster, D. L.; Lippmann, T. C.

2017-12-01

Observations of the vertical structure of tidal flows obtained in 2016 and 2017 in the Great Bay Estuary, NH show evidence of transitional tidal boundary layers at deployment locations on shallow mudflats. High-resolution bottom boundary layer currents, hydrography, turbidity, and bed characteristics were observed with an acoustic Doppler current profiler (ADCP), an acoustic Doppler velocimeter (ADV), conductivity-depth-temperature (CTD) sensors, optical backscatter sensors, multibeam bathymetric surveys, and sediment grab samples and cores. Over the 2.5 m tidal range and at water depths ranging from 0.3 m to 1.5 m at mean lower low water, peak flows ranged from 10 cm/s to 30 cm/s and were primarily driven by the tides. A downward-looking ADCP captured the velocity profile over the lowest 1 m of the water column. Results consistently show a dual-log layer system, with evidence of a lower layer within 15 cm of the bed, another layer above approximately 30 cm from the bed, and a transitional region where the flow field rotates between that the two layers that can be as much as 180 degrees out of phase. CTD casts collected over a complete tidal cycle suggest that the weak thermohaline stratification is not responsible for development of the two layers. On the other hand, acoustic and optical backscatter measurements show spatial and temporal variability in suspended sediments that are dependant on tidal phase. Current work includes an examination of the relationship between sediment concentrations in the water column and velocity profile characteristics, along with an effort to quantify the impact of rotation and dual-log layers on bed stress.

Tidally induced residual current over the Malin Sea continental slope

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stashchuk, Nataliya; Vlasenko, Vasiliy; Hosegood, Phil; Nimmo-Smith, W. Alex M.

2017-05-01

Tidally induced residual currents generated over shelf-slope topography are investigated analytically and numerically using the Massachusetts Institute of Technology general circulation model. Observational support for the presence of such a slope current was recorded over the Malin Sea continental slope during the 88-th cruise of the RRS ;James Cook; in July 2013. A simple analytical formula developed here in the framework of time-averaged shallow water equations has been validated against a fully nonlinear nonhydrostatic numerical solution. A good agreement between analytical and numerical solutions is found for a wide range of input parameters of the tidal flow and bottom topography. In application to the Malin Shelf area both the numerical model and analytical solution predicted a northward moving current confined to the slope with its core located above the 400 m isobath and with vertically averaged maximum velocities up to 8 cm s-1, which is consistent with the in-situ data recorded at three moorings and along cross-slope transects.

Tidal inlet response to sediment infilling of the associated bay and possible implications of human activities: the Marennes-Oléron Bay and the Maumusson Inlet, France

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bertin, Xavier; Chaumillon, Eric; Sottolichio, Aldo; Pedreros, Rodrigo

2005-06-01

Tidal inlet characteristics are controlled by wave energy, tidal range, tidal prism, sediment supply and direction and rates of sand delivered to the inlet. This paper deals with the relations between inlet and lagoon evolutions, linked by the tidal prism. Our study is focused on the Maumusson Inlet and the Marennes-Oléron Bay (first oyster farming area in Europe), located on the western coast of France. The tidal range (2-6 m) and wave climate (mean height: 1.5 m) place this tidal inlet system in the mixed energy (tide, waves), tide-dominated category. The availability of high-resolution bathymetric data since 1824 permits to characterise and quantify accurately morphological changes of both the inlet and the tidal bay. Since 1824, sediment filling of the tidal bay has led to a 20% decrease in its water volume, and a 35% reduction of the inlet throat section. Furthermore, the bay is subjected to a very high anthropic pressure, mainly related to oyster farming. Thus, both natural and human-related processes seem relevant to explain high sedimentation rates. Current measurements, hydrodynamic modelling and cross-sectional area of the inlet throat are used in order to quantify tidal prism changes since 1824. Both flood and ebb tidal prism decreased by 35%. Decrease in the Marennes-Oléron Bay water volume is inferred to be responsible for a part of tidal prism decrease at the inlet. Tidal prisms decrease may also be explained by an increase in frictional resistance to tidal wave propagation, due to a general shoaling and oyster farms in the bay. A conceptual model is proposed, taking into account natural and human-related sedimentation processes, and explaining tidal inlet response to tidal bay evolutions.

Tidal and residual currents measured by an acoustic doppler current profiler at the west end of Carquinez Strait, San Francisco Bay, California, March to November 1988

USGS Publications Warehouse

Burau, J.R.; Simpson, M.R.; Cheng, R.T.

1993-01-01

Water-velocity profiles were collected at the west end of Carquinez Strait, San Francisco Bay, California, from March to November 1988, using an acoustic Doppler current profiler (ADCP). These data are a series of 10-minute-averaged water velocities collected at 1-meter vertical intervals (bins) in the 16.8-meter water column, beginning 2.1 meters above the estuary bed. To examine the vertical structure of the horizontal water velocities, the data are separated into individual time-series by bin and then used for time-series plots, harmonic analysis, and for input to digital filters. Three-dimensional graphic renditions of the filtered data are also used in the analysis. Harmonic analysis of the time-series data from each bin indicates that the dominant (12.42 hour or M2) partial tidal currents reverse direction near the bottom, on average, 20 minutes sooner than M2 partial tidal currents near the surface. Residual (nontidal) currents derived from the filtered data indicate that currents near the bottom are pre- dominantly up-estuary during the neap tides and down-estuary during the more energetic spring tides.

Effects of internal tidal dissipation and self-attraction and loading on semidiurnal tides in the Bohai Sea, Yellow Sea and East China Sea: a numerical study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Teng, Fei; Fang, Guohong; Xu, Xiaoqing

2017-09-01

A parameterized internal tide dissipation term and self-attraction and loading (SAL) tide term are introduced in a barotropic numerical model to investigate the dynamics of semidiurnal tidal constituents M 2 and S 2 in the Bohai Sea, Yellow Sea and East China Sea (BYECS). The optimal parameters for bottom friction and internal dissipation are obtained through a series of numerical computations. Numerical simulation shows that the tide-generating force contributes 1.2% of M 2 power for the entire BYECS and up to 2.8% for the East China Sea deep basin. SAL tide contributes 4.4% of M 2 power for the BYECS and up to 9.3% for the East China Sea deep basin. Bottom friction plays a major role in dissipating tidal energy in the shelf regions, and the internal tide effect is important in the deep water regions. Numerical experiments show that artificial removal of tide-generating force in the BYECS can cause a significant difference (as much as 30 cm) in model output. Artificial removal of SAL tide in the BYECS can cause even greater difference, up to 40 cm. This indicates that SAL tide should be taken into account in numerical simulations, especially if the tide-generating force is considered.

Computational modeling of unsteady loads in tidal boundary layers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alexander, Spencer R.

As ocean current turbines move from the design stage into production and installation, a better understanding of oceanic turbulent flows and localized loading is required to more accurately predict turbine performance and durability. In the present study, large eddy simulations (LES) are used to measure the unsteady loads and bending moments that would be experienced by an ocean current turbine placed in a tidal channel. The LES model captures currents due to winds, waves, thermal convection, and tides, thereby providing a high degree of physical realism. Probability density functions, means, and variances of unsteady loads are calculated, and further statistical measures of the turbulent environment are also examined, including vertical profiles of Reynolds stresses, two-point correlations, and velocity structure functions. The simulations show that waves and tidal velocity had the largest impact on the strength of off-axis turbine loads. By contrast, boundary layer stability and wind speeds were shown to have minimal impact on the strength of off- axis turbine loads. It is shown both analytically and using simulation results that either transverse velocity structure functions or two-point transverse velocity spatial correlations are good predictors of unsteady loading in tidal channels.

Applications of HCMM data to soil moisture snow and estuarine current studies. [Cooper River and Delaware Bay

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wiesnet, D. R. (Principal Investigator); Mcginnis, D. F.; Matson, M.

1980-01-01

The author has identified the following significant results. The HCMM thermal data are useful for monitoring estuarine surface thermal patterns. Estuarine thermal patterns, are, under certain conditions, indicative of the surface tidal current circulation patterns. Under optimum conditions, estuaries as small as the Cooper River (i.e., approximately 100 sq km) can be monitored for tidal/thermal circulation patterns by HCMM-type IR sensors.

Sea Surface Wakes Observed by Spaceborne SAR in the Offshore Wind Farms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Xiaoming; Lehner, Susanne; Jacobsen, Sven

2014-11-01

In the paper, we present some X-band spaceborne synthetic aperture radar (SAR) TerraSAR-X (TS-X) images acquired at the offshore wind farms in the North Sea and the East China Sea. The high spatial resolution SAR images show different sea surface wake patterns downstream of the offshore wind turbines. The analysis suggests that there are major two types of wakes among the observed cases. The wind turbine wakes generated by movement of wind around wind turbines are the most often observed cases. In contrast, due to the strong local tidal currents in the near shore wind farm sites, the tidal current wakes induced by tidal current impinging on the wind turbine piles are also observed in the high spatial resolution TS-X images. The discrimination of the two types of wakes observed in the offshore wind farms is also described in the paper.

7 CFR 1806.23 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... other body of water as a result of erosion or undermining caused by waves or currents of water exceeding anticipated cyclical levels, or abnormally high tidal water or rising coastal waters resulting from severe storms, hurricanes, or tidal waves resulting from volcano eruptions or earthquakes. (g) Mudslide or...

7 CFR 1806.23 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... other body of water as a result of erosion or undermining caused by waves or currents of water exceeding anticipated cyclical levels, or abnormally high tidal water or rising coastal waters resulting from severe storms, hurricanes, or tidal waves resulting from volcano eruptions or earthquakes. (g) Mudslide or...

7 CFR 1806.23 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... other body of water as a result of erosion or undermining caused by waves or currents of water exceeding anticipated cyclical levels, or abnormally high tidal water or rising coastal waters resulting from severe storms, hurricanes, or tidal waves resulting from volcano eruptions or earthquakes. (g) Mudslide or...

7 CFR 1806.23 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... other body of water as a result of erosion or undermining caused by waves or currents of water exceeding anticipated cyclical levels, or abnormally high tidal water or rising coastal waters resulting from severe storms, hurricanes, or tidal waves resulting from volcano eruptions or earthquakes. (g) Mudslide or...

7 CFR 1806.23 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... other body of water as a result of erosion or undermining caused by waves or currents of water exceeding anticipated cyclical levels, or abnormally high tidal water or rising coastal waters resulting from severe storms, hurricanes, or tidal waves resulting from volcano eruptions or earthquakes. (g) Mudslide or...

Middle Miocene reworked turbidites in the Baiyun Sag of the Pearl River Mouth Basin, northern South China Sea margin: Processes, genesis, and implications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gong, Chenglin; Wang, Yingmin; Zheng, Rongcai; Hernández-Molina, F. Javier; Li, Yun; Stow, Dorrik; Xu, Qiang; Brackenridge, Rachel E.

2016-10-01

Our understanding of reworked turbidites is still in its infancy, and their flow processes and genesis still remain understudied. Core data from the middle Miocene Zhujiang Formation in the Pearl River Mouth Basin allow us to differentiate reworked turbidites, yielding two main contributions. Firstly, reworked turbidites are distinguished from turbidites by the association of traction structures and tidal signatures, which occur in discrete units rather than forming a classic ;Bouma Sequence; for turbidites. Sedimentological characteristics of reworked turbidites proposed here will help to obtain a robust set of diagnostic criteria for the recognition of deep-water non-turbidite deepwater units as reservoirs. Secondly, our results suggest that, in the down-slope direction, classic detritus carried in turbidity flows would synchronously be bidirectionally reworked by internal tides and waves, resulting in tidal signatures seen in the interpreted reworked turbidites. In the along-slope direction, upper parts of dilute turbidity currents would mix vertically with seawater, and muddy fines would be winnowed away by contour currents, whereas lower parts of dilute turbidity currents would probably drop their coarse particles, resulting in traction structures recognized in the documented reworked turbidites. Our work highlights the influence of bottom currents on the development and modification of turbidites and suggests that reworked turbidites were created by the combined action of down-slope transport and reworking and along-slope winnowing and sorting, helping to better understand flow processes and genesis of non-turbidite reservoirs with a great economic interest.

Salinity Variations of the Intermediate Oyashio Waters and Their Relation with the Lunar Nodal Cycle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rogachev, K. A.; Shlyk, N. V.

2018-01-01

New oceanographic observations in the period 1990-2015 revealed significant salinity variations in the Oyashio Current. In the last 26 years, the salinity of the upper layer decreased by 0.2 PSU. The most rapid changes in salinity and temperature have been observed in the last five years. The time series of salinity measurements is characterized by the high-amplitude fluctuations synchronized with the lunar nodal cycle (18.6 years); i.e., high salinity is observed in the period of strong tidal currents. Modulation of diurnal tidal currents with the K1 and O1 periods in the lunar nodal cycle is significant [8, 9]. The amplitude was maximal in 1988 and 2006 and minimal in 1997 and 2015. The characteristics of tidal currents in the Oyashio Current and Sea of Okhotsk are considered based on available data of drifting buoys over the Kruzenshtern and Kashevarov banks. The amplitude of salinity variations synchronized with the lunar cycle is approximately 0.1 PSU; therefore, it has made a significant contribution to the salinity decrease in recent years.

Modeling tidal hydrodynamics of San Diego Bay, California

USGS Publications Warehouse

Wang, P.-F.; Cheng, R.T.; Richter, K.; Gross, E.S.; Sutton, D.; Gartner, J.W.

1998-01-01

In 1983, current data were collected by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration using mechanical current meters. During 1992 through 1996, acoustic Doppler current profilers as well as mechanical current meters and tide gauges were used. These measurements not only document tides and tidal currents in San Diego Bay, but also provide independent data sets for model calibration and verification. A high resolution (100-m grid), depth-averaged, numerical hydrodynamic model has been implemented for San Diego Bay to describe essential tidal hydrodynamic processes in the bay. The model is calibrated using the 1983 data set and verified using the more recent 1992-1996 data. Discrepancies between model predictions and field data in beth model calibration and verification are on the order of the magnitude of uncertainties in the field data. The calibrated and verified numerical model has been used to quantify residence time and dilution and flushing of contaminant effluent into San Diego Bay. Furthermore, the numerical model has become an important research tool in ongoing hydrodynamic and water quality studies and in guiding future field data collection programs.

On the Early In Situ Formation of Pluto’s Small Satellites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Woo, Jason Man Yin; Lee, Man Hoi

2018-04-01

The formation of Pluto’s small satellites—Styx, Nix, Keberos, and Hydra—remains a mystery. Their orbits are nearly circular and are near mean-motion resonances and nearly coplanar with Charon’s orbit. One scenario suggests that they all formed close to their current locations from a disk of debris that was ejected from the Charon-forming impact before the tidal evolution of Charon. The validity of this scenario is tested by performing N-body simulations with the small satellites treated as test particles and Pluto–Charon evolving tidally from an initial orbit at a few Pluto radii with initial eccentricity e C = 0 or 0.2. After tidal evolution, the free eccentricities e free of the test particles are extracted by applying fast Fourier transformation to the distance between the test particles and the center of mass of the system and compared with the current eccentricities of the four small satellites. The only surviving test particles with e free matching the eccentricities of the current satellites are those not affected by mean-motion resonances during the tidal evolution in a model with Pluto’s effective tidal dissipation function Q = 100 and an initial e C = 0.2 that is damped down rapidly. However, these test particles do not have any preference to be in or near 4:1, 5:1, and 6:1 resonances with Charon. An alternative scenario may be needed to explain the formation of Pluto’s small satellites.

The wave and tidal resource of Scotland

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Neill, Simon; Vogler, Arne; Lewis, Matt; Goward-Brown, Alice

2017-04-01

As the marine renewable energy industry evolves, in parallel with an increase in the quantity of available data and improvements in validated numerical simulations, it is occasionally appropriate to re-assess the wave and tidal resource of a region. This is particularly true for Scotland - a leading nation that the international community monitors for developments in the marine renewable energy industry, and which has witnessed much progress in the sector over the last decade. With 7 leased wave and 17 leased tidal sites, Scotland is well poised to generate significant levels of electricity from its abundant natural marine resources. In this review of Scotland's wave and tidal resource, I present the theoretical and technical resource, and provide an overview of commercial progress. I also discuss issues that affect future development of the marine energy seascape in Scotland, applicable to other regions of the world, including the potential for developing lower energy sites, and grid connectivity.

New Probe of Early Phases of Jet Formation and Evolution using Stellar Tidal Disruption Flares

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ranga Reddy Pasham, Dheeraj; van Velzen, Sjoert

2018-01-01

The tidal disruption of a star by a supermassive black hole can result in transient radio emission. The electrons producing these synchrotron radio flares could either be accelerated inside a relativistic jet or externally by shocks resulting from an outflow interacting with the circumnuclear medium. Until now, evidence for the internal emission mechanism has been lacking; nearly all tidal disruption flare studies have adopted the external shock model to explain the observed properties of radio flares. I will talk about a result that presents a challenge to external emission models: we discovered a cross-correlation between the soft X-ray (0.3-1 keV) and 16 GHz radio flux of Rosetta Stone tidal disruption flare ASASSN-14li. Variability features in the X-ray light curve appear again in the radio light curve, but after a time lag of about 13 days. This demonstrates that soft X-ray emitting accretion disk regulates the radio emission. This coupling appears to be inconsistent with all previous external emission models for this source but is naturally explained if the radio emission originates from a freely expanding jet. I will show that emission internal to an adiabatically expanding jet can also reproduce the observed evolution of the radio spectral energy distribution. Furthermore, both the correlation between X-ray and radio luminosity as well as our radio spectral modeling imply an approximately linear coupling between the accretion rate and jet power. I will also discuss how future tidal disruption events can help us understand how jets form and evolve in general.

Tidal Heating in Multilayered Terrestrial Exoplanets

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Henning, Wade G.; Hurford, Terry

2014-01-01

The internal pattern and overall magnitude of tidal heating for spin-synchronous terrestrial exoplanets from 1 to 2.5 R(sub E) is investigated using a propagator matrix method for a variety of layer structures. Particular attention is paid to ice-silicate hybrid super-Earths, where a significant ice mantle is modeled to rest atop an iron-silicate core, and may or may not contain a liquid water ocean. We find multilayer modeling often increases tidal dissipation relative to a homogeneous model, across multiple orbital periods, due to the ability to include smaller volume low viscosity regions, and the added flexure allowed by liquid layers. Gradations in parameters with depth are explored, such as allowed by the Preliminary Earth Reference Model. For ice-silicate hybrid worlds, dramatically greater dissipation is possible beyond the case of a silicate mantle only, allowing non-negligible tidal activity to extend to greater orbital periods than previously predicted. Surface patterns of tidal heating are found to potentially be useful for distinguishing internal structure. The influence of ice mantle depth and water ocean size and position are shown for a range of forcing frequencies. Rates of orbital circularization are found to be 10-100 times faster than standard predictions for Earth-analog planets when interiors are moderately warmer than the modern Earth, as well as for a diverse range of ice-silicate hybrid super-Earths. Circularization rates are shown to be significantly longer for planets with layers equivalent to an ocean-free modern Earth, as well as for planets with high fractions of either ice or silicate melting.

Tidal stress and failure in the moon of binary asteroid systems: Application to asteroid (65803) Didymos

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sophal Pou, Laurent; Garcia, Raphael F.; Mimoun, David; Murdoch, Naomi; Karatekin, Ozgur

2017-04-01

Rocky remnants left over from the early formation of the Solar System, asteroids are a target of choice for planetary science since much about the history of planetary formation and small body evolution processes can be learnt by studying them. Here we consider the case of the binary asteroid (65803) Didymos, the target of several mission proposals e.g., AIM [1] and DART [2]. A mission to Didymos would be a great opportunity for in-situ geophysical investigation, providing information on the surface and interior of asteroids. Such studies would improve our knowledge of binary asteroid formation and subsequent evolution of asteroids, thus of the history of the Solar System. As Didymos is a binary asteroid [3] with the main 800-meter diameter asteroid named Didymain and a 150-meter sized moon named Didymoon, both are subject to tidal stress. Recent investigations suggest that Didymoon is tidally locked and moves in a retrograde motion around Didymain along an elliptic orbit with a 0.03 eccentricity at most. In the case of an eccentric orbit, the tidal stress varies periodically and may be strong enough to cause tidal quakes on Didymoon at some points of the orbit. For this study, we modelled Didymoon as a spherical, layered body with different internal structures: a homogeneous model, and two models with a 1-meter and 10-meter regolith layer on top of a stronger internal core. Simulations show that, for a cohesionless body with an internal friction angle of 30°, tidal stress is strong enough to cause failure at the surface of Didymoon. A maximal stress is reached around the poles and for a mean anomaly of 90°. These results would mean that if tidal quakes occur on Didymoon, then they are likely to happen at these locations. An extension of these results to an ellipsoidal model of Didymoon is also presented for comparison with the spherical case and for application to other bodies. [1]: P. Michel et al., Science case for the asteroid impact mission (aim): A component of the asteroid impact and deflection assessment (aida) mission, Advances in Space Research 57 (12) (2016) 2529 - 2547. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.asr.2016.03.031. [2]: A. F. Cheng et al., Asteroid Impact & Deflection Assessment mission: Kinetic impactor, Planetary and Space Science 121 (2016) 27-35. doi:10.1016/j.pss.2015.12.004. [3]:"AIM-A Team", ASTEROID IMPACT MISSION: DIDYMOS REFERENCE MODEL v10, ESA document reference: AD3-AIMA.

Nutrient flux estimates in a tidal basin: A case study of Magdalena lagoon, Mexican Pacific coast

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zaytsev, Oleg; Cervantes-Duarte, Rafael

2018-07-01

Bahia Magdalena (BM), known for its high primary productivity, is one of the largest tidal lagoons on the Mexican Pacific coast of the Baja California Peninsula. BM is located in an area of active coastal upwelling and significant tides with a maximum range of about 2.4 m. Dissolved inorganic nutrients upwelled from the depths are transported by tidal water exchange into the lagoon, contributing to its fertilisation. To estimate the magnitude and mechanisms driving the tidal exchange of water and nutrients, field observations of the nutrient content were made in the inlet area and on the adjacent shelf during March 2003, December 2004 and June, August and November 2005. In March 2003, the research vessel El Puma carried out a complete hydrological study of the area using Seabird-19 CTD profiler. At the same time, a current meter with a tide gauge was installed in the BM inlet, and multiple measurements of currents were made on a section across the inlet with a SonTek hull-mounted Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP). Field studies were complemented by numerical experiments with the hydrodynamic model ECOM 3D. Analysis of the currents in the inlet area, deriving from both the ADCP data and the numerical simulation, indicates that the water volume transported during a semidiurnal tidal cycle through the inlet varied from 0.3 km3 for neap tide to 0.82 km3 for spring tide. Net nitrate mass intakes to the lagoon deriving from currents in the mouth can be estimated as 7.0 × 103 kg for neap tides and 20.0 × 103 kg for spring tides, and the maximum phosphate contribution was estimated at 2.5 × 103 kg and 8.5 × 103 kg, respectively. Taking into account that fluvial contribution in the lagoon is practically absent, unexpanded mangroves are distributed mainly at its northern part, and organic sediment decomposition is potentially evaluated as low, we can thus conclude that the coupled effect of upwelling and tidal currents play an important role in fertilising the BM. Naturally, this mechanism works only in periods of upwelling activity, namely, from March to June, and to a lesser extent from September to October.

Effects of particle migration on the features of their transport by tidal currents in a region of freshwater influence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Korotenko, K. A.; Sentchev, A. V.

2008-10-01

Using a combined model that couples a three-dimensional ocean circulation model, a model for tidal currents, and a model for particle transport, the structure of the velocity field of the tidal current and the transport of particles migrating over the vertical were studied in the zone of the influence of the riverine runoff in the eastern part of the English Channel. It was found that the interaction between the tidal current and the baroclinic flow formed by the riverine runoff off the northeastern coast of France generates a steady-state intensive (˜0.3 m/s) residual current in the zone of the effect of the riverine runoff. In order to assess the influence of different types of particle migration (which simulate ichthyoplankton) on the processes of their transport in the region under consideration, we performed numerical experiments with particle clusters, for which parameterization of their migration was implemented on the basis of the field observations over the proper vertical movements of different types of ichthyoplankton. The experiments showed that the distribution of the fields of the particle concentrations and the velocities of their movements depend not only on the background hydrophysical conditions but also on the character of the vertical migration of the particles. In this paper, a comparison between the results of the modeling and those of the field observations in the region under consideration are presented.

M2 tidal effects in greater cook strait, New Zealand

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kibblewhite, Alick C.; Ash, David E.

1980-05-01

The application of a M2 nonlinear numerical tidal model to the shelf seas of central New Zealand (~38.500 km2 area) is described. It has provided a preliminary assessment of tidal and residual currents, bottom stress, energy dissipation, and the stratification index. The existence of a permanent, tidally driven mesoscale eddy (~75 km diameter) is predicted nort of D'Urville Island. Large spatial gradients in bottom stress qualitatively agree with many features of the surficial sediment distribution. A comparison of all available bulk stratification data with the h/u3 stratification index clearly demonstrates the dominance of tidal versus wind mixing over the control of summer stratification. A potential application of the model to fisheries science is suggested through a comparison of the stratification index contour map and some observations of squid fishing vessel locations.

M 2 tidal effects in greater Cook Strait, New Zealand

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bowman, Malcolm J.; Kibblewhite, Alick C.; Ash, David E.

1980-05-01

The application of an M2 nonlinear numerical tidal model to the shelf seas of central New Zealand (˜38,500 km2 area) is described. It has provided a preliminary assessment of tidal and residual currents, bottom stress, energy dissipation, and the stratification index. The existence of a permanent, tidally driven mesoscale eddy (˜75 km diameter) is predicted north of D'Urville Island. Large spatial gradients in bottom stress qualitatively agree with many features of the surficial sediment distribution. A comparison of all available bulk stratification data with the h/u3 stratification index clearly demonstrates the dominance of tidal versus wind mixing over the control of summer stratification. A potential application of the model to fisheries science is suggested through a comparison of the stratification index contour map and some observations of squid fishing vessel locations.

Radii and Orbits of Hot Jupiters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Yanqin

2011-09-01

Hot jupiters suffer extreme external (stellar) and internal (tidal, Ohmic and wind-power) heating. These lead to peculiar thermal evolution, which is potentially self-destrutive. For instance, the amount of energy deposited during tidal dissipation far exceeds the planets' binding energy. If this energy is mostly deposited in shallow layers, it does little damage to the planet. However, the presence of stellar insolation changes the picture, and Ohmic/wind-power heating further modifies the subsequent evolution of these jupiters. A diversity of planetary sizes results. We tie these thermodynamical processes together with the migration history of hot jupiters to explain the orbital distribution and physical radii of hot jupiters. Moreover, we constrain the location of tidal heating inside the planet.

First studies of bottom boundary currents in the Ría de Vigo (NW Iberian upwelling system)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Villacieros-Robineau, N.; Herrera, J. H.; Castro, C. G.; Piedracoba, S.; Rosón, G.

2012-04-01

The NW Iberian Upwelling system has a set of physical and chemical characteristics that determine the ecology at the coast, specifically inside the Rías Baixas where activities like raft culture have a significant weight in the local economy. Although several studies have dealt with the physical processes driving the rías general circulation, no previous research has faced the study of bottom boundary currents. This work studies the behavior of bottom currents inside the Rías Baixas and identifies their possible forcing mechanism. For tackling this issue, high resolution time series of bottom currents by means of a downwards looking ADCP (3-5 meters above the bottom) were recorded at one site in the Ría de Vigo covering the four seasons of the climate year 2004 - 2005. Our analysis shows that most of the time (aprox. 70 -80%), the bottom currents respond to a logarithmic profile being possible to apply the law of the wall. This pattern can be applied to the residual component and also to the tidal component of the currents. Based on this logarithmic fit, we have obtained characteristic parameters like shear stress and shear velocity. Our results point to a coupling among shear stress, shelf winds and runoff. Other important conclusion is the relative importance of tidal shear stress versus residual shear stress because the typical assumption of tidal has more influence is not true always. In some occasions when there are neap tides and high shelf winds the residual stress could be just three times the tidal ones.

Explicitly modelled deep-time tidal dissipation and its implication for Lunar history

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Green, J. A. M.; Huber, M.; Waltham, D.; Buzan, J.; Wells, M.

2017-03-01

Dissipation of tidal energy causes the Moon to recede from the Earth. The currently measured rate of recession implies that the age of the Lunar orbit is 1500 My old, but the Moon is known to be 4500 My old. Consequently, it has been proposed that tidal energy dissipation was weaker in the Earth's past, but explicit numerical calculations are missing for such long time intervals. Here, for the first time, numerical tidal model simulations linked to climate model output are conducted for a range of paleogeographic configurations over the last 252 My. We find that the present is a poor guide to the past in terms of tidal dissipation: the total dissipation rates for most of the past 252 My were far below present levels. This allows us to quantify the reduced tidal dissipation rates over the most resent fraction of lunar history, and the lower dissipation allows refinement of orbitally-derived age models by inserting a complete additional precession cycle.

Marine Hydrokinetic (MHK) Systems: A Systems Engineering Approach to Select Locations for the Practical Harvest of Electricity from Shallow Water Tidal Currents

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Domenech, John

Due to increasing atmospheric CO2 concentration and its effect on global climates, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposes a Clean Power Plan (CPP) mandating CO2 reductions which will likely force the early retirement of inefficient, aging power plants. Consequentially, removing these plants equates to a shortfall of approximately 66 GW of electricity. These factors add to the looming resource problems of choosing whether to build large replacement power plants or consider alternative energy sources as a means to help close the gap between electricity supply and demand in a given region. One energy source, shallow water tidal currents, represents opportunities to convert kinetic energy to mechanical forms and provide electricity to homes and businesses. Nearly 2,000 National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) tidal current data points from Maine to Texas are considered. This paper, based on systems engineering thinking, provides key attributes (e.g. turbine efficiency, array size, transmission losses) for consideration as decision makers seek to identify where to site Marine Hydrokinetic (MHK) systems and the number of homes powered by the practical harvest of electricity from tidal currents at those locations with given attributes. A systems engineering process model is proposed for consideration as is a regression based equation to estimate MHK machine parameters needed for power a given number of homes.

A finite element model for tides and resonance along the north coast of British Columbia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Foreman, M. G. G.; Henry, R. F.; Walters, R. A.; Ballantyne, V. A.

1993-02-01

A finite element, barotropic, tidal model is developed for the north coast of British Columbia. The model is run with eight tidal constituents and the results are compared with the Flather (1987) finite difference model, and with extensive tide gauge and current meter observations. Although the tidal potential, Earth tide, and loading tide are included in the forcing, their inclusion is shown to change the largest M2 amplitudes by only 2.5% and the largest K1 amplitudes by less than 1%. Root mean square differences between observed and calculated sea level amplitudes and phases are within 1.9 cm and 2.9° for all but one constituent, but the model currents do not in general, compare as favourably. The barotropic currents observed in Hecate Strait are reproduced well, but elsewhere evidence is shown that model inaccuracies are due to baroclinic effects. Tidal residual currents calculated by the model suggest the existence of eddies off the tip of Cape St. James, Cape Chacon, and around Goose Island and Learmonth Banks. The shallow water constituents in Hecate Strait are shown to have significant contributions from the constructive interference of signals propagating into Dixon Entrance and Queen Charlotte Sound. Using the model, the longest resonant period of the system is estimated to be 7.6 hours with an energy dissipation parameter, Q, of 9.5.

Tidal Love numbers of neutron and self-bound quark stars

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Postnikov, Sergey; Prakash, Madappa; Lattimer, James M.

Gravitational waves from the final stages of inspiraling binary neutron stars are expected to be one of the most important sources for ground-based gravitational wave detectors. The masses of the components are determinable from the orbital and chirp frequencies during the early part of the evolution, and large finite-size (tidal) effects are measurable toward the end of inspiral, but the gravitational wave signal is expected to be very complex at this time. Tidal effects during the early part of the evolution will form a very small correction, but during this phase the signal is relatively clean. The accumulated phase shiftmore » due to tidal corrections is characterized by a single quantity related to a star's tidal Love number. The Love number is sensitive, in particular, to the compactness parameter M/R and the star's internal structure, and its determination could provide an important constraint to the neutron star radius. We show that Love numbers of self-bound strange quark matter stars are qualitatively different from those of normal neutron stars. Observations of the tidal signature from coalescing compact binaries could therefore provide an important, and possibly unique, way to distinguish self-bound strange quark stars from normal neutron stars. Tidal signatures from self-bound strange quark stars with masses smaller than 1M{sub {center_dot}}are substantially smaller than those of normal stars owing to their smaller radii. Thus tidal signatures of stars less massive than 1M{sub {center_dot}}are probably not detectable with Advanced LIGO. For stars with masses in the range 1-2M{sub {center_dot},} the anticipated efficiency of the proposed Einstein telescope would be required for the detection of tidal signatures.« less

Energy transfers in internal tide generation, propagation and dissipation in the deep ocean

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Floor, J. W.; Auclair, F.; Marsaleix, P.

The energy transfers associated with internal tide (IT) generation by a semi-diurnal surface tidal wave impinging on a supercritical meridionally uniform deep ocean ridge on the f-plane, and subsequent IT-propagation are analysed using the Boussinesq, free-surface, terrain-following ocean model Symphonie. The energy diagnostics are explicitly based on the numerical formulation of the governing equations, permitting a globally conservative, high-precision analysis of all physical and numerical/artificial energy transfers in a sub-domain with open lateral boundaries. The net primary energy balances are quantified using a moving average of length two tidal periods in a simplified control simulation using a single time-step, minimal diffusion, and a no-slip sea floor. This provides the basis for analysis of enhanced vertical and horizontal diffusion and a free-slip bottom boundary condition. After a four tidal period spin-up, the tidally averaged (net) primary energy balance in the generation region, extending ±20 km from the ridge crest, shows that the surface tidal wave loses approximately C = 720 W/m or 0.3% of the mean surface tidal energy flux (2.506 × 10 5 W/m) in traversing the ridge. This corresponds mainly to the barotropic-to-baroclinic energy conversion due to stratified flow interaction with sloping topography. Combined with a normalised net advective flux of baroclinic potential energy of 0.9 × C this causes a net local baroclinic potential energy gain of 0.72 × C and a conversion into baroclinic kinetic energy through the baroclinic buoyancy term of 1.18 × C. Tidally averaged, about 1.14 × C is radiated into the abyssal ocean through the total baroclinic flux of internal pressure associated with the IT- and background density field. This total baroclinic pressure flux is therefore not only determined by the classic linear surface-to-internal tide conversion, but also by the net advection of baroclinic (background) potential energy, indicating the importance of local processes other than linear IT-motion. In the propagation region (PR), integrated over the areas between 20 and 40 km from the ridge crest, the barotropic and baroclinic tide are decoupled. The net incoming total baroclinic pressure flux is balanced by local potential energy gain and outward baroclinic flux of potential energy associated with the total baroclinic density. The primary net energy balances are robust to changes in the vertical diffusion coefficient, whereas relatively weak horizontal diffusion significantly reduces the outward IT energy flux. Diapycnal mixing due to vertical diffusion causes an available potential energy loss of about 1% of the total domain-averaged potential energy gain, which matches {km-1}/{km}ρ0KVN2 to within 0.5%, for km linearly distributed grid-levels and constant background density ρ0, vertical diffusivity ( KV) and buoyancy frequency ( N).

Tidal Friction in the Earth and Ocean

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ray, R. D.

2006-12-01

"Tidal Friction" is a classic subject in geophysics, with ties to some of the great scientists of the Victorian era. The subject has been reinvigorated over the past decade by space geodesy, and particularly by the Topex/Poseidon satellite altimeter mission. In fact, the topic has now taken on some significance in oceanography, with potential implications for problems of mixing, thermocline maintenance, and the thermohaline circulation. Likewise, tidal measurements have become sufficiently precise to reveal new information about the solid earth. In this respect, the tidal force is an invaluable "probe" of the earth, at frequencies well outside the seismic band. This talk will "follow the energy" of tides while noting some important geophysical implications at each stage. In the present earth-moon-sun configuration, energy for tides is extracted from the earth's rotation. Ancient eclipses bear witness to this, and the discrepancy between Babylonian (and other) observations and tidal predictions yields unique information about the mantle and the overlying fluid envelope. Complementary information comes from tidal anelasticity estimates, which are now available at frequencies ranging from semidiurnal to fortnightly, monthly, and 18.6 years. These data, when combined with various kinds of gravity measurements, are relevant to the present-day sea-level problem. Solid-earth tidal dissipation represents less than 5% of the system total. As has long been realized, the largest energy sink is the ocean. About 70% of the oceanic dissipation occurs in shallow seas (the traditional sink) and 30% in the deep ocean, generally near rugged bottom topography. The latter represents a substantial amount of power, roughly 1 gigawatt, available for generation of internal tides and other baroclinic motions. Experiments like HOME are helping unravel the links between barotropic tides, internal tides, turbulence, and mixing. The latter opens possible linkages to climate, and recent work involving 18.6-year oscillations adds intriguing (although not completely convincing) evidence of climate connections from the nodal modulations of diurnal-band tides. Connections at longer periods are quite conceivable, since tides are critically sensitive to sea level, but most ideas along these lines are still speculative and in need of further development.

Tidal and subtidal exchange flows at an inlet of the Wadden Sea

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Valle-Levinson, Arnoldo; Stanev, Emil; Badewien, Thomas H.

2018-03-01

Observations of underway velocity profiles during complete spring and neap tidal cycles were used to determine whether the spatial structures of tidal and subtidal flows at a tidal inlet in a multiple-inlet embayment are consistent with those observed at single-inlet embayments. Measurements were obtained at the Otzumer Balje, one of the multiple inlets among the East Frisian Islands of the Wadden Sea. The 1.5 km-wide inlet displayed a bathymetric profile consisting of a channel ∼15 m deep flanked by <5 m shoals. Neap tide observations spanned 36 h in the period May 11-12, 2011, while spring tide measurements exceeded 48 h from May 17 to May 19, 2011. Analysis of observations indicate that frictional effects from bathymetry molded tidal flows. Spatial distributions of semidiurnal tidal current amplitude and phase conform to those predicted by an analytical model for a basin with one inlet. Maximum semidiurnal flows appear at the surface in the channel, furthest away from bottom friction effects. Therefore, Otzumer Balje displays tidal hydrodynamics that are independent of the other inlets of the embayment. Subtidal exchange flows are laterally sheared, with residual inflow in the channel combined with outflow over shoals. The spatial distribution of these residual flows follow theoretical expectations of tidally driven flows interacting with bathymetry. Such distribution is similar to the tidal residual circulation at other inlets with only one communication to the ocean, suggesting that at subtidal scales the Otzumer Balje responds to tidal forcing independently of the other inlets.

Statistical characterization of wind-wave induced sediment resuspension events in shallow tidal basins

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

D'Alpaos, A.; Carniello, L.; Rinaldo, A.

2013-12-01

Wind-wave induced erosion processes play a critical role on the morphodynamic evolution of shallow tidal landscapes. Both in the horizontal and in the vertical planes, patterns of wind-induced bottom shear stresses contribute to control the morphological and biological features of the tidal landscape, through the erosion of tidal-flat surfaces and of salt-marsh margins, the disruption of the polymeric microphytobenthic biofilm, and the increase in suspended sediment concentration which affects the stability of intertidal ecosystems. Towards the goal of developing a synthetic theoretical framework to represent wind wave-induced resuspension events and account for their erosional effects on the long-term biomorphodynamic evolution of tidal systems, we have employed a complete, coupled finite element model accounting for the role of wind waves and tidal currents on the hydrodynamic circulation in shallow basins. Our analysis of the characteristics of combined current and wave-induced exceedances in bottom shear stress over a given threshold for erosion, suggest that wind wave-induced resuspension events can be modeled as a marked Poisson process. Moreover, the analysis of wind-wave induced resuspension events for different historical configurations of the Venice Lagoon shows that the interarrival times of erosion events have decreased through the last two centuries, whereas the intensities of erosion events have increased. This allows us to characterize the threatening erosion and degradation processes that the Venice Lagoon has been experiencing since the beginning of the last century.

Tidal modulation on the Changjiang River plume in summer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

WU, H.

2011-12-01

Tide effects on the structure of the near-field Changjiang River Plume and on the extension of the far-field plume have often been neglected in analysis and numerical simulations, which is the focus of this study. Numerical experiments highlighted the crucial role of the tidal forcing in modulating the Changjiang River plume. Without the tidal forcing, the plume results in an unrealistic upstream extension along the Jiangsu Coast. With the tidal forcing, the vertical mixing increases, resulting in a strong horizontal salinity gradient at the northern side of the Changjiang River mouth along the Jiangsu Coast, which acts as a dynamic barrier and restricts the northward migration of the plume. Furthermore, the tidal forcing produces a bi-directional plume structure in the near field and the plume separation is located at the head of the submarine canyon. A significant bulge occurs around the head of submarine canyon and rotates anticyclonically, which carries large portion of the diluted water towards the northeast and merges into the far-field plume. A portion of the diluted water moves towards the southeast, which is mainly caused by tidal ratification. This bi-directional plume structure is more evident under certain wind condition. During the neap tide with the reduced tidal energy, the near-field plume extends farther offshore and the bulge becomes less evident. These dynamic behaviors are maintained and fundamentally important in the region around the river mouth even under the summer monsoon and the shelf currents, although in the far field the wind forcing and shelf currents eventually dominate the plume extension.
H. Wu

The role of cross-shore tidal dynamics in controlling intertidal sediment exchange in mangroves in Cù Lao Dung, Vietnam

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bryan, Karin R.; Nardin, William; Mullarney, Julia C.; Fagherazzi, Sergio

2017-09-01

Mangroves are halophytic plants common in tropical and sub-tropical environments. Their roots and pneumatophores strongly affect intertidal hydrodynamics and related sediment transport. Here, we investigate the role tree and root structures may play in altering tidal currents and the effect of these currents on the development of intertidal landscapes in mangrove-dominated environments. We use a one-dimensional Delft3D model, forced using typical intertidal slopes and vegetation characteristics from two sites with contrasting slope on Cù Lao Dung within the Mekong Delta in Vietnam, to examine the vegetation controls on tidal currents and suspended sediment transport as the tides propagate into the forest. Model results show that vegetation characteristics at the seaward fringe determine the shape of the cross-shore bottom profile, with sparse vegetation leading to profiles that are close to linear, whereas with dense vegetation resulting in a convex intertidal topography. Examples showing different profile developments are provided from a variety of published studies, ranging from linear profiles in sandier sites, and distinctive convex profiles in muddier sites. As expected, profile differences in the model are caused by increased dissipation due to enhanced drag caused by vegetation; however, the reduction of flow shoreward in sparsely vegetated or non-vegetated cases was similar, indicating that shallowing of the profile and slope effects play a dominant role in dissipation. Here, tidal velocities are measured in the field using transects of Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers, and confirm that cross-shore tidal currents diminish quickly as they move over the fringe of the forest; they then stay fairly consistent within the outer few 100 m of the forest, indicating that the fringing environment is likely a region of deposition. An understanding of how vegetation controls the development of topography is critical to predicting the resilience of these sensitive intertidal areas to changes in inundation caused by sea-level rise.

Hydrodynamic and suspended-solids concentration measurements in Suisun Bay, California, 1995

USGS Publications Warehouse

Cuetara, Jay I.; Burau, Jon R.; Schoellhamer, David H.

2001-01-01

Sea level, current velocity, water temperature, salinity (computed from conductivity and temperature), and suspended-solids data collected in Suisun Bay, California, from May 30, 1995, through October 27, 1995, by the U.S. Geological Survey are documented in this report. Data were collected concurrently at 21 sites. Various parameters were measured at each site. Velocity-profile data were collected at 6 sites, single-point velocity measurements were made at 9 sites, salinity data were collected at 20 sites, and suspended-solids concentrations were measured at 10 sites. Sea-level and velocity data are presented in three forms; harmonic analysis results; time-series plots (sea level, current speed, and current direction versus time); and time-series plots of low-pass-filtered time series. Temperature, salinity, and suspended-solids data are presented as plots of raw and low-pass-filtered time series.The velocity and salinity data presented in this report document a period when the residual current patterns and salt field were transitioning from a freshwater-inflow-dominated condition towards a quasi steady-state summer condition when density-driven circulation and tidal nonlinearities became relatively more important as long-term transport mechanisms. Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta outflow was high prior to and during this study, so the tidally averaged salinities were abnormally low for this time of year. For example, the tidally averaged salinities varied from 0-12 at Martinez, the western border of Suisun Bay, to a maximum of 2 at Mallard Island, the eastern border of Suisun Bay. Even though salinities increased overall in Suisun Bay during the study period, the near-bed residual currents primarily were directed seaward. Therefore, salinity intrusion through Suisun Bay towards the Delta primarily was accomplished in the absence of the tidally averaged, two-layer flow known as gravitational circulation where, by definition, the net currents are landward at the bed. The Folsom Dam spillway gate failure on July 17, 1995, was analyzed to determine the effect on the hydrodynamics of Suisun Bay. The peak flow of the American River reached roughly 1,000 cubic meters per second as a result of the failure, which is relatively small. This was roughly 15 percent of the approximate 7,000 cubic meters per second tidal flows that occur daily in Suisun Bay and was likely attenuated greatly. Based on analysis of tidally averaged near-bed salinity and depth-averaged currents after the failure, the effect was essentially nonexistent and is indistinguishable from the natural variability.

Application of Space Shuttle photography to studies of upper ocean dynamics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zheng, Quanan; Klemas, Vic; Yan, Xiao-Hai; Wang, Zongming

1995-01-01

Three studies have been conducted using space shuttle imagery to explain the dynamics behavior of internal waves in the Atlantic and Indian Oceans and to derive tide-related parameters for Delaware Bay. By interpreting space shuttle photographs taken during mission STS-40, a total of 34 internal wave packets on the continental shelf of the Middle Atlantic Bight have been recognized. Using the finite-depth theory we derived that the maximum amplitude of solitons is 5.6 m, the phase speed 0.42 m/s, and the period 23.8 min. Deep-ocean internal waves in the western equatorial Indian Ocean on photographs taken during mission STS-44 were also interpreted and analyzed. The internal waves occurred in the form of a multisoliton packet in which there are about a dozen solitons. The average wavelength of the solitons is 1.8 +/- 0.5 km. The crest lines are mostly straight and reach as long as 100 km. The distance between two adjacent packets is about 66 km. Using the deepwater soliton theory, we derived that the mean amplitude of the solitons is 25 m, the nonlinear phase speed 1.7 m/s, and the average period 18 min. For both cases, the semidiural tides are the principal generating mechanism. The tide-related parameters of Delaware Bay were derived from space shuttle time-series photographs taken during mission STS-40. The water area in the bay were measured from interpretation maps of the photographs. The corresponding tidal levels were calculated using the exposure time. From these data, an approximate function relating the water area to the tidal level at a reference point was determined. Then, the water areas of the Delaware Bay at mean high water (MHW) and mean low water (MLW), below 0 m, for the tidal zone, and the tidal flux were inferred. All parameters derived were reasonable and compared well with results of previous investigations.

On feathers, bifurcations and shells: the dynamics of tidal streams across the mass scale

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Amorisco, N. C.

2015-06-01

I present an organic description of the spectrum of regimes of collisionless tidal streams and define the orderings between the relevant physical quantities that shape their morphology. Three fundamental dichotomies are identified and described in the form of dimensionless inequalities. These govern (i) the speed of the stream's growth, (ii) the internal coherence of the stream and (iii) its thickness or opening angle, within and outside the orbital plane. The mechanisms through which such main qualitative properties are regulated and the relevant limiting cases are analysed. For example, the slope of the host's density profile strongly influences the speed of the stream's growth, in both length and width, as steeper density profiles enhance differential streaming. Internal coherence is the natural requirement for the appearance of substructure and overdensities in tidal debris, and I concentrate on the characteristic `feathering' typical of streams of star clusters. Overdensities and substructures are associated with minima in the relative streaming velocity of the stream members. For streams with high circularity, these are caused by the epicyclic oscillations of stars; however, for highly non-circular progenitor's orbits, internal substructure is caused by the oscillating differences in energy and actions with which material is shed at different orbital phases of the progenitor. This modulation results in different streaming speeds along the tidal arm: the streakline of material shed between two successive apocentric passages is folded along its length, pulled at its centre by the faster differential streaming of particles released near pericentre, which are therefore more widely scattered. When the stream is coherent enough, the same mechanism is potentially capable of generating a bimodal profile in the density distributions of the longer wraps of more massive progenitors, which I dub `bifurcations'. The conditions that allow streams to be internally coherent are explored and I comment on the cases of Palomar 5, Willman 1, the Anticenter and Sagittarius' streams. Analytical methods are accompanied by numerical experiments, performed using a purposely built generative model, also presented here.

Determination of effects of turbulence flow in a cathode environment on electricity generation using a tidal mud-based cylindrical-type sediment microbial fuel cell.

PubMed

An, Junyeong; Lee, Soo-Jin; Ng, How Yong; Chang, In Seop

2010-12-01

We examined the possibility of harvesting electricity from the surface of a tidal mud flat using a cylindrical-type sediment microbial fuel cell (SMFC), a marine mud battery (MMB), which can be applied in a sea environment where the ebb and flow occur due to tidal difference. In addition, we indirectly investigated the influence of ebb and flow in a lab, using aeration, argon gassing, and by agitating the cathodic solution. The MMBs consisted of cylindrical acrylic compartments containing a nylon membrane, an anode, and a cathode in a single body. The MMBs were stuck vertically into an artificial tidal mud flat such that the anode electrode was in direct contact with the tidal mud surface. As a result, the maximum current and power density generated were 35 mA/m(2) and 9 mW/m(2), respectively, thus verifying that it is possible to harvest electricity from the surface of a tidal mud flat using an MMB without burying the anode electrode in the tidal mud. Furthermore, the results of tests using an artificial turbulence flow showed the flow induced by the tidal ebb and flow could allow the performance of MMBs to be enhanced. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Gamma-Ray Bursts and Fast Transients. Multi-wavelength Observations and Multi-messenger Signals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Willingale, R.; Mészáros, P.

2017-07-01

The current status of observations and theoretical models of gamma-ray bursts and some other related transients, including ultra-long bursts and tidal disruption events, is reviewed. We consider the impact of multi-wavelength data on the formulation and development of theoretical models for the prompt and afterglow emission including the standard fireball model utilizing internal shocks and external shocks, photospheric emission, the role of the magnetic field and hadronic processes. In addition, we discuss some of the prospects for non-photonic multi-messenger detection and for future instrumentation, and comment on some of the outstanding issues in the field.

Dynamics of internal waves on the Southeast Florida shelf: Implications for cross-shelf exchange and turbulent mixing on a barrier reef system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Davis, Kristen Alexis

The dynamics of internal waves shoaling on the Southeast Florida shelf and the resulting stratified turbulence in the shelf bottom boundary layer are investigated using observational studies completed during the summers of 2003-2005. This work is driven by a desire to understand the effects of internal wave-driven flow and the shoreward transport of cool, nutrient-rich water masses on cross-shelf exchange, vertical mixing, and mass transfer to benthic reef organisms. Shelf sea internal wave fields are typically highly variable and dominated by wind and tidal forces. However, this is not necessarily true for outer shelf regions or very narrow shelves where remote physical processes originating over the slope or deep ocean may exert a strong influence on the internal wave climate. During the summers of 2003 and 2004 observational studies were conducted to examine the effects of a western boundary current (the Florida Current), tides, and wind on the mean currents and internal wave field on the outer Southeast Florida shelf. We present evidence that suggests that the Florida Current plays as large a role in the determination of the high frequency internal wave field as tidal forces. These observations and analyses show that it is necessary to include the forcing from the Florida Current meanders and instabilities in order to predict accurately the episodic nature of the internal wave field on the Southeast Florida shelf. Deep ocean and continental shelf processes intersect at the shelf edge and influence the exchange of water masses and their associated characteristics including heat, nutrients, sediment, and larvae across the shelf. Thus, the dynamics of cross-shelf circulation have important consequences for organisms living on the shelf. In the second phase of this work, we investigate physical mechanisms controlling the exchange of water masses during the summer season across the Southeast Florida shelf. A time series of cross-shelf transport from May to August 2003 suggests that, during the summer months, instabilities in the Florida Current and nonlinear internal waves are the primary mechanisms driving cross-shelf transport on the outer shelf Surface tide, wind, and wave-driven transport were found to be small in comparison. Additionally, this data set highlights the importance of baroclinic processes to cross-shelf transport in this region. In the last phase of my research, I sought to investigate how boundary layer dynamics over a rough coral bed were modified by shoaling internal waves and to understand the implications for mixing and mass transfer to the bed. Results are presented from an observational study of the turbulent bottom boundary layer on the outer Southeast Florida shelf in July and August 2005. Turbulence in the reef bottom boundary layer is highly variable in time and is modified by near bed flow, shear, and stratification driven by shoaling internal waves. We examined turbulence in the bottom boundary layer during a typical internal wave event and found that in addition to the episodic onshore transport of cool, subthermocline water masses, with elevated nutrient concentrations, bottom-intensified currents from shoaling internal waves can increase turbulent dissipation and mixing in the reef bottom boundary layer. Additionally, we show that estimates of flux Richardson number, calculated directly from measurements of dissipation and buoyancy flux, support the dependence of R f on turbulent intensity, epsilon/nuN 2, a relationship that has only been previously shown in laboratory and numerical work. While the importance of surface gravity waves in generating turbulent mixing and controlling mass transfer on coral reefs has been well documented in the literature, this work represents the first time the appropriate field data have been collected for a detailed dynamic analysis of the physical effects and biological implications of internal waves on reef ecosystems. Results from these studies suggest that for reef communities exposed to continental shelf and slope processes, internal waves may play an important role in cross-shelf transport and mass transfer to benthic organisms and may be essential to modeling key biological processes, the connectivity of coral populations, or designing and managing marine reserves and fisheries.

Sedimentary fabrics of the macrotidal, mud-dominated, inner estuary to fluvio-tidal transition zone, Petitcodiac River estuary, New Brunswick, Canada

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shchepetkina, Alina; Gingras, Murray K.; Zonneveld, John-Paul; Pemberton, S. George

2016-03-01

The study provides a detailed description of mud-dominated sedimentary fabrics and their application for the rock record within the inner estuary to the fluvial zone of the Petitcodiac River estuary, New Brunswick, Canada. Sedimentological characteristics and facies distributions of the clay- and silt-rich deposits are reported. The inner estuary is characterized by thick accumulations of interbedded silt and silty clay on intertidal banks that flank the tidally influenced channel. The most common sedimentary structures observed are parallel and wavy lamination, small-scale soft-sediment deformation with microfaults, and clay and silt current ripples. The tidal channel contains sandy silt and clayey silt with planar lamination, massive and convolute bedding. The fluvio-tidal transition zone is represented by interbedded trough cross-stratified sand and gravel beds with planar laminated to massive silty mud. The riverine, non-tidal reach of the estuary is characterized by massive, planar tabular and trough cross-stratified gravel-bed deposits. The absence of bioturbation within the inner estuary to the fluvio-tidal transition zone can be explained by the following factors: low water salinities (0-5 ppt), amplified tide and current speeds, and high concentrations of flocculated material in the water body. Notably, downstream in the middle and outer estuary, bioturbation is seasonally pervasive: in those locales the sedimentary conditions are similar, but salinity is higher. In this study, the sedimentological (i.e., grain size, bedding characters, sedimentary structures) differences between the tidal estuary and the fluvial setting are substantial, and those changes occur over only a few hundred meters. This suggests that the widely used concept of an extensive fluvio-tidal transition zone and its depositional character may not be a geographically significant component of fluvial or estuary deposits, which can go unnoticed in the study of the ancient rocks.

Time scales of circulation and mixing processes of San Francisco Bay waters

USGS Publications Warehouse

Walters, R.A.; Cheng, R.T.; Conomos, T.J.

1985-01-01

Conceptual models for tidal period and low-frequency variations in sea level, currents, and mixing processes in the northern and southern reaches of San Francisco Bay describe the contrasting characteristics and dissimilar processes and rates in these embayments: The northern reach is a partially mixed estuary whereas the southern reach (South Bay) is a tidally oscillating lagoon with density-driven exchanges with the northern reach. The mixed semidiurnal tides are mixtures of progressive and standing waves. The relatively simple oscillations in South Bay are nearly standing waves, with energy propagating down the channels and dispersing into the broad shoal areas. The tides of the northern reach have the general properties of a progressive wave but are altered at the constriction of the embayments and gradually change in an upstream direction to a mixture of progressive and standing waves. The spring and neap variations of the tides are pronounced and cause fortnightly varying tidal currents that affect mixing and salinity stratification in the water column. Wind stress on the water surface, freshwater inflow, and tidal currents interacting with the complex bay configuration are the major local forcing mechanisms creating low-frequency variations in sea level and currents. These local forcing mechanisms drive the residual flows which, with tidal diffusion, control the water-replacement rates in the estuary. In the northern reach, the longitudinal density gradient drives an estuarine circulation in the channels, and the spatial variation in tidal amplitude creates a tidally-driven residual circulation. In contrast, South Bay exhibits a balance between wind-driven circulation and tidally-driven residual circulation for most of the year. During winter, however, there can be sufficient density variations to drive multilayer (2 to 3) flows in the channel of South Bay. Mixing models (that include both diffusive and dispersive processes) are based on time scales associated with salt variations at the boundaries and those associated with the local forcing mechanisms, while the spatial scales of variations are dependent upon the configuration of the embayments. In the northern reach, where the estuarine circulation is strong, the salt flux is carried by the mean advection of the mean salt field. Where large salinity gradients are present, the tidal correlation part of the salt flux is of the same order as the advective part. Our knowledge of mixing and exchange rates in South Bay is poor. As this embayment is nearly isohaline, the salt flux is dominated entirely by the mean advection of the mean salt field. During and after peaks in river discharge, water mixing becomes more dynamic, with a strong density-driven current creating a net exchange of both water mass and salt. These exchanges are stronger during neap tides. Residence times of the water masses vary seasonally and differ between reaches. In the northern reach, residence times are on the order of days for high winter river discharge and of months for summer periods. The residence times for South Bay are fairly long (on the order of several months) during summer, and typically shorter (less than a month) during winter when density-driven exchanges occur. ?? 1985 Dr W. Junk Publishers.

Shelf sea tidal currents and mixing fronts determined from ocean glider observations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sheehan, Peter M. F.; Berx, Barbara; Gallego, Alejandro; Hall, Rob A.; Heywood, Karen J.; Hughes, Sarah L.; Queste, Bastien Y.

2018-03-01

Tides and tidal mixing fronts are of fundamental importance to understanding shelf sea dynamics and ecosystems. Ocean gliders enable the observation of fronts and tide-dominated flows at high resolution. We use dive-average currents from a 2-month (12 October-2 December 2013) glider deployment along a zonal hydrographic section in the north-western North Sea to accurately determine M2 and S2 tidal velocities. The results of the glider-based method agree well with tidal velocities measured by current meters and with velocities extracted from the TPXO tide model. The method enhances the utility of gliders as an ocean-observing platform, particularly in regions where tide models are known to be limited. We then use the glider-derived tidal velocities to investigate tidal controls on the location of a front repeatedly observed by the glider. The front moves offshore at a rate of 0.51 km day-1. During the first part of the deployment (from mid-October until mid-November), results of a one-dimensional model suggest that the balance between surface heat fluxes and tidal stirring is the primary control on frontal location: as heat is lost to the atmosphere, full-depth mixing is able to occur in progressively deeper water. In the latter half of the deployment (mid-November to early December), a front controlled solely by heat fluxes and tidal stirring is not predicted to exist, yet a front persists in the observations. We analyse hydrographic observations collected by the glider to attribute the persistence of the front to the boundary between different water masses, in particular to the presence of cold, saline, Atlantic-origin water in the deeper portion of the section. We combine these results to propose that the front is a hybrid front: one controlled in summer by the local balance between heat fluxes and mixing and which in winter exists as the boundary between water masses advected to the north-western North Sea from diverse source regions. The glider observations capture the period when the front makes the transition from its summertime to wintertime state. Fronts in other shelf sea regions with oceanic influence may exhibit similar behaviour, with controlling processes and locations changing over an annual cycle. These results have implications for the thermohaline circulation of shelf seas.

Converging Oceaniac Internal Waves, Somalia, Africa

NASA Image and Video Library

1988-10-03

The arculate fronts of these apparently converging internal waves off the northeast coast of Somalia (11.5N, 51.5E) probably were produced by interaction with two parallel submarine canyons off the Horn of Africa. Internal waves are packets of tidally generated waves traveling within the ocean at varying depths and are not detectable by any surface disturbance.

Evidence of tidal processes from the lower part of the Witwatersrand Supergroup, South Africa

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eriksson, Kenneth A.; Turner, Brian R.; Vos, Richard G.

1981-08-01

A 1600-m succession of quartz arenites and associated shaley deposits comprising the Hospital Hill Subgroup at the base of the Witwatersrand Supergroup is considered to have been deposited largely under the influence of tidal processes. Facies analysis indicates that deposition occurred in the following environments: (1) marine shalf; (2) shallow subtidal to intertidal; (3) intertidal flat; and (4) tidal inlet. The presence of strong tidal currents implies that the Witwatersrand Basin was open to an ocean basin, at least during the early stages of its evolution. Palaeocurrent trends and isopach data suggest that this probably lay to the southwest, an area now occupied by the high grade Natal—Namaqua metamorphic belt. The contrast between the supermature quartz arenites of the Hospital Hill Subgroup and the overlying gold-bearing immature subgreywackes, feldspathic quartzites and conglomerates of fluvial origin is believed to be a function of tidal reworking of sediments.

An Experimental Study on the Darrieus-Savonius Turbine for the Tidal Current Power Generation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kyozuka, Yusaku

The Darrieus turbine is popular for tidal current power generation in Japan. It is simple in structure with straight wings rotating around a vertical axis, so that it has no directionality against the motion of tidal flow which changes its direction twice a day. However, there is one defect in the Darrieus turbine; its small starting torque. Once it stops, a Darrieus turbine is hard to re-start until a fairly fast current is exerted on it. To improve the starting torque of the Darrieus turbine used for tidal power generation, a hybrid turbine, composed of a Darrieus turbine and a Savonius rotor is proposed. Hydrodynamic characteristics of a semi-circular section used for the Savonius bucket were measured in a wind tunnel. The torque of a two bucket Savonius rotor was measured in a circulating water channel, where four different configurations of the bucket were compared. A combined Darrieus and Savonius turbine was tested in the circulating water channel, where the effect of the attaching angle between Darrieus wing and Savonius rotor was studied. Finally, power generation experiments using a 48 pole electric generator were conducted in a towing tank and the power coefficients were compared with the results of experiments obtained in the circulating water channel.

Demonstration of a Real Time Capability to Produce Tidal Heights and Currents for Naval Operational Use: A Cast Study for the West Coast of Africa (Liberia)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mehra, Avichal; Anantharaj, Valentine; Payne, Steve; Kantha, Lakshmi

1996-01-01

This report documents an existing capability to produce operationally relevant products on sea level and currents from a tides/storm surge model for any coastal region around the world within 48 hours from the time of the request. The model is ready for transition to the Naval Oceanographic Office (NAVOCEANO) for potential contingency use anywhere around the world. A recent application to naval operations offshore Liberia illustrates this. Mississippi State University, in collaboration with the University of Colorado and NAVOCEANO, successfully deployed the Colorado University Rapidly Relocatable Nestable Tides and Storm Surge (CURReNTSS) model that predicts sea surface height, tidal currents and storm surge, and provided operational products on tidal sea level and currents in the littoral region off south-western coast of Africa. This report summarizes the results of this collaborative effort in an actual contingency use of the relocatable model, summarizes the lessons learned, and provides recommendations for further evaluation and transition of this modeling capability to operational use.

Electrical Resistivity Imaging of Tidal Fluctuations in the Water Table at Inwood Hill Park, Manhattan

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kenyon, P. M.; Kassem, D.; Olin, A.; Nunez, J.; Smalling, A.

2005-05-01

Inwood Hill Park is located on the northern tip of Manhattan and has been extensively modified over the years by human activities. In its current form, it has a backbone of exposed or lightly covered bedrock along the Hudson River, adjacent to a flat area with two tidal inlets along the northern shore of Manhattan. The tidal motions in the inlets are expected to drive corresponding fluctuations in the water table along the borders of the inlets. In the Fall of 2002, a group of students from the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences at the City College of New York studied these fluctuations. Electrical resistivity cross sections were obtained with a Syscal Kid Switch 24 resistivity meter during the course of a tidal cycle at three locations surrounding the westernmost inlet in the park. No change was seen over a tidal cycle at Site 1, possibly due to the effect of concrete erosion barriers which were located between the land and the water surrounding this site. Measurements at Site 2 revealed a small, regular change in the water table elevation of approximately 5 cm over the course of a tidal cycle. This site is inferred to rest on alluvial sediments deposited by a small creek. The cross sections taken at different times during a tidal cycle at Site 3 were the most interesting. They show a very heterogeneous subsurface, with water spurting between blocks of high resistivity materials during the rising portion of the cycle. A small sinkhole was observed on the surface of the ground directly above an obvious plume of water in the cross section. Park personnel confirmed that this sinkhole, like others scattered around this site, is natural and not due to recent construction activity. They also indicated that debris from the construction of the New York City subways may have been dumped in the area in the past. Our conclusion is that the tidal fluctuations at Site 3 are being channeled by solid blocks in the construction debris, and that the sinkholes currently present result from removal of sediments from below, as a result of the tidal fluctuations.

Suspended-sediment flux and retention in a backwater tidal slough complex near the landward boundary of an estuary

USGS Publications Warehouse

Morgan-King, Tara L.; Schoellhamer, David H.

2013-01-01

Backwater tidal sloughs are commonly found at the landward boundary of estuaries. The Cache Slough complex is a backwater tidal region within the Upper Sacramento–San Joaquin Delta that includes two features that are relevant for resource managers: (1) relatively high abundance of the endangered fish, delta smelt (Hypomesus transpacificus), which prefers turbid water and (2) a recently flooded shallow island, Liberty Island, that is a prototype for habitat restoration. We characterized the turbidity around Liberty Island by measuring suspended-sediment flux at four locations from July 2008 through December 2010. An estuarine turbidity maximum in the backwater Cache Slough complex is created by tidal asymmetry, a limited tidal excursion, and wind-wave resuspension. During the study, there was a net export of sediment, though sediment accumulates within the region from landward tidal transport during the dry season. Sediment is continually resuspended by both wind waves and flood tide currents. The suspended-sediment mass oscillates within the region until winter freshwater flow pulses flush it seaward. The hydrodynamic characteristics within the backwater region such as low freshwater flow during the dry season, flood tide dominance, and a limited tidal excursion favor sediment retention.

Resource Evaluation and Energy Production Estimate for a Tidal Energy Conversion Installation using Acoustic Flow Measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gagnon, Ian; Baldwin, Ken; Wosnik, Martin

2015-11-01

The ``Living Bridge'' project plans to install a tidal turbine at Memorial Bridge in the Piscataqua River at Portsmouth, NH. A spatio-temporal tidal energy resource assessment was performed using long term bottom-deployed Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers ADCP. Two locations were evaluated: at the planned deployment location and mid-channel. The goal was to determine the amount of available kinetic energy that can be converted into usable electrical energy on the bridge. Changes in available kinetic energy with ebb/flood and spring/neap tidal cycles and electrical energy demand were analyzed. A system model is used to calculate the net energy savings using various tidal generator and battery bank configurations. Differences in the tidal characteristics between the two measurement locations are highlighted. Different resource evaluation methodologies were also analyzed, e.g., using a representative ADCP ``bin'' vs. a more refined, turbine-geometry-specific methodology, and using static bin height vs. bin height that move w.r.t. the free surface throughout a tidal cycle (representative of a bottom-fixed or floating turbine deployment, respectively). ADCP operating frequencies and bin sizes affect the standard deviation of measurements, and measurement uncertainties are evaluated. Supported by NSF-IIP grant 1430260.

Atmospheric thermal tides and planetary spin. I. The complex interplay between stratification and rotation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Auclair-Desrotour, P.; Mathis, S.; Laskar, J.

2018-02-01

Context. Thermal atmospheric tides can torque telluric planets away from spin-orbit synchronous rotation, as observed in the case of Venus. They thus participate in determining the possible climates and general circulations of the atmospheres of these planets. Aims: The thermal tidal torque exerted on an atmosphere depends on its internal structure and rotation and on the tidal frequency. Particularly, it strongly varies with the convective stability of the entropy stratification. This dependence has to be characterized to constrain and predict the rotational properties of observed telluric exoplanets. Moreover, it is necessary to validate the approximations used in global modelings such as the traditional approximation, which is used to obtain separable solutions for tidal waves. Methods: We wrote the equations governing the dynamics of thermal tides in a local vertically stratified section of a rotating planetary atmosphere by taking into account the effects of the complete Coriolis acceleration on tidal waves. This allowed us to analytically derive the tidal torque and the tidally dissipated energy, which we used to discuss the possible regimes of tidal dissipation and to examine the key role played by stratification. Results: In agreement with early studies, we find that the frequency dependence of the thermal atmospheric tidal torque in the vicinity of synchronization can be approximated by a Maxwell model. This behavior corresponds to weakly stably stratified or convective fluid layers, as observed previously. A strong stable stratification allows gravity waves to propagate, and makes the tidal torque negligible. The transition is continuous between these two regimes. The traditional approximation appears to be valid in thin atmospheres and in regimes where the rotation frequency is dominated by the forcing or the buoyancy frequencies. Conclusions: Depending on the stability of their atmospheres with respect to convection, observed exoplanets can be tidally driven toward synchronous or asynchronous final rotation rates. The domain of applicability of the traditional approximation is rigorously constrained by calculations.

The mid-Holocene to present large-scale morphodynamic and coupled fluvial-tidal sedimentologic evolution of the Lower Columbia River, WA/OR, USA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Prokocki, E.; Best, J.; Ashworth, P. J.; Parsons, D. R.; Sambrook Smith, G.; Nicholas, A. P.; Simpson, C.; Wang, H.; Sandbach, S.; Keevil, C.

2015-12-01

Optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating of four deep sediment cores (≤ 20m depth), in conjunction with shallow vibracores (≤ 6m depth), obtained from mid-channel bars in the lower Columbia River (LCR), USA, provides new insights into the mid-Holocene to present geomorphic and coupled sedimentological evolution of the LCR fluvial-tidal zone. These data reveal that the relatively coarse-grained basal sediments of mid-channel bars positioned across the LCR tidal-fluvial hydraulic regime were deposited at c. 2.5 to 2.0 ka, and not at c. 8.0 ka as previously reported. Thus, these younger depositional ages of basal sediments relative to previous studies coupled with the overall sedimentary architecture of these bars, and the absence of a temporal lag in the timing of basal sedimentation between bars located from river kilometer 51.1 to 29.3, challenges existing models that these bars represent: (a) estuarine tidal-bars, or (b) bay-head deltaic deposits. Within the context of post glacial Holocene sea-level rise, our results suggest these bars represent vertical construction of a LCR fluvial top-set from c. 2.5- 2.0 ka to the present, as the regional rate of sea-level rise slowed to ≤ 1.4 mmyr-1. Within this geomorphic context, two tidal-fluvial sedimentological signatures can be identified: (i) in the downstream direction, basal bar deposits incorporate a larger percentage of finer-grained interbeds, and (ii) vertically stacked silt/very-fine sand draped current ripple cross-laminae become prevalent from approximately 5 m in depth to the bar surfaces. The preservation of finer-grained interbeds within basal bar deposits is reasoned to be caused by the flocculation and settling of suspended sediment enhanced by the turbidity maximum. The stacked draped current ripple cross-laminae are interpreted to result from tidal-currents generating asymmetric current ripples that were draped by fine-sediment entrained by wind-waves, which fell-out of suspension during reduced wave activity, slackwater intervals, and periods when the turbidity maximum was active.

Tidal Wetlands of the Yaquina and Alsea River Estuaries in Oregon: GIS layer development and recommendations for National Wetlands Inventory revisions

EPA Science Inventory

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) layers of current and likely former tidal wetlands in two Oregon estuaries were generated by enhancing the 2010 National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) data with expert local field knowledge, LiDAR-derived elevations, and 2009 aerial orthophotos. Th...

The transverse dynamics of flow in a tidal channel within a greater strait

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khosravi, Maziar; Siadatmousavi, Seyed Mostafa; Vennell, Ross; Chegini, Vahid

2018-02-01

Vessel-mounted ADCP measurements were conducted to describe the transverse structure of flow between the two headland tips in Khuran Channel, south of Iran (26° 45' N), where the highest tidal velocities in spring tides were 1.8 m/s. Current profiles were obtained using a 614.4 kHz TRDI WorkHorse Broadband ADCP over nine repetitions of three cross-channel transects during one semidiurnal tidal cycle. The 2.2-km-long transects ran north/south across the channel. A least-square fit to semidiurnal, quarter-diurnal, and sixth diurnal harmonics was used to separate the tidal signals from the observed flow. Spatial gradients showed that the greatest lateral shears and convergences were found over the northern channel and near the northern headland tip due to very sharp bathymetric changes in this area. Contrary to the historical assumption, the across-channel momentum balance in the Khuran Channel was ageostrophic. The current study represents one of the few examples reported where the lateral friction influences the across-channel momentum balance.

Modeling influence of tide stages on forecasts of the 2010 Chilean tsunami

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Uslu, B. U.; Chamberlin, C.; Walsh, D.; Eble, M. C.

2010-12-01

The impact of the 2010 Chilean tsunami is studied using the NOAA high-resolution tsunami forecast model augmented to include modeled tide heights in addition to deep-water tsunami propagation as boundary-condition input. The Chilean tsunami was observed at the Los Angeles tide station at mean low water, Hilo at low, Pago Pago at mid tide and Wake Island near high tide. Because the tsunami arrived at coastal communities at a representative variety of tide stages, 2010 Chile tsunami provides opportunity to study the tsunami impacts at different tide levels to different communities. The current forecast models are computed with a constant tidal stage, and this study evaluates techniques for adding an additional varying predicted tidal component in a forecasting context. Computed wave amplitudes, wave currents and flooding are compared at locations around the Pacific, and the difference in tsunami impact due to tidal stage is studied. This study focuses on how tsunami impacts vary with different tide levels, and helps us understand how the inclusion of tidal components can improve real-time forecast accuracy.

Recreating the chemical evolution of the Sagittarius dwarf spheroidal from its tidal debris

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carlin, Jeffrey L.; Sheffield, Allyson; Cunha, Katia M. L.; Smith, Verne V.

2018-06-01

We present a detailed chemical analysis of the Sagittarius (Sgr) tidal stream based on high-resolution Gemini+GRACES spectra of 42 members of the highest surface brightness portions of both the trailing and leading arms of the Sgr stream. We select Sgr tidal stream candidates using a 2MASS+WISE color-color selection, combined with LAMOST radial velocities, allowing us to efficiently select Sgr stream members with little contamination from field stars. Sgr is a recently infallen, currently disrupting dwarf spheroidal galaxy, with roughly 70% of the luminosity of the Sgr system residing in the tidal streams. With this study, we provide a link between the (known) chemical properties in the intact Sgr core and the significant portion of the Sgr system's luminosity that is estimated to currently reside in the streams. In this talk, we focus on abundances of alpha-elements, but we will also analyze neutron-capture (both r- and s-process) and iron-peak species. We compare our chemical abundances to the few existing measurements in the stream as well as the numerous results in the Sgr core.

Reprint of Mechanisms of maintaining high suspended sediment concentration over tide-dominated offshore shoals in the southern Yellow Sea

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xiong, Jilian; Wang, Xiao Hua; Wang, Ya Ping; Chen, Jingdong; Shi, Benwei; Gao, Jianhua; Yang, Yang; Yu, Qian; Li, Mingliang; Yang, Lei; Gong, Xulong

2018-06-01

An understanding of the dynamics and behaviors of suspended sediments is vital in analysis of morphological, environmental, and ecological processes occurring in coastal marine environments. To study the mechanisms of maintaining high suspended sediment concentrations (SSCs) on a tide-dominated offshore shoal, we measured water depths, current velocities, SSCs, wave parameters and bottom sediment compositions in the southern Yellow Sea. These data were then used to calculate bottom shear stresses generated by currents (τc), waves (τw), and wave-current interactions (τcw). SSCs time series exhibited strong quarter-diurnal peaks during spring tides, in contrast to the semidiurnal signal during neap tides. A Fourier analysis showed that suspended sediment variations within tidal cycles was mainly controlled by resuspension in most stations. There existed relatively stable background SSCs (maintaining high SSCs among tidal cycles) values at all four stations during both windy (wind speed > 9.0 m/s) and normal weather conditions (wind speed < 3.0 m/s). The background SSCs had strong relationship with spring/neap-averaged τcw, indicating background SSCs were mainly controlled by mean bottom shear stress, with a minimum value of 0.21 N/m2. On account of the strong tidal currents, background SSCs of spring tides were greater than that of neap tides. In addition, on the base of wavelet, statistics analyses and turbulence dissipation parameter, background SSCs during slack tide in the study area may be maintained by intermittent turbulence events induced by a combined tidal current and wave action.

Mechanisms of maintaining high suspended sediment concentration over tide-dominated offshore shoals in the southern Yellow Sea

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xiong, Jilian; Wang, Xiao Hua; Wang, Ya Ping; Chen, Jingdong; Shi, Benwei; Gao, Jianhua; Yang, Yang; Yu, Qian; Li, Mingliang; Yang, Lei; Gong, Xulong

2017-05-01

An understanding of the dynamics and behaviors of suspended sediments is vital in analysis of morphological, environmental, and ecological processes occurring in coastal marine environments. To study the mechanisms of maintaining high suspended sediment concentrations (SSCs) on a tide-dominated offshore shoal, we measured water depths, current velocities, SSCs, wave parameters and bottom sediment compositions in the southern Yellow Sea. These data were then used to calculate bottom shear stresses generated by currents (τc), waves (τw), and wave-current interactions (τcw). SSCs time series exhibited strong quarter-diurnal peaks during spring tides, in contrast to the semidiurnal signal during neap tides. A Fourier analysis showed that suspended sediment variations within tidal cycles was mainly controlled by resuspension in most stations. There existed relatively stable background SSCs (maintaining high SSCs among tidal cycles) values at all four stations during both windy (wind speed > 9.0 m/s) and normal weather conditions (wind speed < 3.0 m/s). The background SSCs had strong relationship with spring/neap-averaged τcw, indicating background SSCs were mainly controlled by mean bottom shear stress, with a minimum value of 0.21 N/m2. On account of the strong tidal currents, background SSCs of spring tides were greater than that of neap tides. In addition, on the base of wavelet, statistics analyses and turbulence dissipation parameter, background SSCs during slack tide in the study area may be maintained by intermittent turbulence events induced by a combined tidal current and wave action.

Resonant Tidal Excitation of Internal Waves in the Earth's Fluid Core

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tyler, Robert H.; Kuang, Weijia

2014-01-01

It has long been speculated that there is a stably stratified layer below the core-mantle boundary, and two recent studies have improved the constraints on the parameters describing this stratification. Here we consider the dynamical implications of this layer using a simplified model. We first show that the stratification in this surface layer has sensitive control over the rate at which tidal energy is transferred to the core. We then show that when the stratification parameters from the recent studies are used in this model, a resonant configuration arrives whereby tidal forces perform elevated rates of work in exciting core flow. Specifically, the internal wave speed derived from the two independent studies (150 and 155 m/s) are in remarkable agreement with the speed (152 m/s) required for excitation of the primary normal mode of oscillation as calculated from full solutions of the Laplace Tidal Equations applied to a reduced-gravity idealized model representing the stratified layer. In evaluating this agreement it is noteworthy that the idealized model assumed may be regarded as the most reduced representation of the stratified dynamics of the layer, in that there are no non-essential dynamical terms in the governing equations assumed. While it is certainly possible that a more realistic treatment may require additional dynamical terms or coupling, it is also clear that this reduced representation includes no freedom for coercing the correlation described. This suggests that one must accept either (1) that tidal forces resonantly excite core flow and this is predicted by a simple model or (2) that either the independent estimates or the dynamical model does not accurately portray the core surface layer and there has simply been an unlikely coincidence between three estimates of a stratification parameter which would otherwise have a broad plausible range.

The northern tidal dynamic of Aceh waters: A 3D numerical model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Irham, M.; Miswar, E.; Ilhamsyah, Y.; Setiawan, I.

2018-05-01

The northern tidal dynamic of Aceh waters studied by employing three-dimensional (3D) numerical hydrodynamic model. The purpose of this study is to understand the phenomena and the characteristic of the northern tidal dynamic of Aceh waters. The research used the explicit-splitting scheme numerical model of Navier-Stokes formulation. The result displays that the vertical rotation of flow movement (vertical eddy) at a depth of 15 to 25 meter eastern part of the study area. Hence, the result also informs that the current circulation identically to the upwelling in the western region of Aceh during the wet season and vice versa. However, during the transitional season, the flow circulation depends on how the tidal dynamic occurs in the area.

Large eddy simulation of the tidal power plant deep green using the actuator line method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fredriksson, S. T.; Broström, G.; Jansson, M.; Nilsson, H.; Bergqvist, B.

2017-12-01

Tidal energy has the potential to provide a substantial part of the sustainable electric power generation. The tidal power plant developed by Minesto, called Deep Green, is a novel technology using a ‘flying’ kite with an attached turbine, moving at a speed several times higher than the mean flow. Multiple Deep Green power plants will eventually form arrays, which require knowledge of both flow interactions between individual devices and how the array influences the surrounding environment. The present study uses large eddy simulations (LES) and an actuator line model (ALM) to analyze the oscillating turbulent boundary layer flow in tidal currents without and with a Deep Green power plant. We present the modeling technique and preliminary results so far.

The Holocene palaeogeography and relative sea level for two tidal basins of the German North Sea coast

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bungenstock, Friederike; Wartenberg, Wolfram; Mauz, Barbara; Freund, Holger; Frechen, Manfred; Weerts, Henk J. T.; Berner, Heinrich

2014-05-01

The response of coasts to global sea-level rise is highly variable. Knowledge of driving coastal parameters alongside the regional sea-level history is therefore indispensable when the response to global sea-level rise is to be assessed. Here, we study the Holocene relative sea-level of the south coast of the North Sea which is controlled by a number of very local parameters, as well as by regional glacio-isostatic adjustments. It is therefore crucial to restrict the data acquisition and evaluation to small coastal sections, ideally to single tidal basins, to minimize the sources of uncertainties (Bungenstock & Weerts 2010, 2012). We present data from two tidal basins, Langeoog and Jade Bay. For Langeoog a database derived from 600 cores, 68 km of Boomer seismic data, 33 radiocarbon ages and 8 OSL dates is available. (Bungenstock & Schäfer 2009, Mauz & Bungenstock 2007). For the Jade bay, the database comprises sedimentary markers, pollen and macro remains derived from 68 cores. The sedentary chronology is based on 54 radiocarbon ages and pollen constraints (Wartenberg & Freund 2011, Wartenberg et al. 2013). For both tidal basins the sedimentological record was interpreted in terms of the local paleogeographical development since about 7000 cal BP and its influence on the local relative sea-level curve. While the trend of the relative sea level is similar for both tidal basins, it shows a different altitude. The timing of the main marine transgression within the Langeoog area takes place ~3000 cal. BP whereas the sedimentological record of the Jade Bay shows two prominent transgressions, one for ~5000 cal. BP and one for ~3000 cal. BP. The Langeoog palaeo-environment is continuously characterised by marine influence. Within the Jade Bay two different palaeo-environments could be identified, documenting that from the West to the centre the landscape development in the Jade Bay was drainage driven feeding the associated fen peat with minerogenic water but being autonomous from isochronic relative sea-level. This all shows the importance to understand the differences of local landscape and depositional developments for a reliable interpretation of sea-level data. References Bungenstock, F. & Schäfer, A. (2009): The Holocene relative sea-level curve for the tidal basin of the barrier island Langeoog, German Bight, Southern North Sea. - Global and Planetary Change 66: 34-51. Bungenstock, F. & Weerts, H.J.T. (2011): The high-resolution Holocene sea-level curve for Nothwest Germany: global signals, local effects or data-artefacts? - International Journal of Earth Sciences 99: 1687-1706. Bungenstock, F. & Weerts, H.J.T. (2012): Holocene relative sea-level curves for the German North Sea coast. International Journal of Earth Sciences. ? - International Journal of Earth Sciences 101:1083-1099. Mauz, B. & Bungenstock, F. (2007):. How to reconstruct trends of late Holocene relative sea level: A new approach using tidal flat clastic sediments and optical dating. Marine Geology 237: 225-237. Wartenberg, W. & Freund, H. (2011): Late Pleistocene and Holocene sedimentary record within the Jade Bay, Lower Saxony, Northwest Germany - New aspects for the palaeoecological record. - Quaternary International:1-11. Wartenberg, W., Vött, A., Freund, H. Hadler, H., Frechen, M., Willershäuser, T., Schnaidt, S., Fischer, P. & Obrocki, L. (2013): Evidence of isochronic transgressive surfaces within the Jade Bay tidal flfl at area, southern German North Sea coast - Holocene event horizons of regional interest. - Zeitschrift für Geomorphologi, Supplementary Issue. DOI: 10.1127/0372-8854/2013/S-00150

Sediment Transport and Infilling of a Borrow Pit on an Energetic Sandy Ebb Tidal Delta Offshore of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wren, A.; Xu, K.; Ma, Y.; Sanger, D.; Van Dolah, R.

2014-12-01

Bottom-mounted instrumentation was deployed at two sites on an ebb tidal delta to measure hydrodynamics, sediment transport, and seabed elevation. One site ('borrow site') was 2 km offshore and used as a dredging site for beach nourishment of nearby Hilton Head Island in South Carolina, and the other site ('reference site') was 10 km offshore and not directly impacted by the dredging. In-situ time-series data were collected during two periods after the dredging: March 15 - June 12, 2012('spring') and August 18 - November 18, 2012 ('fall'). At the reference site directional wave spectra and upper water column current velocities were measured, as well as high-resolution current velocity profiles and suspended sediment concentration profiles in the Bottom Boundary Layer (BBL). Seabed elevation and small-scale seabed changes were also measured. At the borrow site seabed elevation and near-bed wave and current velocities were collected using an Acoustic Doppler Velocimeter. Throughout both deployments bottom wave orbital velocities ranged from 0 - 110 m/s at the reference site. Wave orbital velocities were much lower at the borrow site ranging from 10-20 cm/s, as wave energy was dissipated on the extensive and rough sand banks before reaching the borrow site. Suspended sediment concentrations increased throughout the BBL when orbital velocities increased to approximately 20 cm/s. Sediment grain size and critical shear stresses were similar at both sites, therefore, re-suspension due to waves was less frequent at the borrow site. However, sediment concentrations were highly correlated with the tidal cycle at both sites. Semidiurnal tidal currents were similar at the two sites, typically ranging from 0 - 50 cm/s in the BBL. Maximum currents exceeded the critical shear stress and measured suspended sediment concentrations increased during the first hours of the tidal cycle when the tide switched to flood tide. Results indicate waves contributed more to sediment mobility at the reference site, while tidal forcing was the dominant factor at the borrow site. The seabed elevation data corraborates these results as active migrating ripples of 10 cm were measured at the reference site, while changes in seabed elevation at the borrow site were more gradual with approximately 30 cm of net accretion throughout the study.

Linking channel hydrology with riparian wetland accretion in tidal rivers

USGS Publications Warehouse

Ensign, Scott H.; Noe, Gregory B.; Hupp, Cliff R.

2014-01-01

The hydrologic processes by which tide affects river channel and riparian morphology within the tidal freshwater zone are poorly understood, yet are fundamental to predicting the fate of coastal rivers and wetlands as sea level rises. We investigated patterns of sediment accretion in riparian wetlands along the non-tidal through oligohaline portion of two coastal plain rivers in Maryland, U.S.A., and how flow velocity, water level, and suspended sediment concentration (SSC) in the channel may have contributed to those patterns. Sediment accretion was measured over a one year period using artificial marker horizons, channel hydrology was measured over a one month period using acoustic Doppler current profilers, and SSC was predicted from acoustic backscatter. Riparian sediment accretion was lowest at the non-tidal sites (mean and standard deviation = 8 ± 8 mm yr-1), highest at the upstream tidal freshwater forested wetlands (TFFW) (33 ± 28 mm yr-1), low at the midstream TFFW (12 ± 9 mm yr-1), and high at the oligohaline (fresh-to-brackish) marshes (19 ± 8 mm yr-1). Channel maximum flood and ebb velocity was 2-fold faster at the oligohaline than tidal freshwater zone on both tidal rivers, corresponding with the differences in in-channel SSC: the oligohaline zone's SSC was more than double the tidal freshwater zone's, and was greater than historical SSC at the non-tidal gages. The tidal wave characteristics differed between rivers, leading to significantly greater in-channel SSC during floodplain inundation in the weakly convergent than the strongly convergent tidal river. Overall sediment accretion was higher in the embayed river likely due to a single storm discharge and associated sedimentation.

Combined impacts of tidal energy extraction and sea level rise in the Gulf of Maine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hashemi, M. R.; Kresning, B.

2016-12-01

The objective of this study was to assess the combined effects of SLR and tidal energy extraction on the dynamics of tides in the Gulf of Maine in both US and Canadian waters. The dynamics of tides in the Gulf of Maine is dominated by tidal resonance, which generates one of the largest tidal ranges in the world. Further, sea level rise (SLR) is affecting tidal circulations globally, and in the Gulf of Maine. A large tidal energy resource is available in the Gulf of Maine, particularly in the Bay of Fundy, and is expected to be harvested in the future. Currently, more than 6 projects are operational or under development in this region (in both US and Canadian waters). Understanding the far-field impacts of tidal-stream arrays is important for future development of tidal energy extraction. The impacts include possible changes in water elevation, which can potentially increase flooding in coastal areas. Further, SLR can affect tidal energy resources and the impacts of tidal energy extraction during the project lifetime - which is usually more than 25 years. A tidal model of the Gulf of Maine was developed using Regional Ocean Model System (ROMS) at one arcminute scale. An array of turbines were simulated in the model. After validation of the model at NOAA tidal gauge stations and NERACOOS buoys, several scenarios; including SLR scenario, and tidal extraction scenario, were examined. In particular, the results of a recent research was used to assess the impacts of SLR on the boundary of the model domain, which was neglected in previous studies. The results of the impacts of the tidal energy extraction with and without the SLR were presented, and compared with those from literature. This includes the decrease of tidal range and M2 amplitude in Minas Basin due to the 2.5 GW extraction scenario, and possible changes in Massachusetts coastal area. The impacts were compared with the level of uncertainty in the model. It was shown that the impact of SLR on the dynamics of tides is more than those from energy extraction assuming 2.5 GW extraction in Minas Passage.

Sediment Dynamics in Shallow Tidal Landscapes: The Role of Wind Waves and Tidal Currents

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carniello, L.; D'Alpaos, A.

2014-12-01

A precise description of sediment dynamics (resuspension and re-distribution of sediments) is crucial when investigating the long term evolution of the different morphological entities characterizing tidal landscapes. It has been demonstrated that wind waves are the main responsible for sediment resuspension in shallow micro-tidal lagoons where tidal currents, which produce shear stresses large enough to carry sediments into suspension only within the main channels, are mainly responsible for sediment redistribution. A mathematical model has been developed to describe sediment entrainment, transport and deposition due to the combined effect of tidal currents and wind waves in shallow lagoons considering both cohesive and non-cohesive sediments. The model was calibrated and tested using both in situ point observations and turbidity maps obtained analyzing satellite images. Once calibrated the model can integrate the high temporal resolution of point observations with the high spatial resolution of remote sensing, overcoming the intrinsic limitation of these two types of observations. The model was applied to the specific test case of the Venice lagoon simulating an entire year (2005) which was shown to be a "representative" year for wind and tide characteristics. The time evolution of the computed total bottom shear stresses (BSS) and suspended sediment concentration (SSC) was analyzed on the basis of a "Peaks Over Threshold" method once a critical value for shear stress and turbidity were chosen. The analyses of the numerical results enabled us to demonstrate that resuspension events can be modeled as marked Poisson processes: interarrival time, intensity of peak excesses and duration being exponentially distributed random variable. The probability distributions of the interarrival time of overthreshold exceedances in both BSS and SSC as well as their intensity and duration can be used in long-term morphodynamic studies to generate synthetic series statistically equivalent to real sequences through which MonteCarlo realizations of relevant morphological evolutions can be computed.

Fine-scale hydrodynamics influence the spatio-temporal distribution of harbour porpoises at a coastal hotspot

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jones, A. R.; Hosegood, P.; Wynn, R. B.; De Boer, M. N.; Butler-Cowdry, S.; Embling, C. B.

2014-11-01

The coastal Runnelstone Reef, off southwest Cornwall (UK), is characterised by complex topography and strong tidal flows and is a known high-density site for harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena); a European protected species. Using a multidisciplinary dataset including: porpoise sightings from a multi-year land-based survey, Acoustic Doppler Current Profiling (ADCP), vertical profiling of water properties and high-resolution bathymetry; we investigate how interactions between tidal flow and topography drive the fine-scale porpoise spatio-temporal distribution at the site. Porpoise sightings were distributed non-uniformly within the survey area with highest sighting density recorded in areas with steep slopes and moderate depths. Greater numbers of sightings were recorded during strong westward (ebbing) tidal flows compared to strong eastward (flooding) flows and slack water periods. ADCP and Conductivity Temperature Depth (CTD) data identified fine-scale hydrodynamic features, associated with cross-reef tidal flows in the sections of the survey area with the highest recorded densities of porpoises. We observed layered, vertically sheared flows that were susceptible to the generation of turbulence by shear instability. Additionally, the intense, oscillatory near surface currents led to hydraulically controlled flow that transitioned from subcritical to supercritical conditions; indicating that highly turbulent and energetic hydraulic jumps were generated along the eastern and western slopes of the reef. The depression and release of isopycnals in the lee of the reef during cross-reef flows revealed that the flow released lee waves during upslope currents at specific phases of the tidal cycle when the highest sighting rates were recorded. The results of this unique, fine-scale field study provide new insights into specific hydrodynamic features, produced through tidal forcing, that may be important for creating predictable foraging opportunities for porpoises at a local scale. Information on the functional mechanisms linking porpoise distribution to static and dynamic physical habitat variables is extremely valuable to the monitoring and management of the species within the context of European conservation policies and marine renewable energy infrastructure development.

Effects of physical forcing on COastal ZOoplankton community structure: study of the unusual case of a MEDiterranean ecosystem under strong tidal influence (Project COZOMED-MERMEX)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pagano, Marc

2017-04-01

Groupe COZOMED: R. Arfi (1), A. Atoui (2), H. Ayadi (6), B. Bejaoui (1), N. Bhairy (1), N. Barraj (2), M. Belhassen (2), S. Benismail (2), M.Y Benkacem (2), J. Blanchot (1), M. Cankovic(5), F. Carlotti (1), C. Chevalier (1), I Ciglenecki-Jusic (5), D. Couet (1), N. Daly Yahia (3), L. Dammak (2), J.-L. Devenon (1), Z. Drira (6), A. Hamza (2), S. Kmia (6), N. Makhlouf (3), M. Mahfoudi (2), M. Moncef (4), M. Pagano (1), C. Sammari (2), H. Smeti (2), A. Zouari (2) The COZOMED-MERMEX project aims at understanding how hydrodynamic forcing (currents, tides, winds) combine with anthropogenic forcing and climate to affect the variability of coastal Mediterranean zooplankton communities under contrasting tidal influence. This study includes (i) a zero state of knowledge via a literature review of existing data and (ii) a case study on the system Boughrara lagoon - Gulf of Gabes. This ecosystem gives major services for Tunisia (about 65% of national fish production) but is weakened by its situation in a heavily anthropized area and under influence of urban, industrial and agricultural inputs. Besides this region is subject to specific climate forcing (Sahelian winds, scorching heat, intense evaporation, flooding) which possible changes will be considered. The expected issues are (i) to improve our knowledge of hydrodynamic forcing on zooplankton and ultimately on the functioning of coastal Mediterranean ecosystems impacted by anthropogenic and climatic effects and (ii) to elaborate management tools to help preserving good ecological status of these ecosystems: hydrodynamic circulation model, mapping of isochrones of residence times, mapping of the areas of highest zooplankton abundances (swarms), and sensitive areas, etc. This project strengthens existing scientific collaborations within the MERMEX program (The MerMex Group, 2011) and in the frame of an international joint laboratory (COSYS-Med) created in 2014. A first field mulidisciplinary campaign was performed in October 2016. The strategy combined measurements of sea level and currents (mooring of ADCP, Argonaute and tidal gauges), hydrological description of water masses (horizontal and vertical transect with a Minibat equipped with CTD, fluorescence and turbidity sensors) and discrete sampling of nutrients, DOC, POC, pico, nano, microphytoplankton and mesozooplankton. The first results allow a description of water currents and shows a good coupling between tidal cycles (ebb-flood and spring tide neap tide) and the dynamics of planktonic compartments in the lagoon.

Sediment characteristics and water quality in the two hyper-saline lagoons along the Red Sea coast of Saudi Arabia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rasul, Najeeb; Al-Farawati, Radwan; Al-Harbi, Omer; Naser Qutub, Abdul

2013-04-01

The two hyper-saline Shoaiba lagoons, Khawr ash Shaibah al Masdudah (northern lagoon) and Khawr ash Shaibah al Maftuhah (southern lagoon) have a unique environmental set-up because no rivers or wadis flow into the lagoons and therefore detrital material to the lagoons is lacking and most of the sediments are indigenous carbonates. The biogenic material is mostly derived from coral debris, coralline algae and molluscs abundant in gravel and sand size fractions. The evaporite deposits from the adjoining sabkhas are transported to the lagoon during tidal cycles. Carbonate is abundant in the form of aragonite and High Mg-calcite indicating carbonate to be recent and formed under shallow water conditions. In general, the sediments are the result of the mechanical breakdown of molluscs and coral reefs by either human activity or by coral boring marine organisms and physical processes such as tidal and wind generated currents. Strong currents dominate only the deeper part at the entrance of the lagoons that causes the winnowing of the finer sediments, and its transportation during flooding and ebbing. Shallow depths averaging 3 m, wind and tidal stirring are the main forces preventing the lagoons from developing stratification resulting in a well-mixed body of water. The shallow depth of the lagoons keep the turbidity levels higher, whereas salinity as high as 52 ‰ and water temperature as high as 38 °C helps in the formation of halite at the periphery. The cyclical inundation of sabkhas by a thin sheet of water during tidal cycles is important in understanding the ecological consequence. Mangrove stands in the lagoons act as a source of nutrients to the flora and fauna inhabiting the lagoons. The configurations of the mouth of the lagoons influence the tidal currents, including the sediment and water movement. The tidal current is enhanced as it enters the lagoons, in response to the funneling effect caused by the narrow channel. The current diffuses as the entrance widens. In the case of Khawr ash Shaibah al Masdudah the mouth is wide and it faces the open sea directly, whereas the mouth of Khawr ash Shaibah al Maftuhah, although narrower, the tidal current is only strong until the channel to the lagoon bends almost 90° where the tidal current dissipates, resulting in the restricted water and sediment movement in the lagoon. The coarser sediments are stained gray-black because of a reducing environment and formation of authigenic pyrite. Stagnant condition prevails inside the lagoons because of insufficient exchange of water with the open sea and lack of rainfall causes hyper-saline conditions. Higher salinity values were evident in the shallow waters, whereas oxygen saturation ranged between 77 % (southern lagoon) and 107 % (northern lagoon) which could be attributed to the complex nature of the southern lagoon. Reactive phosphate and nitrite concentrations in the surface waters were low and in many locations under the detection limit reflecting the oligotrophic behaviour of the Red Sea and limited supply of nutrients from adjacent areas. There is an abundant presence of trace metals especially in fine sediments that has the tendency to adsorb the metals more efficiently. There is an inverse correlation between heavy metals and carbonate content in the sediments, and much stronger particularly with Cr, V and Co. The Landsat ETM identifies two depth zones in the lagoons and shows the effects of the influence of flooding and ebbing on the sediment distribution and the extent of the water cover seasonally.

Tidal Energy Available for Deep Ocean Mixing: Bounds from Altimetry Data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Egbert, Gary D.; Ray, Richard D.

1999-01-01

Maintenance of the large-scale thermohaline circulation has long presented a problem to oceanographers. Observed mixing rates in the pelagic ocean are an order of magnitude too small to balance the rate at which dense bottom water is created at high latitudes. Recent observational and theoretical work suggests that much of this mixing may occur in hot spots near areas of rough topography (e.g., mid-ocean ridges and island arcs). Barotropic tidal currents provide a very plausible source of energy to maintain these mixing processes. Topex/Poseidon (T/P) satellite altimetry data have made precise mapping of open ocean tidal elevations possible for the first time. We can thus obtain empirical, spatially localized, estimates of barotropic tidal dissipation. These provide an upper bound on the amount of tidal energy that is dissipated in the deep ocean, and hence is available for deep mixing. We will present and compare maps of open ocean tidal energy flux divergence, and estimates of tidal energy flux into shallow seas, derived from T/P altimetry data using both formal data assimilation methods and empirical approaches. With the data assimilation methods we can place formal error bars on the fluxes. Our results show that 20-25% of tidal energy dissipation occurs outside of the shallow seas, the traditional sink for tidal energy. This suggests that up to 1 TW of energy may be available from the tides (lunar and solar) for mixing the deep ocean. The dissipation indeed appears to be concentrated over areas of rough topography.

Tidal Energy Available for Deep Ocean Mixing: Bounds From Altimetry Data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Egbert, Gary D.; Ray, Richard D.

1999-01-01

Maintenance of the large-scale thermohaline circulation has long presented a problem to oceanographers. Observed mixing rates in the pelagic ocean are an order of magnitude too small to balance the rate at which dense bottom water is created at high latitudes. Recent observational and theoretical work suggests that much of this mixing may occur in hot spots near areas of rough topography (e.g., mid-ocean ridges and island arcs). Barotropic tidal currents provide a very plausible source of energy to maintain these mixing processes. Topex/Poseidon satellite altimetry data have made precise mapping of open ocean tidal elevations possible for the first time. We can thus obtain empirical, spatially localized, estimates of barotropic tidal dissipation. These provide an upper bound on the amount of tidal energy that is dissipated in the deep ocean, and hence is available for deep mixing. We will present and compare maps of open ocean tidal energy flux divergence, and estimates of tidal energy flux into shallow seas, derived from T/P altimetry data using both formal data assimilation methods and empirical approaches. With the data assimilation methods we can place formal error bars on the fluxes. Our results show that 20-25% of tidal energy dissipation occurs outside of the shallow seas, the traditional sink for tidal energy. This suggests that up to 1 TW of energy may be available from the tides (lunar and solar) for mixing the deep ocean. The dissipation indeed appears to be concentrated over areas of rough topography.

Tidal Energy Available for Deep Ocean Mixing: Bounds from Altimetry Data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ray, Richard D.; Egbert, Gary D.

1999-01-01

Maintenance of the large-scale thermohaline circulation has long presented an interesting problem. Observed mixing rates in the pelagic ocean are an order of magnitude too small to balance the rate at which dense bottom water is created at high latitudes. Recent observational and theoretical work suggests that much of this mixing may occur in hot spots near areas of rough topography (e.g., mid-ocean ridges and island arcs). Barotropic tidal currents provide a very plausible source of energy to maintain these mixing processes. Topex/Poseidon satellite altimetry data have made precise mapping of open ocean tidal elevations possible for the first time. We can thus obtain empirical, spatially localized, estimates of barotropic tidal dissipation. These provide an upper bound on the amount of tidal energy that is dissipated in the deep ocean, and hence is available for deep mixing. We will present and compare maps of open ocean tidal energy flux divergence, and estimates of tidal energy flux into shallow seas, derived from T/P altimetry data using both formal data assimilation methods and empirical approaches. With the data assimilation methods we can place formal error bars on the fluxes. Our results show that 20-25% of tidal energy dissipation occurs outside of the shallow seas, the traditional sink for tidal energy. This suggests that up to 1 TW of energy may be available from the tides (lunar and solar) for mixing the deep ocean. The dissipation indeed appears to be concentrated over areas of rough topography.

Multiple Stellar Flybys Sculpting the Circumstellar Architecture in RW Aurigae

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rodriguez, Joseph E.; Loomis, Ryan; Cabrit, Sylvie; Haworth, Thomas J.; Facchini, Stefano; Dougados, Catherine; Booth, Richard A.; Jensen, Eric L. N.; Clarke, Cathie J.; Stassun, Keivan G.; Dent, William R. F.; Pety, Jérôme

2018-06-01

We present high-resolution ALMA Band 6 and 7 observations of the tidally disrupted protoplanetary disks of the RW Aurigae binary. Our observations reveal tidal streams in addition to the previously observed tidal arm around RW Aur A. The observed configuration of tidal streams surrounding RW Aur A and B is incompatible with a single star–disk tidal encounter, suggesting that the RW Aurigae system has undergone multiple flyby interactions. We also resolve the circumstellar disks around RW Aur A and B, with CO radii of 58 au and 38 au consistent with tidal truncation, and 2.5 times smaller dust emission radii. The disks appear misaligned by 12° or 57°. Using new photometric observations from the American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO) and the All Sky Automated Survey for SuperNovae (ASAS-SN) archives, we have also identified an additional dimming event of the primary that began in late 2017 and is currently ongoing. With over a century of photometric observations, we are beginning to explore the same spatial scales as ALMA.

The effect of bottom friction on tidal dipolar vortices and the associated transport

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Duran-Matute, Matias; Kamp, Leon; van Heijst, Gertjan

2016-11-01

Tidal dipolar vortices can be formed in a semi-enclosed basin as the tides flow in and out through an inlet. If they are strong enough to overcome the opposing tidal currents, these vortices can travel away from the inlet due to their self-propelling mechanism, and hence, act as an efficient transport agent for suspended material. We present results of two-dimensional numerical simulations of the flow through an idealized tidal inlet, with either a linear or a nonlinear parameterization of the bottom friction. We then quantify the effect of the bottom friction on the propagation of the dipolar vortex and on its ability as a transport agent by computing the flushing and residence times of passive particles. Bottom friction is detrimental to the ability of tidal dipolar vortices to propagate and hinders transport away from the inlet. The magnitude of this effect is related to the relative duration of the tidal period as compared to the typical decay time scale of the vortex dipole. This research is funded by NWO (the Netherlands) through the VENI Grant 863.13.022.

FINITE ELEMENT MODEL FOR TIDES AND CURRENTS WITH FIELD APPLICATIONS.

USGS Publications Warehouse

Walters, Roy A.

1988-01-01

A finite element model, based upon the shallow water equations, is used to calculate tidal amplitudes and currents for two field-scale test problems. Because tides are characterized by line spectra, the governing equations are subjected to harmonic decomposition. Thus the solution variables are the real and imaginary parts of the amplitude of sea level and velocity rather than a time series of these variables. The time series is recovered through synthesis. This scheme, coupled with a modified form of the governing equations, leads to high computational efficiency and freedom from excessive numerical noise. Two test-cases are presented. The first is a solution for eleven tidal constituents in the English Channel and southern North Sea, and three constituents are discussed. The second is an analysis of the frequency response and tidal harmonics for south San Francisco Bay.

Internal waves in the Gulf of California - Observations from a spaceborne radar

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fu, L.-L.; Holt, B.

1984-01-01

Pronounced signatures of internal waves were detected repeatedly in the Gulf of California by the Seasat synthetic aperture radar (SAR). A series of nine images with exactly repeating ground coverage was used to study the temporal variability of the internal wave field in the area. It was found that the number of observed wave groups was highly correlated with the strength of the local tides: the maximum number occurred during spring tides and the minimum number occurred during neap tides, indicating that the internal waves were tidally forced. Most of the wave activity was found to the north of 28 deg N where the tides were the strongest in the Gulf. The application of a simple, nonlinear internal wave model to the observations indicated that the peak-to-peak amplitude of the observed waves was about 50 m with an uncertainty of a factor of 2. The estimated upper bound for the rate of the loss of tidal energy to internal waves was about 5 x 10 to the 15th erg/s, representing only 10 percent of the rate of the dissipation of the dominant M2 tide in the Gulf.

Evolution and Reduction of Scour around Offshore Wind Turbines

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McGovern, David; Ilic, Suzana

2010-05-01

Evolution and Reduction of Scour around Offshore Wind Turbines In response to growing socio-economic and environmental demands, electricity generation through offshore wind turbine farms is a fast growing sector of the renewable energy market. Considerable numbers of offshore wind farms exist in the shallow continental shelf seas of the North-West Europe, with many more in the planning stages. Wind energy is harnessed by large rotating blades that drive an electricity generating turbine placed on top of a long cylindrical monopile that are driven into the sea-bed, well into the bed rock below the sediment. Offshore wind turbines are popular due to consistently higher wind speeds and lower visual impact than their onshore counter parts, but their construction and maintenance is not without its difficulties. The alteration of flow by the presence of the wind turbine monopile results in changes in sedimentary processes and morphology at its base. The increase in flow velocity and turbulence causes an amplification of bed shear stress and this can result in the creation of a large scour hole at the monopile base. Such a scour hole can adversely affect the structural integrity and hence longevity of the monopile. Changes to the sea bed caused by this may also locally affect the benthic habitat. We conducted an extensive series of rigid and mobile bed experiments to examine the process of scour under tidal currents. We also test the effectiveness of a flow-altering collared monopile in reducing scour. Firstly, we used Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) and Acoustic Doppler Velocimetry (ADV) to visualise and analyse the flow and turbulence properties in the local flow around the monopile and collared monopile over a smooth rigid bed under tidal flow. The measured flow, turbulence and shear stress properties are related to mobile bed tests where a Seatek 5 MHz Ultrasonic Ranging system is used to identify the evolution of scour under reversing tidal currents. The tidal evolution of the scour hole around the monopile is compared with that under unidirectional currents and that around the collared monopile. Results show that the evolution of scour under tidal currents is quite different than that of a unidirectional current and that the scour hole shape is also more symmetrical than the scour hole under a unidirectional current, which is quite asymmetrical. Results also indicate that the collared monopile design is effective in reducing the depth of scour that occurs at its base. This data will also be used for a validation of the numerical model of scour processes around the pile. Key words: Monopile, Scour, Tidal Flow, Scour Reduction

Modeling the tides of Massachusetts and Cape Cod Bays

USGS Publications Warehouse

Jenter, H.L.; Signell, R.P.; Blumberg, A.F.; ,

1993-01-01

A time-dependent, three-dimensional numerical modeling study of the tides of Massachusetts and Cape Code Bays, motivated by construction of a new sewage treatment plant and ocean outfall for the city of Boston, has been undertaken by the authors. The numerical model being used is a hybrid version of the Blumberg and Mellor ECOM3D model, modified to include a semi-implicit time-stepping scheme and transport of a non-reactive dissolved constituent. Tides in the bays are dominated by the semi-diurnal frequencies, in particular by the M2 tide, due to the resonance of these frequencies in the Gulf of Maine. The numerical model reproduces, well, measured tidal ellipses in unstratified wintertime conditions. Stratified conditions present more of a problem because tidal-frequency internal wave generation and propagation significantly complicates the structure of the resulting tidal field. Nonetheless, the numerical model reproduces qualitative aspects of the stratified tidal flow that are consistent with observations in the bays.

Tides and Modern Geodesy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ray, Richard D.; Chao, Benjamin F. (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

In modem high-precision geodesy, and especially in modem space geodesy, every measurement that one makes contains tidal signals. Generally these signals are considered noise and must somehow be eliminated. The stringent requirements of the latest space geodetic missions place severe demands on tidal models. On the other hand, these missions provide the strongest data for improving tidal models. In particular, TOPEX/POSEIDON altimetry and LAGEOS laser ranging have improved models to such an extent that new geophysical information about the ocean and the solid Earth are coming to light. Presumably GRACE intersatellite ranging data will also add to this information. This paper discusses several of these new geophysical results, with special emphasis given to the dissipation of tidal energy. Strong constraints have recently been placed on the partitioning of energy dissipation among the ocean, atmosphere, and solid earth and between the deep and shallow ocean. The dissipation in deep water is associated with internal tides and has potentially important implications for understanding the ocean's thermohaline circulation.

Dissipation in a tidally perturbed body librating in longitude

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Efroimsky, Michael

2018-05-01

Internal dissipation in a tidally perturbed librating body differs in several respects from the tidal dissipation in a steadily spinning rotator. First, libration changes the spectral distribution of tidal damping across the tidal modes, as compared to the case of steady spin. This changes both the tidal heating rate and the tidal torque. Second, while a non-librating rotator experiences alternating deformation only due to the potential force exerted on it by the perturber, a librating body is also subject to a toroidal force proportional to the angular acceleration. Third, while the centrifugal force in a steadily spinning body renders only a permanent deformation (which defines the oblateness when the body cools down), in a librating body this force contains two alternating components-one purely radial, another a degree-2 potential force. Both contribute to heating, as well as to the tidal torque and potential (and, thereby, to the orbital evolution). We develop a formalism needed to describe dissipation in a homogeneous terrestrial body performing small-amplitude libration in longitude. This formalism incorporates as its part a linear rheological law defining the response of the rotator's material to forcing. While the developed formalism can work with an arbitrary linear rheology, we consider a simple example of a Maxwell material. We demonstrate that, independent of the rheology, forced libration in longitude can provide a considerable and even leading-and sometimes overwhelming-input in the tidal heating. Based on the observed parameters, this input amounts to 52% in Phobos, 33% in Mimas, 23% in Enceladus, and 96% in Epimetheus. This supports the hypothesis by Makarov and Efroimsky (2014) that the additional tidal damping due to forced libration may have participated in the early heating up of some of the large moons. As one possibility, such a moon could have been chipped by collisions-whereby it acquired a higher permanent triaxiality and, therefore, a higher forced-libration magnitude and, consequently, a higher heating rate. After the moon warms up, its permanent triaxiality decreases, and so does the tidal heating rate.

Characterization of the velocity anisotropy of accreted globular clusters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bianchini, P.; Sills, A.; Miholics, M.

2017-10-01

Galactic globular clusters (GCs) are believed to have formed in situ in the Galaxy as well as in dwarf galaxies later accreted on to the Milky Way. However, to date, there is no unambiguous signature to distinguish accreted GCs. Using specifically designed N-body simulations of GCs evolving in a variety of time-dependent tidal fields (describing the potential of a dwarf galaxy-Milky Way merger), we analyse the effects imprinted on the internal kinematics of an accreted GC. In particular, we look at the evolution of the velocity anisotropy. Our simulations show that at early phases, the velocity anisotropy is determined by the tidal field of the dwarf galaxy and subsequently the clusters will adapt to the new tidal environment, losing any signature of their original environment in a few relaxation times. At 10 Gyr, GCs exhibit a variety of velocity anisotropy profiles, namely, isotropic velocity distribution in the inner regions and either isotropy or radial/tangential anisotropy in the intermediate and outer regions. Independent of an accreted origin, the velocity anisotropy primarily depends on the strength of the tidal field cumulatively experienced by a cluster. Tangentially anisotropic clusters correspond to systems that have experienced stronger tidal fields and are characterized by higher tidal filling factor, r50/rj ≳ 0.17, higher mass-loss ≳ 60 per cent and relaxation times trel ≲ 109 Gyr. Interestingly, we demonstrate that the presence of tidal tails can significantly contaminate the measurements of velocity anisotropy when a cluster is observed in projection. Our characterization of the velocity anisotropy profiles in different tidal environments provides a theoretical benchmark for the interpretation of the unprecedented amount of three-dimensional kinematic data progressively available for Galactic GCs.

The effect of lagoons on Adriatic Sea tidal dynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ferrarin, Christian; Maicu, Francesco; Umgiesser, Georg

2017-11-01

In this study the effects that lagoons exert on the barotropic tidal dynamics of a regional sea, the Adriatic Sea, were numerically explored. This semi-enclosed basin is one of the places with the highest tidal range in the Mediterranean Sea and is characterised by the presence of several lagoons in its northern part. The tidal dynamics of a system comprising the whole Adriatic Sea and the lagoons of Venice, Marano-Grado and Po Delta were investigated using an unstructured hydrodynamic model. Numerical experiments with and without lagoons reveal that even if the considered shallow water bodies represent only the 0.5 and 0.002% of the Adriatic Sea surface and volume, respectively, they significantly affect the entire Northern Adriatic Sea tidal dynamics by enhancing tidal range (by 5%) and currents (by 10%). The inclusion of lagoons in the computation improved the model performance by 25% in reproducing tidal constituents in the Adriatic Sea. The back-effect of the lagoons on the open-sea tide is due to the waves radiating from the co-oscillating lagoons into the adjacent sea. This is the first time these processes are shown to be relevant for the Adriatic Sea, thus enhancing the understanding of the tidal dynamics in this regional sea. These findings may also apply to other coastal seas with connections to lagoons, bays and estuaries.

Geology and biology of Oceanographer submarine canyon.

USGS Publications Warehouse

Valentine, P.C.; Uzmann, J.R.; Cooper, R.A.

1980-01-01

Santonian beds more than 100 m thick are the oldest rocks collected from the canyon. Quaternary silty clay veneers the canyon walls in many places and is commonly burrowed by benthic organisms that cause extensive erosion of the canyon walls, especially in the depth zone (100-1300 m) inhabited by the crabs Geryon and Cancer. Bioerosion is minimal on high, near-vertical cliffs of sedimentary rock, in areas of continual sediment movement, and where the sea floor is paved by gravel. A thin layer of rippled, unconsolidated silt and sand is commonly present on the canyon walls and in the axis. Shelf sediments are transported from Georges Bank over the E rim and in the Canyon by the SW drift and storm currents; tidal currents and internal waves move the sediment downcanyon along the walls and axis.- from Authors

77 FR 60429 - Natural Currents Energy Services, LLC; Notice of Preliminary Permit Application Accepted for...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-10-03

... Services, LLC filed an application, pursuant to section 4(f) of the Federal Power Act, proposing to study the feasibility of the Fisher's Island Tidal Energy Project, which would be located on the Long Island...' express permission. The proposed project would consist of: (1) Installation of 50 NC Sea Dragon tidal...

Tidal stripping as a test of satellite quenching in redMaPPer clusters

DOE PAGES

Fang, Yuedong; Clampitt, Joseph; Dalal, Neal; ...

2016-08-24

When dark matter haloes are accreted by massive host clusters, strong gravitational tidal forces begin stripping mass from the accreted subhaloes. This stripping eventually removes all mass beyond a subhalo's tidal radius, with unbound mass remaining in the vicinity of the satellite for at most a dynamical time tdyn. The N-body subhalo study of Chamberlain et al. verified this picture and pointed out a useful observational consequence: correlations between subhaloes beyond the tidal radius are sensitive to the infall time, tinfall, of the subhalo on to its host. We perform this correlation using ~160 000 red satellite galaxies in Sloanmore » Digital Sky Survey redMaPPer clusters and find evidence that subhalo correlations do persist well beyond the tidal radius, suggesting that many of the observed satellites fell into their current host less than a dynamical time ago, tinfall < tdyn. Combined with estimated dynamical times tdyn ~3–5 Gyr and SED fitting results for the time at which satellites stopped forming stars, tquench ~6 Gyr, we infer that for a significant fraction of the satellites, star formation quenched before those satellites entered their current hosts. Finally, the result holds for red satellites over a large range of cluster-centric distances 0.1–0.6 Mpc h –1. We discuss the implications of this result for models of galaxy formation.« less

Tidal stripping as a test of satellite quenching in redMaPPer clusters

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Fang, Yuedong; Clampitt, Joseph; Dalal, Neal

When dark matter haloes are accreted by massive host clusters, strong gravitational tidal forces begin stripping mass from the accreted subhaloes. This stripping eventually removes all mass beyond a subhalo's tidal radius, with unbound mass remaining in the vicinity of the satellite for at most a dynamical time tdyn. The N-body subhalo study of Chamberlain et al. verified this picture and pointed out a useful observational consequence: correlations between subhaloes beyond the tidal radius are sensitive to the infall time, tinfall, of the subhalo on to its host. We perform this correlation using ~160 000 red satellite galaxies in Sloanmore » Digital Sky Survey redMaPPer clusters and find evidence that subhalo correlations do persist well beyond the tidal radius, suggesting that many of the observed satellites fell into their current host less than a dynamical time ago, tinfall < tdyn. Combined with estimated dynamical times tdyn ~3–5 Gyr and SED fitting results for the time at which satellites stopped forming stars, tquench ~6 Gyr, we infer that for a significant fraction of the satellites, star formation quenched before those satellites entered their current hosts. Finally, the result holds for red satellites over a large range of cluster-centric distances 0.1–0.6 Mpc h –1. We discuss the implications of this result for models of galaxy formation.« less

Numerical studies of dispersion due to tidal flow through Moskstraumen, northern Norway

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lynge, Birgit Kjoss; Berntsen, Jarle; Gjevik, Bjørn

2010-08-01

The effect of horizontal grid resolution on the horizontal relative dispersion of particle pairs has been investigated on a short time scale, i.e. one tidal M 2 cycle. Of particular interest is the tidal effect on dispersion and transports in coastal waters where small-scale flow features are important. A three-dimensional ocean model has been applied to simulate the tidal flow through the Moskstraumen Maelstrom outside Lofoten in northern Norway, well known for its strong current and whirlpools (Gjevik et al., Nature 388(6645):837-838, 1997; Moe et al., Cont Shelf Res 22(3):485-504, 2002). Simulations with spatial resolution down to 50 m have been carried out. Lagrangian tracers were passively advected with the flow, and Lyapunov exponents and power law exponents have been calculated to analyse the separation statistics. It is found that the relative dispersion of particles on a short time scale (12-24 h) is very sensitive to the grid size and that the spatial variability is also very large, ranging from 0 to 100 km2 over a distance of 100 m. This means that models for prediction of transport and dispersion of oil spills, fish eggs, sea lice etc. using a single diffusion coefficient will be of limited value, unless the models actually resolves the small-scale eddies of the tidal current.

Channel Capture as a Response to Anthropogenic Modification of a Tidal Landscape: Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna Delta, Southwest Bangladesh

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wilson, C.; Bain, R. L.; Goodbred, S. L., Jr.; Hale, R. P.

2017-12-01

Studies of tidal channel dynamics frequently emphasize "morphologically short" spatial scales (i.e., settings in which the cross-system tidal propagation time is negligible) or idealized single-channel planforms. In contrast, tides in the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna Delta (GBMD) propagate more than 100 kilometers inland from the coast through a network of interconnected tidal estuaries, producing complex hydrodynamic behavior that remains poorly understood. Intense anthropogenic modification of the GBMD landscape further complicates tidally-driven, natural delta surface maintenance. Analyzing this system is particularly urgent given the current trend of rising sea level and its associated impacts on coastal communities.We present results from an ongoing field investigation of tidal waveform interaction and mass exchange between the Pussur and Shibsa Rivers, two large macrotidal estuaries in the southwestern GBMD. In the 1960s, construction of earthen embankments ("polders") eliminated regular tidal inundation for a vast region of the tidal platform, shrinking the Shibsa and Pussur basins by an estimated 1000 km2 and 700 km2, respectively. Conservation of mass predicts that a reduction in tidal basin area will decrease peak flow velocities and induce channel siltation; indeed, 100 km2 of secondary channels at the distal end of the tidal range have partly or fully closed in recent decades. The Pussur is likewise rapidly shoaling, restricting navigational access along a major shipping route. However, discharge and bathymetric datasets indicate that the adjacent Shibsa conveys three to four times more water than the Pussur and is actively scouring its bed, contrary to its predicted response to polder construction. Our field measurements are consistent with an ongoing channel capture event in which the Shibsa floods and drains a progressively greater portion of the former Pussur basin, allowing the Shibsa to widen and deepen despite the regional trend of channel abandonment. These observations suggest that natural or anthropogenic changes to a tidal basin can drive rapid morphological adjustment of these typically-stable tidal channel systems.

Tidal currents and bedload transport at the mouth of a rock-bound estuary during low river discharge conditions (Guadiana Estuary, Portugal)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Garel, E.; Pacheco, A.; Ferreira, Ó.

2009-04-01

The present study documents the poorly-described hydro-sediment dynamics of narrow bedrock-controlled estuaries during periods of low-river discharge. The results also contribute to assess the geomorphological evolution of these systems, when affected by drastic flow regulation. The Guadiana Estuary is a narrow rock-bound mesotidal estuary, 80 km in length, located at the southern border between Spain and Portugal. Until recently, the river inputs to the estuary displayed high (annual and seasonal) variability, characterized by periods of droughts, and episodic flood events with (monthly-averaged) fluvial discharge as high as 5,000 m3s-1 (160 m3s-1 in average, for the period 1947/2001). This pattern has ceased in February 2002, with the impoundment of the main river by the large Alqueva dam, 60 km upstream from the estuary head. At present, the daily-averaged river discharge is generally kept low throughout the year (< 50 m3s-1). In the absence of significant flood events to expel massively sediment out of the estuary, concerns have been raised about sand infilling at the mouth and increased erosion at the adjacent coastline. For the assessment of the sediment balance of the estuary under present hydrodynamic conditions, this study examines the tidal currents and bedload transport at the entrance of the estuarine channel. Current measurement transects were performed across the 600 m-wide channel entrance using a ship borne Acoustic Doppler Profiler (ADP, operating at 1.5 MHz frequency) during 2 entire tidal cycles, at spring (17 September 2008, 3.0 m tidal range) and at neap tide (21 October 2008, 1.6 m tidal range). Surficial sediment samples were also collected across the channel during the spring tidal cycle. The bed sediment consists of well-sorted medium sand with mean grain size ranging from 0.5 to 0.3 mm (with coarser material at the deepest part of the channel cross-section). Tidal currents were analysed along 6 sub-sections to take into account these grain size variations. The friction velocity and bed shear stress were computed based on the mean depth-averaged velocities of each sub-sections and considering a power law vertical velocity profile. The transport rate of sand was then estimated using Nielsen (1992) formula for bedload transport. The transport of sand in suspension was not considered in the study, as the skin friction velocities were lesser than the estimated settling velocities of the grains. Maximum velocity values (about 1.2 and 0.8 m.s-1 at spring and neap, respectively) were observed near the surface of the deepest sub-section of the channel. The tidal prism was about 1.5 times larger at spring (39x106 m3) than at neap (25x106m3), whereas the fresh water inputs during both tidal cycles were comparatively negligible. Maximum depth-averaged, bed and surface current velocities were ebb-directed at both neap and spring tides, for each of the 6 channel sub-sections. No significant lateral variation of the tidal flow was observed, in relation with the narrowness of the channel. Vertical residual velocity profiles were also directed downstream at both neap and spring tide. At neap, however, the (ebb-directed) residual velocities were slower near the bed and faster near the surface, when compared to the spring tide. These differences were induced by the reinforcement of the estuarine circulation, in relation with enhanced stratified conditions during neap periods (weak currents and reduced mixing). The net bedload transport of sand was also directed downstream for all channel sub-sections. The transport rates of the entire channel were estimated to be of about 30 and 10 m3 for the spring and neap tidal cycles, respectively. Extrapolation of these extreme (i.e. neap and spring) rates yielded a potential seaward export of sand of approximately 15,000 m3yr-1. This study suggests that the Guadiana estuary departs from typical estuaries where landward net transport of sediment is generally described. The outputs of the study are important with respect to the long-term (decades) geomorphological evolution and sustainable management of the estuary mouth and adjacent coastline.

The San Juan Delta, Colombia: tides, circulations, and salt dispersion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Restrepo, Juan D.; Kjerfve, Björn

2002-05-01

The San Juan River delta (Colombia) with an area of 800 km 2 is the largest delta environment on the Pacific coast of South America. It consists of active distributaries maintained by an average discharge of 2500 m 3 s -1, is tide dominated, and has relatively narrow estuarine mixing zones <17 km wide and typically ˜7 km wide. Water level and current time series in two distributary mouths indicate that the tide is semidiurnal with a form number 0.1-0.2 and a mean range of 3 m. Processes at tidal frequencies explain 75-95% of the water level variability with the remaining low-frequency variability attributed to meteorological forcing and river processes. The tidal phase for the main diurnal and semidiurnal constituents progress from north to south along the coast. Only the southernmost distributary experiences significant tidal asymmetry as a result of strong river discharge and shallow depths. In the northernmost distributary, shallow water constituents are insignificant. Tidal currents were more semidiurnal than the water level, with form number 0.09-0.13. Tidal ellipses indicated that currents were aligned with the channels and mean amplitudes <1 m s -1. In the delta distributaries, circulation modes varied from seaward flow at all depths during intermediate runoff conditions to gravitational circulation during rising and high discharge periods. In San Juan and Chavica distributaries, the currents were ebb-directed, while in Charambirá they were flood-directed. The circulation appears to be controlled by the morphology of the distributaries, which were weakly stratified and only sometimes moderately stratified. The net salt transport was directed seaward in San Juan and Charambirá, and landward at Chavica, indicating an imbalance in the salt budget, and signifying non-steady state behavior. The net longitudinal salt flux in the San Juan delta is largely a balance between ebb-directed advective flux, and flood-directed tidal sloshing. Along the distributary channels, fringing vegetation is controlled by freshwater discharge, longitudinal distribution of salinity, and morphology. In the most active distributaries, Chavica and San Juan, the vegetation setting is strongly shaped by the short estuarine zone, and mangroves only occur 5 km upstream of any distributary mouth, whereas in the tide-dominated distributaries, Charambirá and Cacahual, dense mangroves intrude 14 and 17 km upstream, respectively. Also, salt dispersion, tidal intrusion, salinity distribution, and mangrove extent in the San Juan delta agree qualitatively with the productive coastal fishery at the tide-dominated distributaries.

Low Tidal Volume Ventilation in Patients without Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome: A Paradigm Shift in Mechanical Ventilation

PubMed Central

Lipes, Jed; Bojmehrani, Azadeh; Lellouche, Francois

2012-01-01

Protective ventilation with low tidal volume has been shown to reduce morbidity and mortality in patients suffering from acute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Low tidal volume ventilation is associated with particular clinical challenges and is therefore often underutilized as a therapeutic option in clinical practice. Despite some potential difficulties, data have been published examining the application of protective ventilation in patients without lung injury. We will briefly review the physiologic rationale for low tidal volume ventilation and explore the current evidence for protective ventilation in patients without lung injury. In addition, we will explore some of the potential reasons for its underuse and provide strategies to overcome some of the associated clinical challenges. PMID:22536499

Hydrodynamic and transport responses to land reclamation in different areas of semi-enclosed subtropical bay

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Ye; Chui, Ting Fong May

2017-07-01

Many coastal areas worldwide have been reclaimed to meet the increasing land demand. Understanding the effects of land reclamation on the hydrodynamics and transport processes of a semi-enclosed bay is therefore of significance. From a case study of Deep Bay (DB) in China and referring to idealized bay models, the effects of two types of land reclamation, one that narrows the bay mouth and another that reduces the water area inside the bay, were examined in this study. Simulation results of idealized models show that the current velocity at the bay mouth and the incoming tidal energy flux are negatively correlated with the width of bay mouth, as the tidal prism remains almost constant when the bay mouth width reduces. The bay mouth width reduction would also increase the tidal energy dissipation inside of the bay due to friction increase. In DB, a 30% reduction in the mouth width increased the bay mouth current velocity by up to 5% and the total incoming energy flux by 18%. The narrowed bay mouth also substantially changed the bay's vertical structure of salinity, increasing the stratification strength by 1.7×10-4 s-2. For reductions in the water surface area in the head of the bay, results from idealized bay simulations show that the current velocity throughout the bay, the incoming tidal energy flux, and salinity at the inner bay all decrease with water area reduction. Reclaiming 14% of area in DB, the current velocity reduced by 9% at the bay mouth, but increased in the middle and inner parts. The incoming tidal energy flux also increased as the coastline became more streamlined after reclamation, and the salinity at inner bay decreased. Both reclamation types have substantially altered the water and salt transport processes and increased the water exchange ability of the bay with the adjacent sea.

Numerical modelling of organic waste dispersion from fjord located fish farms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ali, Alfatih; Thiem, Øyvind; Berntsen, Jarle

2011-07-01

In this study, a three-dimensional particle tracking model coupled to a terrain following ocean model is used to investigate the dispersion and the deposition of fish farm particulate matter (uneaten food and fish faeces) on the seabed due to tidal currents. The particle tracking model uses the computed local flow field for advection of the particles and random movement to simulate the turbulent diffusion. Each particle is given a settling velocity which may be drawn from a probability distribution according to settling velocity measurements of faecal and feed pellets. The results show that the maximum concentration of organic waste for fast sinking particles is found under the fish cage and continue monotonically decreasing away from the cage area. The maximum can split into two maximum peaks located at both sides of the centre of the fish cage area in the current direction. This process depends on the sinking time (time needed for a particle to settle at the bottom), the tidal velocity and the fish cage size. If the sinking time is close to a multiple of the tidal period, the maximum concentration point will be under the fish cage irrespective of the tide strength. This is due to the nature of the tidal current first propagating the particles away and then bringing them back when the tide reverses. Increasing the cage size increases the likelihood for a maximum waste accumulation beneath the fish farm, and larger farms usually means larger biomasses which can make the local pollution even more severe. The model is validated by using an analytical model which uses an exact harmonic representation of the tidal current, and the results show an excellent agreement. This study shows that the coupled ocean and particle model can be used in more realistic applications to help estimating the local environmental impact due to fish farms.

Organic geochemistry in Pennsylvanian tidally influenced sediments from SW Indiana

USGS Publications Warehouse

Mastalerz, Maria; Kvale, E.P.; Stankiewicz, B.A.; Portle, K.

1999-01-01

Tidal rhythmites are vertically stacked small-scale sedimentary structures that record daily variations in tidal current energy and are known to overlie some low-sulfur coals in the Illinois Basin. Tidal rhythmites from the Pennsylvanian Brazil Formation in Indiana have been analyzed sedimentologically, petrographically, and geochemically in order to understand the character and distribution of organic matter (OM) preserved in an environment of daily interactions between marine and fresh waters. The concentration of organic matter (TOC) ranges from traces to 6.9% and sulfur rarely exceeds 0.1% in individual laminae. Angular vitrinite is the major organic matter type, accounting for 50-90% of total OM. The C/S ratio decreases as the verfical distance from the underlying coal increases. A decreasing C/S ratio coupled with decreases in Pr/Ph, Pr/n-C17, Ph/n-C18 ratios and a shift of carbon isotopic composition towards less negative values suggest an increase in salinity from freshwater in the mudflat tidal rhythmite facies close to the coal to brackish/marine in the sandflat tidal rhythmite facies further above from the coal. Within an interval spanning one year of deposition, TOC and S values show monthly variability. On a daily scale, TOC and S oscillations are still detectable but they are of lower magnitude than on a monthly scale. These small-scale variations are believed to reflect oscillations in water salinity related to tidal cycles.Tidal rhythmites are vertically stacked small-scale sedimentary structures that record daily variations in tidal current energy and are known to overlie some low-sulfur coals in the Illinois Basin. Tidal rhythmites from the Pennsylvanian Brazil Formation in Indiana have been analyzed sedimentologically, petrographically, and geochemically in order to understand the character and distribution of organic matter (OM) preserved in an environment of daily interactions between marine and fresh waters. The concentration of organic matter (TOC) ranges from traces to 6.9% and sulfur rarely exceeds 0.1% in individual laminae. Angular vitrinite is the major organic matter type, accounting for 50-90% of total OM. The C/S ratio decreases as the vertical distance from the underlying coal increases. A decreasing C/S ratio coupled with decreases in Pr/Ph, Pr/n-C17, Ph/n-C18 ratios and a shift of carbon isotopic composition towards less negative values suggest an increase in salinity from freshwater in the mudflat tidal rhythmite facies close to the coal to brackish/marine in the sandflat tidal rhythmite facies further above from the coal. Within an interval spanning one year of deposition, TOC and S values show monthly variability. On a daily scale, TOC and S oscillations are still detectable but they are of lower magnitude than on a monthly scale. These small-scale variations are believed to reflect oscillations in water salinity related to tidal cycles.

Tidal and seasonal effects on transport of pink shrimp postlarvae

USGS Publications Warehouse

Criales, Maria M.; Wang, Jingyuan; Browder, Joan A.; Robblee, M.B.

2005-01-01

Transport simulations were conducted to investigate a large seasonal peak in postlarvae of the pink shrimp Farfantepenaeus duorarum that occurs every summer on the northwestern border of Florida Bay. Daily vertical migration, a known behavior in pink shrimp postlarvae, was assumed in all scenarios investigated. A Lagrangian trajectory model was developed using a current field derived from a 3 yr ADCP (Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler) time series. To fit the estimated planktonic development time of pink shrimp, the model simulated larvae traveling at night over a 30 d period. We investigated 2 types of effects: (1) the effect of mismatch periodicity between tidal constituents and daily migration, and (2) the effect of seasonal changes in night length. The maximum eastward displacement with the semidiurnal lunar tidal constituent (M2) was 4 km, with periods of enhanced transport in both summer and winter. In contrast, eastward displacement with the semidiurnal solar tidal constituent (S2) and the lunisolar diurnal K1 was 65 km and the period of maximum distance occurred in summer every year. Because the periods of S2 and K1 are so close to the 24 h vertical migration period, and the eastward current (flood) of these constituents matches the diel cycle over extended intervals, they can induce strong horizontal transport during summer. Thus, diel vertical migration can interact with the S2 and the K1 tidal constituents and with the annual cycle of night length to produce a distinct annual cycle that may enhance transport of pink shrimp and other coastal species during summer in shallow areas of the Gulf of Mexico. ?? Inter-Research 2005.

Tidal Modulation of Ice-shelf Flow: a Viscous Model of the Ross Ice Shelf

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brunt, Kelly M.; MacAyeal, Douglas R.

2014-01-01

Three stations near the calving front of the Ross Ice Shelf, Antarctica, recorded GPS data through a full spring-neap tidal cycle in November 2005. The data revealed a diurnal horizontal motion that varied both along and transverse to the long-term average velocity direction, similar to tidal signals observed in other ice shelves and ice streams. Based on its periodicity, it was hypothesized that the signal represents a flow response of the Ross Ice Shelf to the diurnal tides of the Ross Sea. To assess the influence of the tide on the ice-shelf motion, two hypotheses were developed. The first addressed the direct response of the ice shelf to tidal forcing, such as forces due to sea-surface slopes or forces due to sub-ice-shelf currents. The second involved the indirect response of ice-shelf flow to the tidal signals observed in the ice streams that source the ice shelf. A finite-element model, based on viscous creep flow, was developed to test these hypotheses, but succeeded only in falsifying both hypotheses, i.e. showing that direct tidal effects produce too small a response, and indirect tidal effects produce a response that is not smooth in time. This nullification suggests that a combination of viscous and elastic deformation is required to explain the observations.

Sedimentation rate and lateral migration of tidal channels in the Lagoon of Venice (Northern Italy)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Donnici, Sandra; Madricardo, Fantina; Serandrei-Barbero, Rossana

2017-11-01

Tidal channels are crucial for the functioning of highly valuable coastal environments, such as estuaries and lagoons. Their properties, however, are currently less understood than those of river systems. To elucidate their past behaviour, an extensive geophysical investigation was performed to reconstruct the evolution of channels and tidal surfaces in the central part of the Lagoon of Venice (Italy) over the past 5000 years. Comparing high-spatial-resolution acoustic data and sedimentary facies analyses of 41 cores, 29 of which were radiocarbon dated, revealed the sedimentation rates in different lagoonal environments and allowed the migration of two large meanders to be reconstructed. The average sedimentation rate of the study succession in the different sedimentary environments was 1.27 mm yr-1. The lateral migration rates were 13-23 m/century. This estimate is consistent with the lateral migration rates determined by comparing aerial photographs of recent channels. Comparing the buried channels with historical and current maps showed that, in general, the number of active channels is now reduced. Their morphology was sometimes simplified by artificial interventions. An understanding of the impact of the artificial interventions over time is useful for the management and conservation of tidal environments, particularly for the Lagoon of Venice, where management authorities are currently debating the possible deepening and rectification of large navigation channels.

Non-Rigid Earth Contributions to the Precession in Longitude and Indirect Effects on Nutations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ferrandiz, J. M.; Escapa, A.; Baenas, T.; Getino, J.

2016-12-01

Precession in longitude is affected by the internal structure of the Earth. Although this effect is small, typically described as of second-order, it must be considered in current precession theories due to the stringent accuracy and consistency requirements. The current IAU2006 precession theory is based on Capitaine at al. (2003, 2005). The influence of the Earth's geophysical model is taken into account in IAU2006 only through a sole contribution, the so-called "non-linear effect" computed by Mathews (2004). In elastic Earth models the contributions are twofold. A main part comes from 2nd order terms of the mathematical solution stemming from crossed influences of certain nutation-rising terms. Only the Hamiltonian theory of the non-rigid Earth has succeeded in deriving a solution for those terms so far, and they were not considered in IAU2006 precession theory. Another contributions are caused by geopotential variations resulting from the tidal deformations of the Earth, or redistribution tidal potential. IAU2006 non-linear effect belongs to this category, although it just represents a partial, simplified approach to the total effect (Lambert & Mathews 2006, 2008). The mass redistribution is induced by the gravitational action of Moon and Sun, but also by the tidal variations of the Earth's angular velocity and the resultant changes of the centrifugal potential. We present a comprehensive study of the contributions to the precession in longitude due to the non-rigidity of the Earth, based on the Hamiltonian formalism developed by Getino and Ferrándiz for a two-layer Earth elastic model. To this end, we recall the achievements made by our group recently (Ferrándiz et al 2016, Baenas et al 2016) and complete them by incorporating the contributions due to the tidal variations of the Earth's angular velocity, as well as anelasticity effects consistent with the IERS Conventions. After that, we compute the total final correction to the precession in longitude due to non-rigid Earth contributions, and the associated change of its dynamical ellipticity. This change entails further corrections of the nutation series, known as indirect (Escapa et al. 2016). Both modifications should be taken into account to improve the accuracy and mutual consistency of the IAU2000 and IAU2006 nutation/precession theories.

Shifting Gravel and the Acoustic Detection Range of Killer Whale Calls

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bassett, C.; Thomson, J. M.; Polagye, B. L.; Wood, J.

2012-12-01

In environments suitable for tidal energy development, strong currents result in large bed stresses that mobilize sediments, producing sediment-generated noise. Sediment-generated noise caused by mobilization events can exceed noise levels attributed to other ambient noise sources at frequencies related to the diameters of the mobilized grains. At a site in Admiralty Inlet, Puget Sound, Washington, one year of ambient noise data (0.02 - 30 kHz) and current velocity data are combined. Peak currents at the site exceed 3.5 m/s. During slack currents, vessel traffic is the dominant noise source. When currents exceed 0.85 m/s noise level increases between 2 kHz and 30 kHz are correlated with near-bed currents and bed stress estimates. Acoustic spectrum levels during strong currents exceed quiescent slack tide conditions by 20 dB or more between 2 and 30 kHz. These frequencies are consistent with sound generated by the mobilization of gravel and pebbles. To investigate the implications of sediment-generated noise for post-installation passive acoustic monitoring of a planned tidal energy project, ambient noise conditions during slack currents and strong currents are combined with the characteristics of Southern Resident killer whale (Orcinus orca) vocalizations and sound propagation modeling. The reduction in detection range is estimated for common vocalizations under different ambient noise conditions. The importance of sediment-generated noise for passive acoustic monitoring at tidal energy sites for different marine mammal functional hearing groups and other sediment compositions are considered.

Measurement of Underwater Operational Noise Emitted by Wave and Tidal Stream Energy Devices.

PubMed

Lepper, Paul A; Robinson, Stephen P

2016-01-01

The increasing international growth in the development of marine and freshwater wave and tidal energy harvesting systems has been followed by a growing requirement to understand any associated underwater impact. Radiated noise generated during operation is dependent on the device's physical properties, the sound-propagation environment, and the device's operational state. Physical properties may include size, distribution in the water column, and mechanics/hydrodynamics. The sound-propagation environment may be influenced by water depth, bathymetry, sediment type, and water column acoustic properties, and operational state may be influenced by tidal cycle and wave height among others This paper discusses some of the challenges for measurement of noise characteristics from these devices as well as a case study of the measurement of radiated noise from a full-scale wave energy converter.

Modelling explicit tides in the Indonesian seas: An important process for surface sea water properties.

PubMed

Nugroho, Dwiyoga; Koch-Larrouy, Ariane; Gaspar, Philippe; Lyard, Florent; Reffray, Guillaume; Tranchant, Benoit

2018-06-01

Very intense internal tides take place in Indonesian seas. They dissipate and affect the vertical distribution of temperature and currents, which in turn influence the survival rates and transports of most planktonic organisms at the base of the whole marine ecosystem. This study uses the INDESO physical model to characterize the internal tides spatio-temporal patterns in the Indonesian Seas. The model reproduced internal tide dissipation in agreement with previous fine structure and microstructure observed in-situ in the sites of generation. The model also produced similar water mass transformation as the previous parameterization of Koch-Larrouy et al. (2007), and show good agreement with observations. The resulting cooling at the surface is 0.3°C, with maxima of 0.8°C at the location of internal tides energy, with stronger cooling in austral winter. The cycle of spring tides and neap tides modulates this impact by 0.1°C to 0.3°C. These results suggest that mixing due to internal tides might also upwell nutrients at the surface at a frequency similar to the tidal frequencies. Implications for biogeochemical modelling are important. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Tidally Heated Terrestrial Exoplanets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Henning, Wade Garrett

This work models the surface and internal temperatures for hypothetical terrestrial planets in situations involving extreme tidal heating. The feasibility of such planets is evaluated in terms of the orbital perturbations that may give rise to them, their required proximity to a hoststar, and the potential for the input tidal heating to cause significant partial melting of the mantle. Trapping terrestrial planets into 2:1 resonances with migrating Hot Jupiters is considered as a reasonable way for Earth-like worlds to both maintain high eccentricities and to move to short enough orbital periods (1-20 days) for extreme tidal heating to occur. Secular resonance and secular orbital perturbations may support moderate tidal heating at a low equilibrium eccentricity. At orbital periods below 10-30 days, with eccentricities from 0.01 to 0.1, tidal heat may greatly exceed radiogenic heat production. It is unlikely to exceed insolation, except when orbiting very low luminosity hosts, and thus will have limited surface temperature expression. Observations of such bodies many not be able to detect tidal surface enhancements given a few percent uncertainty in albedo, except on the nightside of spin synchronous airless objects. Otherwise detection may occur via spectral detection of hotspots or high volcanic gas concentrations including sulfur dioxide and hydrogen sulfide. The most extreme cases may be able to produce magma oceans, or magma slush mantles with up to 40-60% melt fractions. Tides may alter the habitable zones for smaller red dwarf stars, but are generally detrimental. Multiple viscoelastic models, including the Maxwell, Voigt-Kelvin, Standard Anelastic Solid, and Burgers rheologies are explored and applied to objects such as Io and the super-Earth planet GJ 876d. The complex valued Love number for the Burgers rheology is derived and found to be a useful improvement when modeling the low temperature behavior of tidal bodies, particularly during low eccentricity excursions. Viscoelastic solutions for GJ 876d are typical of extreme short period high eccentricity objects with tidal-convectiveequilibrium heat rates between ˜10,000 to 500,000 terawatts.

Impact of tidal heating on the onset of convection in Enceladus' ice shell

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Behounkova, Marie; Tobie, Gabriel; Choblet, Gael; Cadek, Ondrej

2013-04-01

Observations of Enceladus by the Cassini spacecraft indicated that its south pole is very active, with jets of water vapor and ice emanating from warm tectonic ridges. Convective processes in the ice shell are commonly advocated to explain the enhanced activity at the south pole. The conditions under which convection may occur on Enceladus are, however, still puzzling. According to the estimation of Barr and McKinnon (2007) based on scaling laws, convection may initiate in Enceladus' ice shell only for grain size smaller than 0.3 mm, which is very small compared to the grain size observed on Earth in polar ice sheets for similar temperature and stress conditions (2-4mm). Moreover, Bahounková et al. (2012) showed that such enhanced activity periods associated with thermal convection and internal melting should be brief (~ 1 - 10Myrs) and should be followed by relatively long periods of inactivity (~ 100Myrs), with a probable cessation of thermal convection. In order to constrain the likelihood and periodicity of enhanced activity periods, the conditions under which thermal convection may restart are needed to be investigated. In particular, the goal is to understand how tidal heating, especially during periods of elevated eccentricity, may influence the onset of convection. To answer this question, 3D simulations of thermal convection including a self-consistent computation of tidal dissipation using the code Antigone (Bahounková et al., 2010, 2012) were performed, a composite non-Newtonian rheology (Goldsby and Kohlstedt, 2001) and Maxwell-like rheology mimicking Andrade model were considered. Our simulations show that the onset of convection may occur in Enceladus' ice shell only for ice grain size smaller or equal than 0.5 mm in absence of tidal heating. Tidal dissipation shifts the critical grain size for convection up to values of 1-1.5 mm. The convection is initiated in the polar region due to enhanced tidal dissipation in this area and remains in the southern hemisphere as long as the ocean width is smaller than Δ < 240°. Furthermore, we show that the onset of convection is associated with internal melting for tidal heating rate larger than ~ 0.5 - 1 ? 10-6Wm-3 and that increasing the heating rate above 10-6Wm-3 does not influence anymore the critical grain size for the initiation of convection.

Multi-criteria decision-making on assessment of proposed tidal barrage schemes in terms of environmental impacts.

PubMed

Wu, Yunna; Xu, Chuanbo; Ke, Yiming; Chen, Kaifeng; Xu, Hu

2017-12-15

For tidal range power plants to be sustainable, the environmental impacts caused by the implement of various tidal barrage schemes must be assessed before construction. However, several problems exist in the current researches: firstly, evaluation criteria of the tidal barrage schemes environmental impact assessment (EIA) are not adequate; secondly, uncertainty of criteria information fails to be processed properly; thirdly, correlation among criteria is unreasonably measured. Hence the contributions of this paper are as follows: firstly, an evaluation criteria system is established from three dimensions of hydrodynamic, biological and morphological aspects. Secondly, cloud model is applied to describe the uncertainty of criteria information. Thirdly, Choquet integral with respect to λ-fuzzy measure is introduced to measure the correlation among criteria. On the above bases, a multi-criteria decision-making decision framework for tidal barrage scheme EIA is established to select the optimal scheme. Finally, a case study demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed framework. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

High Resolution Measurements of Nonlinear Internal Waves and Mixing on the Washington Continental Shelf

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-09-30

hour tidally -resolving transects showing the generation conditions leading to wave formation 6. Nine synthetic aperture images collected during...High resolution measurements of nonlinear internal waves and mixing on the Washington continental...email: jmickett@apl.washington.edu Grant Number: N00014-13-1-0390 LONG-TERM GOALS We are interested in the general problems of internal waves and

Tide-surge Interaction Intensified by the Taiwan Strait

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Wen-Zhou; Shi, Fengyan; Hong, Hua-Sheng; Shang, Shao-Ping; Kirby, James T.

2010-06-01

The Taiwan Strait is a long and wide shelf-channel where the hydrodynamics is extremely complex, being characterized by strong tides, and where storm surges frequently occur during the typhoon season. Obvious oscillations due to tide-surge interaction were observed by tide gauges along the northern Fujian coast, the west bank of the Taiwan Strait, during Typhoon Dan (1999). Numerical experiments indicate that nonlinear bottom friction (described by the quadratic formula) is a major factor to predict these oscillations while the nonlinear advective terms and the shallow water effect have little contribution. It is found that the tide-surge interaction in the northern portion of the Taiwan Strait is intensified by the strait. Simulations based on simplified topographies with and without the island of Taiwan show that, in the presence of the island, the channel effect strengthens tidal currents and tends to align the major axes of tidal ellipses along the channel direction. Storm-induced currents are also strengthened by the channel. The pattern of strong tidal currents and storm-induced currents along the channel direction enhances tide-surge interaction via the nonlinear bottom friction, resulting in the obvious oscillations along the northern Fujian coast.

Water Power Technologies Office 2017 Marine Energy Accomplishments

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Water Power Technologies Office

The U.S. Department of Energy's Water Power Technologies Office's marine and hydrokinetic portfolio has numerous projects that support industry advancement in wave, tidal, and ocean and river current technologies. In order to strengthen state-of-the-art technologies in these fields and bring them closer to commercialization, the Water Power Technologies Office funds industry, academia, and the national laboratories. A U.S. chapter on marine and hydrokinetic energy research and development was included in the Ocean Energy Systems' Technology Programme—an intergovernmental collaboration between countries, which operates under a framework established by the International Energy Agency. This brochure is an overview of the U.S. accomplishmentsmore » and updates from that report.« less

Outstanding Universal Values of the Korean Archipelago Getbol: Its potential for World Heritage Nomination

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Woo, K. S.; Chun, S. S.; Moon, K. O.

2017-12-01

The `Korean Archipelago Getbol (KAG; Getbol means tidal flat deposits in Korean)' has developed due to the decreasing accommodation space during the Holocene sea-level rise on the broad epicontinental shelf of the southeastern part of the Yellow Sea. Sedimentation and evolution show a variety of quite distinctive tidal flat patterns with intertidal and subtidal drainage systems depending upon the location and orientation of rocky shores. The following KAG`s Outstanding Universal Values are suggested to support the WH: 1) It is the unique coastal sedimentary environment formed by special geological and oceanographic setting in the world. It is the only place in the world where tide-controlled sedimentation processes have produced special tidal flats surrounding numerous rocky islands on a broad epicontinental shelf near convergent tectonic boundary. Macrotidal currents combined with waves and typhoons in this semi-closed oceanographic setting have provided unique geological and oceanographic conditions for their formation. 2) It diplays the most dynamic and complicated, but stable coastal depositional system in the world. Even though the property has been constantly influenced by strong microtidal currents combined with East Asian Monsoon climate (winter erosion and summer deposition) with occasional typhoons during summer, Getbol has maintained its stable depositional system and tidal flat sediments have been accumulated for the past 9,000 years. Sufficient supply of suspended load through Geumgang River provides sustainable depositional system within the property. Complicated island-topography also produced the most complicated and divese depositional systems as well as the deepest tidal channels in the world. (3) The KAG shows the thickest tidal flat sediments protected by numerous islands. Aggradation of tidal sediments has caught up with the rapid Holocene sealevel rise and produced the thickest tidal flat sediments in the world. As a results, numerous former islands of relatively elevated areas have been vanished and hidden. In addition, the KAG shows a complete story of geological, ecological and conservational integrity (the wholeness and intactness). Thus, we strongly believe that the KAG has great potential to be inscribed on a World Heritage List for the criterion (viii).

Tidal wetland fluxes of dissolved organic carbon and sediment at Browns Island, California: initial evaluation

USGS Publications Warehouse

Ganju, N.K.; Bergamaschi, B.; Schoellhamer, D.H.

2003-01-01

Carbon and sediment fluxes from tidal wetlands are of increasing concern in the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta (Delta), because of drinking water issues and habitat restoration efforts. Certain forms of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) react with disinfecting chemicals used to treat drinking water, to form disinfection byproducts (DBPs), some of which are potential carcinogens. The contribution of DBP precursors by tidal wetlands is unknown. Sediment transport to and from tidal wetlands determines the potential for marsh accretion, thereby affecting habitat formation.Water, carbon, and sediment flux were measured in the main channel of Browns Island, a tidal wetland located at the confluence of Suisun Bay and the Delta. In-situ instrumentation were deployed between May 3 and May 21, 2002. Water flux was measured using acoustic Doppler current profilers and the index-velocity method. DOC concentrations were measured using calibrated ultraviolet absorbance and fluorescence instruments. Suspended-sediment concentrations were measured using a calibrated nephelometric turbidity sensor. Tidally averaged water flux through the channel was dependent on water surface elevations in Suisun Bay. Strong westerly winds resulted in higher water surface elevations in the area east of Browns Island, causing seaward flow, while subsiding winds reversed this effect. Peak ebb flow transported 36% more water than peak flood flow, indicating an ebb-dominant system. DOC concentrations were affected strongly by porewater drainage from the banks of the channel. Peak DOC concentrations were observed during slack after ebb, when the most porewater drained into the channel. Suspended-sediment concentrations were controlled by tidal currents that mobilized sediment from the channel bed, and stronger tides mobilized more sediment than the weaker tides. Sediment was transported mainly to the island during the 2-week monitoring period, though short periods of export occurred during the spring tide. Future deployments will characterize the seasonal variability of these fluxes.

Detecting a Subsurface Ocean From Periodic Orbits at Enceladus

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Casotto, S.; Padovan, S.; Russell, R. P.; Lara, M.

2008-12-01

Enceladus is a small icy satellite of Saturn which has been observed by the Cassini orbiter to eject plumes mainly consisting of water vapor from the "tiger stripes" located near its South pole. While tidal heating has been ruled out as an inadequate energy source to drive these eruptions, tidally induced shear stress both along and across the stripes appears to be sufficiently powerful. The internal constitution of Enceladus that fits this model is likely to entail a thin crust and a subcrustal water layer above an undifferentiated interior. Apart from the lack of a core/mantle boundary, the situation is similar to the current hypothetical models of Europa's interior. The determination of the existence of a subsurface fluid layer can therefore be pursued with similar methods, including the study of the gravitational perturbations of tidal origin on an Enceladus orbiter, and the use of altimeter measurements to the tidally deformed surface. The dynamical environment of an Enceladus orbiter is made very unstable by the overwhelming presence of nearby Saturn. The Enceladus sphere of influence is roughly twice its radius. This makes it considerably more difficult to orbit than Europa, whose sphere of influence is ~six times its radius. While low-altitude, near-polar Enceladus orbits suffer extreme instability, recent works have extended the inclination envelope for long-term stable orbits at Enceladus. Several independent methods suggest that ~65 degrees inclination is the maximum attainable for stable, perturbed Keplerian motion. These orbits are non-circular and exist with altitude variations from ~200 to ~300 km. We propose a nominal reference orbit that enjoys long term stability and is favorable for long-term mapping and other scientific experiments. A brief excursion to a lower altitude, slightly higher inclined, yet highly unstable orbit is proposed to improve gravity signatures and enable high resolution, nadir-pointing experiments on the geysers emanating from the tiger- stripes. Near-circular, low altitude highly inclined orbits with arbitrary initial conditions will impact Enceladus if uncontrolled in about 1 to 2 days. To reduce risk and station-keeping requirements we choose periodic orbits in the Hill's plus non-spherical Enceladus model. Despite the instability, the repeat ground track solutions represent equilibria in the dominant terms of the dynamics and therefore extend the uncontrolled lifetimes to ~7 to ~10 days. Round-trip transfers between the two orbital phases is expected to conservatively cost between ~50 and ~100 m/s. We use orbits of different altitudes and inclinations to simulate Earth-based ranging to the orbiter and altimeter measurements to the surface of Enceladus. The simulations are made assuming different tidal responses by adopting different values of the Love numbers. The synthetic measurements are then inverted and the tidal parameters h2 and k2 estimated. Results will be presented in terms of sensitivity of detection of Love numbers to the different orbital geometries. Indications will thus be provided for optimized orbit planning of future exploration missions aimed at investigating the internal structure of the satellite and the detection of its putative subcrustal ocean.

Appropriate Arrangement of Nori Aquafarming Grounds in the Ariake Sea on the Basis of Convective Dispersion Simulation Model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tabata, Toshinori; Hiramatsu, Kazuaki; Harada, Masayoshi; Shiraishi, Hideto; Shuto, Toshio

This study investigated appropriate arrangement of nori aquafarming grounds from the view point of nori growth in the Ariake Sea coastal waters. Databases of the sea-bed topography and nori aquafarming grounds were constructed using GIS. Then the tidal currents and salinity in the Ariake Sea were simulated using a two-dimensional depth-integrated model, which was developed by integrating the three-dimensional continuity, momentum, and diffusion equations. The wetting and drying scheme was also introduced to account for the appearance and disappearance of tidal flats. The velocities and directions of the simulated tidal currents, salinity, and tidal land appearance were in good agreement with observed data. Five scenarios considered by the Fukuoka Prefectural Government were introduced in the simulation model to identify the most appropriate arrangement. An experimental formula for nitrogen assimilation kinetics in the nori body was introduced to evaluate the simulation results for the five scenarios. The scenarios with a reduced density of aquafarming grounds had increased nori growth, suggesting that the arrangement of the aquafarming grounds affected the nori growth. The simulation results were used to identify the most appropriate arrangement of aquafarming grounds.

Phase lag control of tidally reversing mega-ripple geometry and bed stress in tidal inlets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Traykovski, P.

2016-02-01

Recent observations in the Columbia River Mouth, New River Inlet, and Wasque Shoals have shown that tidally reversing mega-ripples are an ubiquitous bedform morphology in energetic tidal inlets. As the name implies, these bedforms reverse asymmetry and migration direction in each half tidal cycle. With wavelengths of 2 to 5 m and heights of 0.2 to 0.5 m, these bedforms are larger than current formed ripples, but smaller than dunes. Unlike dunes which have a depth dependent geometry, observations indicate the tidally reversing mega-ripples geometry is related to the time dependent tidal flow and independent of depth. Previous empirical relations for predicting the geometry of ripples or dunes do not successfully predict the geometry of these features. A time dependent geometric model was developed that accounts for the reversal of migration and asymmetry to successfully predict bedform geometry. The model requires sufficient sediment transport in each half tidal cycle to reverse the asymmetry before the bedforms begin to grow. Both the observations and model indicate that the complete reversal of asymmetry and development of a steep lee face occurs near or after maximum flow in each half tidal cycle. This phase lag in bedform response to tidal forcing also has important implications for bed stress in tidal inlets. Observations of frictional drag in the Columbia River mouth based on a tidal momentum balance of surface slope over 10 km regressed against quadratic near bed velocity show drag coefficients that fall off as CD U-1.4. Reynolds stress measurements performed using the dual ADV differencing technique show similar relations. The Reynolds stress measurements also show a dramatic asymmetry between accelerating flows and decelerating flows with a factor of 5 increase during deceleration. Pulse coherent Doppler profiles of near bed turbulence indicate that the turbulence is dominated by energetic fluctuations in separation zones downstream of steep lee faces. The phase lag of the bedform evolution, whereby steep lee faces are only present in the decelerating phase of the tidal cycle, provides an explanation for the asymmetry and non-quadratic behavior of the drag coefficients.

High-energy cosmic ray nuclei from tidal disruption events: Origin, survival, and implications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, B. Theodore; Murase, Kohta; Oikonomou, Foteini; Li, Zhuo

2017-09-01

Tidal disruption events (TDEs) by supermassive or intermediate mass black holes have been suggested as candidate sources of ultrahigh-energy cosmic rays (UHECRs) and high-energy neutrinos. Motivated by the recent measurements from the Pierre Auger Observatory, which indicates a metal-rich cosmic-ray composition at ultrahigh energies, we investigate the fate of UHECR nuclei loaded in TDE jets. First, we consider the production and survival of UHECR nuclei at internal shocks, external forward and reverse shocks, and nonrelativistic winds. Based on the observations of Swift J 1644 +57 , we show that the UHECRs can survive for external reverse and forward shocks, and disk winds. On the other hand, UHECR nuclei are significantly disintegrated in internal shocks, although they could survive for low-luminosity TDE jets. Assuming that UHECR nuclei can survive, we consider implications of different composition models of TDEs. We find that the tidal disruption of main sequence stars or carbon-oxygen white dwarfs does not successfully reproduce UHECR observations, namely the observed composition or spectrum. The observed mean depth of the shower maximum and its deviation could be explained by oxygen-neon-magnesium white dwarfs, although they may be too rare to be the sources of UHECRs.

Multi-scale temporal patterns in fish presence in a high-velocity tidal channel

PubMed Central

Viehman, Haley A.

2017-01-01

The natural variation of fish presence in high-velocity tidal channels is not well understood. A better understanding of fish use of these areas would aid in predicting fish interactions with marine hydrokinetic (MHK) devices, the effects of which are uncertain but of high concern. To characterize the patterns in fish presence at a tidal energy site in Cobscook Bay, Maine, we examined two years of hydroacoustic data continuously collected at the proposed depth of an MHK turbine with a bottom-mounted, side-looking echosounder. The maximum number of fish counted per hour ranged from hundreds in the early spring to over 1,000 in the fall. Counts varied greatly with tidal and diel cycles in a seasonally changing relationship, likely linked to the seasonally changing fish community of the bay. In the winter and spring, higher hourly counts were generally confined to ebb tides and low slack tides near sunrise and sunset. In summer and fall of each year, the highest fish counts shifted to night and occurred during ebb, low slack, and flood tides. Fish counts were not linked to current speed, and did not decrease as current speed increased, contrary to observations at other tidal power sites. As fish counts may be proportional to the encounter rate of fish with an MHK turbine at the same depth, highly variable counts indicate that the risk to fish is similarly variable. The links between fish presence and environmental cycles at this site will likely be present at other locations with similar environmental forcing, making these observations useful in predicting potential fish interactions at tidal energy sites worldwide. PMID:28493894

Multi-scale temporal patterns in fish presence in a high-velocity tidal channel.

PubMed

Viehman, Haley A; Zydlewski, Gayle Barbin

2017-01-01

The natural variation of fish presence in high-velocity tidal channels is not well understood. A better understanding of fish use of these areas would aid in predicting fish interactions with marine hydrokinetic (MHK) devices, the effects of which are uncertain but of high concern. To characterize the patterns in fish presence at a tidal energy site in Cobscook Bay, Maine, we examined two years of hydroacoustic data continuously collected at the proposed depth of an MHK turbine with a bottom-mounted, side-looking echosounder. The maximum number of fish counted per hour ranged from hundreds in the early spring to over 1,000 in the fall. Counts varied greatly with tidal and diel cycles in a seasonally changing relationship, likely linked to the seasonally changing fish community of the bay. In the winter and spring, higher hourly counts were generally confined to ebb tides and low slack tides near sunrise and sunset. In summer and fall of each year, the highest fish counts shifted to night and occurred during ebb, low slack, and flood tides. Fish counts were not linked to current speed, and did not decrease as current speed increased, contrary to observations at other tidal power sites. As fish counts may be proportional to the encounter rate of fish with an MHK turbine at the same depth, highly variable counts indicate that the risk to fish is similarly variable. The links between fish presence and environmental cycles at this site will likely be present at other locations with similar environmental forcing, making these observations useful in predicting potential fish interactions at tidal energy sites worldwide.

Multi-scale temporal patterns in fish presence in a high-velocity tidal channel

DOE PAGES

Viehman, Haley A.; Zydlewski, Gayle Barbin; Hewitt, Judi

2017-05-11

The natural variation of fish presence in high-velocity tidal channels is not well understood. A better understanding of fish use of these areas would aid in predicting fish interactions with marine hydrokinetic (MHK) devices, the effects of which are uncertain but of high concern. To characterize the patterns in fish presence at a tidal energy site in Cobscook Bay, Maine, we examined two years of hydroacoustic data continuously collected at the proposed depth of an MHK turbine with a bottom-mounted, side-looking echosounder. The maximum number of fish counted per hour ranged from hundreds in the early spring to over 1,000more » in the fall. Counts varied greatly with tidal and diel cycles in a seasonally changing relationship, likely linked to the seasonally changing fish community of the bay. In the winter and spring, higher hourly counts were generally confined to ebb tides and low slack tides near sunrise and sunset. In summer and fall of each year, the highest fish counts shifted to night and occurred during ebb, low slack, and flood tides. Fish counts were not linked to current speed, and did not decrease as current speed increased, contrary to observations at other tidal power sites. As fish counts may be proportional to the encounter rate of fish with an MHK turbine at the same depth, highly variable counts indicate that the risk to fish is similarly variable. The links between fish presence and environmental cycles at this site will likely be present at other locations with similar environmental forcing, making these observations useful in predicting potential fish interactions at tidal energy sites worldwide.« less

Multi-scale temporal patterns in fish presence in a high-velocity tidal channel

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Viehman, Haley A.; Zydlewski, Gayle Barbin; Hewitt, Judi

The natural variation of fish presence in high-velocity tidal channels is not well understood. A better understanding of fish use of these areas would aid in predicting fish interactions with marine hydrokinetic (MHK) devices, the effects of which are uncertain but of high concern. To characterize the patterns in fish presence at a tidal energy site in Cobscook Bay, Maine, we examined two years of hydroacoustic data continuously collected at the proposed depth of an MHK turbine with a bottom-mounted, side-looking echosounder. The maximum number of fish counted per hour ranged from hundreds in the early spring to over 1,000more » in the fall. Counts varied greatly with tidal and diel cycles in a seasonally changing relationship, likely linked to the seasonally changing fish community of the bay. In the winter and spring, higher hourly counts were generally confined to ebb tides and low slack tides near sunrise and sunset. In summer and fall of each year, the highest fish counts shifted to night and occurred during ebb, low slack, and flood tides. Fish counts were not linked to current speed, and did not decrease as current speed increased, contrary to observations at other tidal power sites. As fish counts may be proportional to the encounter rate of fish with an MHK turbine at the same depth, highly variable counts indicate that the risk to fish is similarly variable. The links between fish presence and environmental cycles at this site will likely be present at other locations with similar environmental forcing, making these observations useful in predicting potential fish interactions at tidal energy sites worldwide.« less

Circulation and fjord-shelf exchange during the ice-covered period in Young Sound-Tyrolerfjord, Northeast Greenland (74°N)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boone, W.; Rysgaard, S.; Kirillov, S.; Dmitrenko, I.; Bendtsen, J.; Mortensen, J.; Meire, L.; Petrusevich, V.; Barber, D. G.

2017-07-01

Fjords around Greenland connect the Greenland Ice Sheet to the ocean and their hydrography and circulation are determined by the interplay between atmospheric forcing, runoff, topography, fjord-shelf exchange, tides, waves, and seasonal growth and melt of sea ice. Limited knowledge exists on circulation in high-Arctic fjords, particularly those not impacted by tidewater glaciers, and especially during winter, when they are covered with sea-ice and freshwater input is low. Here, we present and analyze seasonal observations of circulation, hydrography and cross-sill exchange of the Young Sound-Tyrolerfjord system (74°N) in Northeast Greenland. Distinct seasonal circulation phases are identified and related to polynya activity, meltwater and inflow of coastal water masses. Renewal of basin water in the fjord is a relatively slow process that modifies the fjord water masses on a seasonal timescale. By the end of winter, there is two-layer circulation, with outflow in the upper 45 m and inflow extending down to approximately 150 m. Tidal analysis showed that tidal currents above the sill were almost barotropic and dominated by the M2 tidal constituent (0.26 m s-1), and that residual currents (∼0.02 m s-1) were relatively small during the ice-covered period. Tidal pumping, a tidally driven fjord-shelf exchange mechanism, drives a salt flux that is estimated to range between 145 kg s-1 and 603 kg s-1. Extrapolation of these values over the ice-covered period indicates that tidal pumping is likely a major source of dense water and driver of fjord circulation during the ice-covered period.

Pre-Restoration Habitat Use by Chinook Salmon in the Nisqually Estuary Using Otolith Analysis: An Additional Year

USGS Publications Warehouse

Lind-Null, Angie; Larsen, Kim

2009-01-01

The Nisqually Fall Chinook population is one of 27 stocks in the Puget Sound evolutionarily significant unit listed as threatened under the Federal Endangered Species Act (ESA). Preservation and extensive restoration of the Nisqually delta ecosystem is currently taking place to assist in recovery of the stock as juvenile Fall Chinook salmon are dependent upon the estuary. A pre-restoration baseline that includes characterization of life history types, estuary residence times, growth rates, and habitat use is needed to evaluate the potential response of hatchery and natural origin Chinook salmon to restoration efforts and determine restoration success. Otolith analysis was selected to examine Chinook salmon life history, growth, and residence in the Nisqually Estuary. Previously funded work on wild samples collected in 2004 established the growth rate and length of residence associated with various habitats. The purpose of the current study is to build on the previous work by incorporating otolith microstructure analysis from 2005 (second sampling year), to verify findings from 2004, and to evaluate between-year variation in otolith microstructure. Our results from this second year of analysis indicated no inter-annual variation in the appearance of the tidal delta check (TDCK) and delta-flats check (DFCK). However, a new life history type (fry migrant) was observed on samples collected in 2005. Fish caught in the tidal delta regardless of capture date spent an average of 17 days in the tidal delta. There was a corresponding increase in growth rate as the fish migrated from freshwater (FW) to tidal delta to nearshore (NS) habitats. Fish grew 33 percent faster in the tidal delta than in FW habitat and slightly faster (14 percent) in the delta flats (DF) habitat compared to the tidal delta.

Flow convergence caused by a salinity minimum in a tidal channel

USGS Publications Warehouse

Warner, John C.; Schoellhamer, David H.; Burau, Jon R.; Schladow, S. Geoffrey

2006-01-01

Residence times of dissolved substances and sedimentation rates in tidal channels are affected by residual (tidally averaged) circulation patterns. One influence on these circulation patterns is the longitudinal density gradient. In most estuaries the longitudinal density gradient typically maintains a constant direction. However, a junction of tidal channels can create a local reversal (change in sign) of the density gradient. This can occur due to a difference in the phase of tidal currents in each channel. In San Francisco Bay, the phasing of the currents at the junction of Mare Island Strait and Carquinez Strait produces a local salinity minimum in Mare Island Strait. At the location of a local salinity minimum the longitudinal density gradient reverses direction. This paper presents four numerical models that were used to investigate the circulation caused by the salinity minimum: (1) A simple one-dimensional (1D) finite difference model demonstrates that a local salinity minimum is advected into Mare Island Strait from the junction with Carquinez Strait during flood tide. (2) A three-dimensional (3D) hydrodynamic finite element model is used to compute the tidally averaged circulation in a channel that contains a salinity minimum (a change in the sign of the longitudinal density gradient) and compares that to a channel that contains a longitudinal density gradient in a constant direction. The tidally averaged circulation produced by the salinity minimum is characterized by converging flow at the bed and diverging flow at the surface, whereas the circulation produced by the constant direction gradient is characterized by converging flow at the bed and downstream surface currents. These velocity fields are used to drive both a particle tracking and a sediment transport model. (3) A particle tracking model demonstrates a 30 percent increase in the residence time of neutrally buoyant particles transported through the salinity minimum, as compared to transport through a constant direction density gradient. (4) A sediment transport model demonstrates increased deposition at the near-bed null point of the salinity minimum, as compared to the constant direction gradient null point. These results are corroborated by historically noted large sedimentation rates and a local maximum of selenium accumulation in clams at the null point in Mare Island Strait.

Eddy Generation and Shedding in a Tidally Energetic Channel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McIlvenny, J.; Gillibrand, P. A.; Walters, R. A.

2016-02-01

The Pentland Firth in northern Scotland, and its subsidiary channel the Inner Sound, are currently under scrutiny as the first tidal energy array in the world is installed during 2016. The tidal flows in the channel and sound have been intensively observed and modelled in recent years, and the turbulent nature of the flow, with features of eddy generation and shedding, is becoming increasingly well known. Turbulence and eddies pose potential risks to the turbine infrastructure through enhanced stress on the blades, while understanding environmental effects of energy extraction also requires accurate simulation of the hydrodynamics of the flow. Here, we apply a mixed finite element/finite volume hydrodynamic model to the northern Scottish shelf, with a particular focus on flows through the Pentland Firth and the Inner Sound. We use an unstructured grid model, which allows the open boundaries to be far removed from the region of interest, while still allowing a grid spacing of 40m in the Inner Sound. The model employs semi-implicit techniques to solve the momentum and free surface equations, and semi-Lagrangian methods to solve the material derivative in the momentum equation, making it fast, robust and accurate and suitable for simulating flows in irregular coastal ocean environments. The model is well suited to address questions relating to tidal energy potential. We present numerical simulations of tidal currents in The Pentland Firth and Inner Sound. Observed velocities in the Inner Sound, measured by moored ADCP deployments, reach speeds of up to 5 m s-1 and the model successfully reproduces these strong currents. In the simulations, eddies are formed by interactions between the strong flow and the northern and southern headlands on the island of Stroma; some of these eddies are trapped and remain locked in position, whereas others are shed and transported away from the generation zone. We track the development and advection of eddies in relation to the site of the tidal energy farm, and we compare the simulated locations of eddies with observed seabed sediment distributions in the Inner Sound. Simulations with and without the presence of tidal turbines in the Inner Sound are presented, and the potential impact of the turbines on sediment dynamics is considered.

Tidal variability in methane and nitrous oxide emissions along a subtropical estuarine gradient

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sturm, Katrin; Werner, Ursula; Grinham, Alistair; Yuan, Zhiguo

2017-06-01

This study investigates the tidal variability in methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions along a gradient of the subtropical Brisbane River estuary. Sampling was conducted at the upper, middle and lower reaches over two tidal cycles in 2013 and 2014. Methane and N2O emissions varied significantly over tidal cycles at all sites. Methane and N2O emissions measured at all locations and in both campaigns varied substantially in time, with the maximum to minimum flux ratio in a cycle varying between 2.5 - 9 and 1.7-4.7 times, respectively. Methane emissions peaked just before or at slack tides. In comparison, no clear patterns were observed between the N2O emissions and the tidal cycle despite there being large variations in N2O emissions in some cases. Methane concentrations were elevated during low tides whereas N2O concentrations showed no clear pattern over the tidal cycle. Surface water concentrations and tidal currents played important roles in CH4 and N2O emissions, but wind did not. Our findings show that measurements at a single point in time and site would result in significant errors in CH4 and N2O emission estimates. An adequate and careful sampling scheme is required to capture spatial and temporal variations of CH4 and N2O emissions and surface water concentrations which should cover at least one tidal cycle in different estuarine sections.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Piro, Anthony L., E-mail: piro@caltech.edu

The recently discovered system J0651 is the tightest known detached white dwarf (WD) binary. Since it has not yet initiated Roche-lobe overflow, it provides a relatively clean environment for testing our understanding of tidal interactions. I investigate the tidal heating of each WD, parameterized in terms of its tidal Q parameter. Assuming that the heating can be radiated efficiently, the current luminosities are consistent with Q {sub 1} {approx} 7 x 10{sup 10} and Q {sub 2} {approx} 2 x 10{sup 7}, for the He and C/O WDs, respectively. Conversely, if the observed luminosities are merely from the cooling ofmore » the WDs, these estimated values of Q represent the upper limits. A large Q {sub 1} for the He WD means its spin velocity will be slower than that expected if it was tidally locked, which, since the binary is eclipsing, may be measurable via the Rossiter-McLaughlin effect. After one year, gravitational wave emission shifts the time of eclipses by 5.5 s, but tidal interactions cause the orbit to shrink more rapidly, changing the time by up to an additional 0.3 s after a year. Future eclipse timing measurements may therefore infer the degree of tidal locking.« less

Near-Inertial and Tidal Currents Detected with a Vessel Mounted Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler in the Western Mediterranean Sea

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Garcia-Gorriz, E.; Candela, J.; Font, J.

1998-01-01

The Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP) combined with accurate navigation provides absolute current velocities which include information from all the frequencies which have a dynamical presence in the ocean.

Suspended particulate layers and internal waves over the southern Monterey Bay continental shelf: an important control on shelf mud belts?

USGS Publications Warehouse

Cheriton, Olivia M.; McPhee-Shaw, Erika E.; Shaw, William J.; Stanton, Timothy P.; Bellingham, James G.; Storlazzi, Curt D.

2014-01-01

Physical and optical measurements taken over the mud belt on the southern continental shelf of Monterey Bay, California documented the frequent occurrence of suspended particulate matter features, the majority of which were detached from the seafloor, centered 9–33 m above the bed. In fall 2011, an automated profiling mooring and fixed instrumentation, including a thermistor chain and upward-looking acoustic Doppler current profiler, were deployed at 70 m depth for 5 weeks, and from 12 to 16 October a long-range autonomous underwater vehicle performed across-shelf transects. Individual SPM events were uncorrelated with local bed shear stress caused by surface waves and bottom currents. Nearly half of all observed SPM layers occurred during 1 week of the study, 9–16 October 2011, and were advected past the fixed profiling mooring by the onshore phase of semidiurnal internal tide bottom currents. At the start of the 9–16 October period, we observed intense near-bed vertical velocities capable of lifting particulates into the middle of the water column. This “updraft” event appears to have been associated with nonlinear adjustment of high-amplitude internal tides over the mid and outer shelf. These findings suggest that nonlinear internal tidal motions can erode material over the outer shelf and that, once suspended, this SPM can then be transported shoreward to the middle and shallow sections of the mud belt. This represents a fundamental broadening of our understanding of how shelf mud belts may be built up and sustained.

Suspended particulate layers and internal waves over the southern Monterey Bay continental shelf: An important control on shelf mud belts?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cheriton, Olivia M.; McPhee-Shaw, Erika E.; Shaw, William J.; Stanton, Timothy P.; Bellingham, James G.; Storlazzi, Curt D.

2014-01-01

Physical and optical measurements taken over the mud belt on the southern continental shelf of Monterey Bay, California documented the frequent occurrence of suspended particulate matter features, the majority of which were detached from the seafloor, centered 9-33 m above the bed. In fall 2011, an automated profiling mooring and fixed instrumentation, including a thermistor chain and upward-looking acoustic Doppler current profiler, were deployed at 70 m depth for 5 weeks, and from 12 to 16 October a long-range autonomous underwater vehicle performed across-shelf transects. Individual SPM events were uncorrelated with local bed shear stress caused by surface waves and bottom currents. Nearly half of all observed SPM layers occurred during 1 week of the study, 9-16 October 2011, and were advected past the fixed profiling mooring by the onshore phase of semidiurnal internal tide bottom currents. At the start of the 9-16 October period, we observed intense near-bed vertical velocities capable of lifting particulates into the middle of the water column. This "updraft" event appears to have been associated with nonlinear adjustment of high-amplitude internal tides over the mid and outer shelf. These findings suggest that nonlinear internal tidal motions can erode material over the outer shelf and that, once suspended, this SPM can then be transported shoreward to the middle and shallow sections of the mud belt. This represents a fundamental broadening of our understanding of how shelf mud belts may be built up and sustained.

Tidal evolution of close binary asteroid systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Taylor, Patrick A.; Margot, Jean-Luc

2010-12-01

We provide a generalized discussion of tidal evolution to arbitrary order in the expansion of the gravitational potential between two spherical bodies of any mass ratio. To accurately reproduce the tidal evolution of a system at separations less than 5 times the radius of the larger primary component, the tidal potential due to the presence of a smaller secondary component is expanded in terms of Legendre polynomials to arbitrary order rather than truncated at leading order as is typically done in studies of well-separated system like the Earth and Moon. The equations of tidal evolution including tidal torques, the changes in spin rates of the components, and the change in semimajor axis (orbital separation) are then derived for binary asteroid systems with circular and equatorial mutual orbits. Accounting for higher-order terms in the tidal potential serves to speed up the tidal evolution of the system leading to underestimates in the time rates of change of the spin rates, semimajor axis, and mean motion in the mutual orbit if such corrections are ignored. Special attention is given to the effect of close orbits on the calculation of material properties of the components, in terms of the rigidity and tidal dissipation function, based on the tidal evolution of the system. It is found that accurate determinations of the physical parameters of the system, e.g., densities, sizes, and current separation, are typically more important than accounting for higher-order terms in the potential when calculating material properties. In the scope of the long-term tidal evolution of the semimajor axis and the component spin rates, correcting for close orbits is a small effect, but for an instantaneous rate of change in spin rate, semimajor axis, or mean motion, the close-orbit correction can be on the order of tens of percent. This work has possible implications for the determination of the Roche limit and for spin-state alteration during close flybys.

Sediment transport and development of banner banks and sandwaves in an extreme tidal system: Upper Bay of Fundy, Canada

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Michael Z.; Shaw, John; Todd, Brian J.; Kostylev, Vladimir E.; Wu, Yongsheng

2014-07-01

Multibeam sonar mapping and geophysical and geological groundtruth surveys were coupled with tidal current and sediment transport model calculations to investigate the sediment transport and formation processes of the complex seabed features off the Cape Split headland in the upper Bay of Fundy. The Cape Split banner bank, composed of coarse to very coarse sand, is a southwest-northeast oriented, large tear-drop shaped sand body with superimposed sand waves that show wavelengths from 15 to 525 m and heights from 0.5 to 19 m. Isolated and chains of barchan dunes occur on top of a shadow bank to the southeast of the banner bank. The barchan dunes are composed of well-sorted medium sand and are oriented northwest-southeast. Their mean height and width are 1.5 and 55 m, respectively. A gravel bank, with an elongated elliptical shape and west-east orientation, lies in the Minas Passage erosional trough east of the headland to form the counterpart to the sandy Cape Split banner bank. The southern face is featureless but the northern face is covered by gravel megaripples. Tidal model predictions and sediment transport calculations show that the formation of the banner bank and the gravel bank are due to the development of the transient counter-clockwise and clockwise tidal eddies respectively to the west and east of the headland. The formation of barchan dunes is controlled by the nearly unidirectional flow regime in outer Scots Bay. Sand waves on the flanks of the Cape Split banner bank show opposite asymmetry and the barchan dunes are asymmetric to the northeast. The tidal current and sediment transport predictions corroborate bedform asymmetry to show that sand wave migration and net sediment transport is to southwest on the northern flank of the banner bank but to northeast on the southern bank. Long-term migration of the Scots Bay barchan dunes is to the northeast. Spring-condition tidal currents can cause frequent mobilization and high-stage transport over the banner bank and barchan dunes. Strong currents in Minas Passage can cause infrequent low-stage transport over the megarippled northern face but are not high enough to mobilize the coarser gravels on the southern face of the gravel bank.

Going with the flow: Tidal influence on the occurrence of the harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) in the Marsdiep area, The Netherlands

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

IJsseldijk, Lonneke L.; Camphuysen, Kees C. J.; Nauw, Janine J.; Aarts, Geert

2015-09-01

One of the most important factors explaining the distribution and behaviour of coastal marine mammals are tides. Tidal forces drive a large number of primary and secondary processes, such as changes in water depth, salinity, temperature, current velocity and direction. Unravelling which tidal process is the most influential for a certain species is often challenging, due to a lack of observations of all tide related covariates, strong correlation between them, and the elusive nature of most marine organisms which often hampers their detection. In the Marsdiep area, a tidal inlet between the North Sea and the Dutch Wadden Sea, the presence of harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) was studied as a function of tide related covariates. Observations were carried out in early spring from a ferry crossing the inlet on a half hourly basis. Environmental and sightings data were collected by one observer, while an on-board Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP) and temperature sensor continuously recorded current velocity profiles and temperature, respectively. Sea surface temperature and salinity were measured at a nearby jetty. Sightings (n = 134) were linked to tidal elevation, geographical position, local depth-averaged current velocity, water temperature (with and without trend correction) and salinity. Variation in sighting rate was best described by salinity, with highest sighting rate at high levels of salinity (> 30 g kg- 1), indicating that porpoises enter the area in bodies of (more saline) North Sea water. Second best variable was time of day, with the highest sighting rate early morning, and decreasing during the day. However, surveys in the morning happened to coincide more often with high water and hence, the apparent time of day effect could be due to collinearity. Most porpoises were present in the northern part of the Marsdiep, particularly during high tide. Tide dependent sighting rates confirmed that porpoises reside in the North Sea, and enter the western Wadden Sea during the flood and leave during ebb. This tidal influx is most likely related to prey availability, which corresponds to other recent studies in this area showing higher fish abundance during high tide. Documenting information on tide related patterns could be used in practice, when e.g. planning anthropogenic activities or assessing critical habitats for this species.

Leveraging field and remotely sensed data to reduce uncertainty in national inventories of coastal wetland carbon fluxes: Year 2 findings from the NASA "Blue" Carbon Monitoring System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Windham-Myers, L.; Holmquist, J. R.; Woo, I.; Bergamaschi, B. A.; Byrd, K. B.; Crooks, S.; Drexler, J. Z.; Feagin, R. A.; Ferner, M. C.; Gonneea, M. E.; Kroeger, K. D.; Megonigal, P.; Morris, J. T.; Schile, L. M.; Simard, M.; Sutton-Grier, A.; Takekawa, J.; Troxler, T.; Weller, D.; Callaway, J.; Herold, N.

2016-12-01

In Year 2, the NASA Blue Carbon Monitoring Systems group leveraged USDA, USFWS and NOAA datasets, extensive field datasets, and targeted remote-sensing products to address basic questions regarding the size of carbon (C) stocks, and the directions and magnitudes of C fluxes in the US coastal zone since 1996. We review the uncertainty associated with 5 major terms in our Land Use-Land Cover Change (LULCC)-based accounting, both nationally and within sentinel sites (Cape Cod, Chesapeake Bay, Everglades, Louisiana, San Francisco Bay, Puget Sound). 1) To make distinctions between tidal and non-tidal wetlands we have relied on a combination of wetland and LiDAR-derived elevation maps. Existing products appear sufficient for saline wetlands, however many freshwater wetlands (1M ha) may be tidal despite current hydrologic mapcodes. 2) We are currently estimating methane emissions using salinity regime as a proxy. Methane emissions are variable across intermediate salinities, though not captured by the current binary classification of wetlands as either fresh or saline. 3) We are currently using a combination of USDA's SSURGO and independent core data to map soil C stocks. Soil C density varies little and is consistent across depth, salinity regime, and dominant plant cover type. 4) To model soil C fluxes, with C accumulating as sea level rises and C released with erosion or oxidation, we have applied IPCC default emission factors for the 2% of tidal wetland acreage lost to water (the dominant conversion), but have modeled C gain in wetlands-remaining-wetlands (98% of CONUS tidal wetlands) based on correlations between sea-level rise and sediment accretion, with the equation - Δ soil organic C stock = Δ elevation x soil C density. 5) To quantify biomass change through time, we developed a robust (R2 > 0.6) hybrid mapping approach including object-based image analysis, multispectral data, and RADAR. Overall, soil and biomass C stocks appear readily estimated and improved from Tier 1 default values. To further reduce uncertainty in the US GHG inventory for coastal wetlands, we propose efforts to confirm the extent of tidal inundation, develop default values for methane emissions associated with intermediate salinities, and model soil C accretion, the dominant "blue carbon" sink, across continental and local gradients.

Variability of the internal tide on the southern Monterey Bay continental shelf and associated bottom boundary layer sediment transport

USGS Publications Warehouse

Rosenberger, Kurt; Storlazzi, Curt; Cheriton, Olivia

2016-01-01

A 6-month deployment of instrumentation from April to October 2012 in 90 m water depth near the outer edge of the mid-shelf mud belt in southern Monterey Bay, California, reveals the importance regional upwelling on water column density structure, potentially accounting for the majority of the variability in internal tidal energy flux across the shelf. Observations consisted of time-series measurements of water-column currents, temperature and salinity, and near-bed currents and suspended matter. The internal tide accounted for 15–25% of the water-column current variance and the barotropic tide accounted for up to 35%. The subtidal flow showed remarkably little shear and was dominated by the 7–14 day band, which is associated with relaxations in the dominant equatorward winds typical of coastal California in the spring and summer. Upwelling and relaxation events resulted in strong near-bed flows and accounted for almost half of the current stress on the seafloor (not accounting for wave orbital velocities), and may have driven along-shelf geostrophic flow during steady state conditions. Several elevated suspended particulate matter (SPM) events occurred within 3 m of the bed and were generally associated with higher, long-period surface waves. However, these peaks in SPM did not coincide with the predicted resuspension events from the modeled combined wave–current shear stress, indicating that the observed SPM at our site was most likely resuspended elsewhere and advected along-isobath. Sediment flux was almost equal in magnitude in the alongshore and cross-shore directions. Instances of wave–current shear stress that exceeded the threshold of resuspension for the silty-clays common at these water depths only occurred when near-bed orbital velocities due to long-period surface waves coincided with vigorous near-bed currents associated with the internal tide or upwelling/relaxation events. Thus upwelling/relaxation dynamics are primarily responsible for variability in the internal tide, as well as transport of near-bottom sediment in the mid-self mud belt during the relatively quiescent summer months.

Upwelling rebound, ephemeral secondary pycnoclines, and the creation of a near-bottom wave guide over the Monterey Bay continental shelf

USGS Publications Warehouse

Cheriton, Olivia M.; McPhee-Shaw, Erika E.; Storlazzi, Curt D.; Rosenberger, Kurt J.; Shaw, William J.; Raanan, Ben Y.

2014-01-01

Several sequential upwelling events were observed in fall 2012, using measurements from the outer half of the continental shelf in Monterey Bay, during which the infiltration of dense water onto the shelf created a secondary, near-bottom pycnocline. This deep pycnocline existed in concert with the near-surface pycnocline and enabled the propagation of near-bottom, cold, semidiurnal internal tidal bores, as well as energetic, high-frequency, nonlinear internal waves of elevation (IWOE). The IWOE occurred within 20 m of the bottom, had amplitudes of 8–24 m, periods of 6–45 min, and depth-integrated energy fluxes up to 200 W m−1. Iribarren numbers (<0.03) indicate that these IWOE were nonbreaking in this region of the shelf. These observations further demonstrate how regional upwelling dynamics and the resulting bulk, cross-margin hydrography is a first-order control on the ability of internal waves, at tidal and higher frequencies, to propagate through continental shelf waters.

Mapping the nonstationary internal tide with satellite altimetry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zaron, Edward D.

2017-01-01

Temporal variability of the internal tide has been inferred from the 23 year long combined records of the TOPEX/Poseidon, Jason-1, and Jason-2 satellite altimeters by combining harmonic analysis with an analysis of along-track wavenumber spectra of sea-surface height (SSH). Conventional harmonic analysis is first applied to estimate and remove the stationary components of the tide at each point along the reference ground tracks. The wavenumber spectrum of the residual SSH is then computed, and the variance in a neighborhood around the wavenumber of the mode-1 baroclinic M2 tide is interpreted as the sum of noise, broadband nontidal processes, and the nonstationary tide. At many sites a bump in the spectrum associated with the internal tide is noted, and an empirical model for the noise and nontidal processes is used to estimate the nonstationary semidiurnal tidal variance. The results indicate a spatially inhomogeneous pattern of tidal variability. Nonstationary tides are larger than stationary tides throughout much of the equatorial Pacific and Indian Oceans.

Observations of Tidal Straining Within Two Different Ocean Environments in the East China Sea: Stratification and Near-Bottom Turbulence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Wei; Wei, Hao; Zhao, Liang

2017-11-01

Tidal straining describes the straining effect induced by the vertical shear of oscillatory tidal currents that act on horizontal density gradients. It tends to create tidal periodic stratification and modulate the turbulence in the bottom boundary layer (BBL). Here, we present observations of current, hydrology and turbulence obtained at two mooring stations that are characterized by two typical hydrological environments in the East China Sea (ECS). One is located adjacent to the Changjiang River's mouth, and the other is located over a sloping shelf which is far from the freshwater sources. Tidal straining induces a semidiurnal switching between stable and unstable stratification at both stations. Near-bottom high-frequency velocity measurements further reveal that the dissipation rate of turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) is highly elevated during periods when unstable stratification occurs. A comparison between the TKE dissipation rate (ɛ) and the shear production (P) further reveals that the near-bottom mixing is locally shear-induced most of the time except during the unstable stratification period. Within this period, the magnitude of dissipation exceeds the expected value based on the law of the wall by an order of magnitude. The buoyancy flux that calculated by the balance method is too small to compensate for the existing discrepancy between the dissipation and shear production. Another plausible candidate is the advection of TKE, which may play an important role in the TKE budget during the unstable stratification period.

Tidal variations of flow convergence, shear, and stratification at the Rio de la Plata estuary turbidity front

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

FramiñAn, Mariana B.; Valle-Levinson, Arnoldo; Sepúlveda, HéCtor H.; Brown, Otis B.

2008-08-01

Intratidal variability of density and velocity fields is investigated at the turbidity front of the Río de la Plata Estuary, South America. Current velocity and temperature-salinity profiles collected in August 1999 along a repeated transect crossing the front are analyzed. Horizontal and vertical gradients, stability of the front, convergence zones, and transverse flow associated to the frontal boundary are described. Strong horizontal convergence of the across-front velocity and build up of along-front velocity shear were observed at the front. In the proximity of the front, enhanced transverse (or along-front) flow created jet-like structures at the surface and near the bottom flowing in opposite directions. These structures persisted throughout the tidal cycle and were advected upstream (downstream) by the flood (ebb) current through a distance of ˜10 km. During peak flood, the upper layer flow reversed from its predominant downstream direction and upstreamflow occupied the entire water column; outside the peak flood, two-layer estuarine circulation dominated. Changes in density field were observed in response to tidal straining, tidal advection, and wind-induced mixing, but stratification remained throughout the tidal cycle. This work demonstrates the large spatial variability of the velocity field at the turbidity front; it provides evidence of enhanced transverse circulation along the frontal boundary; and reveals the importance of advective and frictional intratidal processes in the dynamics of the central part of the estuary.

Tidal atmospheric and ocean loading in VLBI analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Girdiuk, Anastasiia; Schindelegger, Michael; Böhm, Johannes

2016-04-01

In VLBI (Very Long Baseline Interferometry) analysis, reductions for tidal atmospheric and ocean loading are commonly used according to the IERS Conventions. In this presentation we examine such loading corrections from contemporary geophysical models within routine VLBI processing and discuss the internal consistency of the applied corrections for various effects. In detail, two gravitational ocean tide models, FES2004 and the recent FES2012 atlas with a much finer horizontal resolution and an improved description of hydrodynamic processes, are employed. Moreover, the contribution of atmospheric tidal loading is also re-considered based on data taken from two providers of station displacements, Goddard Space Flight Center and the TU Wien group. Those two models differ in terms of the underlying meteorological data, which can be a reason for inconsistency of VLBI reductions and may lead to systematics in the VLBI products at tidal frequencies. We validate this assumption in terms of Earth rotation parameters, by a tidal analysis of diurnal and semi-diurnal universal time and semi-diurnal polar motion variations as determined with the Vienna VLBI Software. Applying the loading models in a consistent way still leads to unexplained residuals at about 4-5 μas in the diurnal polar motion band, thus limiting the possibility of assessing geophysical models at this particular frequency.

Effects of non-tidal atmospheric loading on a Kalman filter-based terrestrial reference frame

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abbondanza, C.; Altamimi, Z.; Chin, T. M.; Collilieux, X.; Dach, R.; Heflin, M. B.; Gross, R. S.; König, R.; Lemoine, F. G.; MacMillan, D. S.; Parker, J. W.; van Dam, T. M.; Wu, X.

2013-12-01

The International Terrestrial Reference Frame (ITRF) adopts a piece-wise linear model to parameterize regularized station positions and velocities. The space-geodetic (SG) solutions from VLBI, SLR, GPS and DORIS global networks used as input in the ITRF combination process account for tidal loading deformations, but ignore the non-tidal part. As a result, the non-linear signal observed in the time series of SG-derived station positions in part reflects non-tidal loading displacements not introduced in the SG data reduction. In this analysis, the effect of non-tidal atmospheric loading (NTAL) corrections on the TRF is assessed adopting a Remove/Restore approach: (i) Focusing on the a-posteriori approach, the NTAL model derived from the National Center for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) surface pressure is removed from the SINEX files of the SG solutions used as inputs to the TRF determinations. (ii) Adopting a Kalman-filter based approach, a linear TRF is estimated combining the 4 SG solutions free from NTAL displacements. (iii) Linear fits to the NTAL displacements removed at step (i) are restored to the linear reference frame estimated at (ii). The velocity fields of the (standard) linear reference frame in which the NTAL model has not been removed and the one in which the model has been removed/restored are compared and discussed.

Measuring the neutron star tidal deformability with equation-of-state-independent relations and gravitational waves

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chatziioannou, Katerina; Haster, Carl-Johan; Zimmerman, Aaron

2018-05-01

Gravitational wave measurements of binary neutron star coalescences offer information about the properties of the extreme matter that comprises the stars. Despite our expectation that all neutron stars in the Universe obey the same equation of state, i.e. the properties of the matter that forms them are universal, current tidal inference analyses treat the two bodies as independent. We present a method to measure the effect of tidal interactions in the gravitational wave signal—and hence constrain the equation of state—that assumes that the two binary components obey the same equation of state. Our method makes use of a relation between the tidal deformabilities of the two stars given the ratio of their masses, a relation that has been shown to only have a weak dependence on the equation of state. We use this to link the tidal deformabilities of the two stars in a realistic parameter inference study while simultaneously marginalizing over the error in the relation. This approach incorporates more physical information into our analysis, thus leading to a better measurement of tidal effects in gravitational wave signals. Through simulated signals we estimate that uncertainties in the measured tidal parameters are reduced by a factor of at least 2—and in some cases up to 10—depending on the equation of state and mass ratio of the system.

Complete tidal evolution of Pluto-Charon

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cheng, W. H.; Lee, Man Hoi; Peale, S. J.

2014-05-01

Both Pluto and its satellite Charon have rotation rates synchronous with their orbital mean motion. This is the theoretical end point of tidal evolution where transfer of angular momentum has ceased. Here we follow Pluto’s tidal evolution from an initial state having the current total angular momentum of the system but with Charon in an eccentric orbit with semimajor axis a≈4RP (where RP is the radius of Pluto), consistent with its impact origin. Two tidal models are used, where the tidal dissipation function Q∝1/frequency and Q = constant, where details of the evolution are strongly model dependent. The inclusion of the gravitational harmonic coefficient C22 of both bodies in the analysis allows smooth, self consistent evolution to the dual synchronous state, whereas its omission frustrates successful evolution in some cases. The zonal harmonic J2 can also be included, but does not cause a significant effect on the overall evolution. The ratio of dissipation in Charon to that in Pluto controls the behavior of the orbital eccentricity, where a judicious choice leads to a nearly constant eccentricity until the final approach to dual synchronous rotation. The tidal models are complete in the sense that every nuance of tidal evolution is realized while conserving total angular momentum-including temporary capture into spin-orbit resonances as Charon’s spin decreases and damped librations about the same.

75 FR 70730 - Natural Currents Energy Services, LLC; Notice of Preliminary Permit Application Accepted for...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-11-18

...(f) of the Federal Power Act, proposing to study the feasibility of the Salem Tidal Energy Project... Atlantic Port Terminal to the south. The project proposes between 10 and 30 NC Sea Dragon or Red Hawk tidal... minimum of 3,504,000 kW hours per year with the installation of 10 units. Applicant Contact: Mr. Roger...

Anomalous Upwelling in Nan Wan: July 2008

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-12-01

Head Ruth H. Preller 7300 Security, Code 1226 Office of Couns sl.Code 1008.3 ADOR/Director NCST E. R. Franchi , 7000 Public Affairs (Unclassified...State University (OSU) tidal forcing drives the tidal currents. A global weather forecast model (Navy Operational Global Atmospheric Prediction...system derives its open ocean boundary conditions from NRL global NCOM (Navy Co- astal Ocean Model) (Rhodes et al. 2002) that operates daily

Performance of Portable Ventilators at Altitude

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-03-30

collection of information if it does not display a currently valid OMB control number. PLEASE DO NOT RETURN YOUR FORM TO THE ABOVE ADDRESS. 1. REPORT...Deploying ventilators that can maintain a consistent tidal volume (VT) delivery at various altitudes is imperative for lung protection when...performance of mechanical ventilators calibrated for operation at sea level. Deploying ventilators that can maintain a consistent tidal volume (VT) delivery

Seasonal sedimentary processes of the macrotidal flat in Gomso Bay, west coast of Korea

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Woo, H.; Kang, J.; Choi, J.

2012-12-01

The tidal flats on the west coast of Korea have broad zones with gentle slopes and a macrotidal setting with 4 to 10 meters of tidal ranges. They are directly influenced by monsoons and heavily affected by waves in winter and tidal currents in summer. As a result, most western tidal flats show the seasonal changes of sedimentary features comprising sedimentation and/or erosion of sediments. Gomso bay in the mid-west of Korea is a funnel-shaped embayment with a wide entrance to the west. Tides are semidiurnal and macrotidal, with a mean tidal range of 433.8 cm. Digital elevation model (DEM) showed that the landward inner bay had mainly high elevations and the seaward outer bay had relatively low elevations. In particular, there are considerable gradients in the outer bay from area of high-water line to area of low-water line. The sedimentary analysis and monitoring short-term sedimentation rates were investigated to understand seasonal sedimentary processes of tidal flats in Gomso bay. The surface sediments in the bay were classified into five sedimentary facies in spring 2011. Generally, sandy sediments were dominated in the outer bay, whereas sandy mud sediments were distributed on the inner bay. The middle bay mainly consisted of muddy sand sediments. The percentages of sand decreased from outer to inner bay. The short-term sedimentation rates were obtained from three lines by burying a plate at sub-bottom depth and periodically measuring the changing sediment depth from February 2011 to February 2012. In the tidal flat at inner bay (KB- Line), the annual sedimentation rates were ranged -8.87 to 74.69 mm/year with the net deposition rate of 40.90 mm/year. The deposition occurred on KB-Line in spring, autumn and winter. The erosion was dominated on the tidal flats at middle (KH-Line) and outer bay (KM-Line) during autumn and winter with an annual erosion rate of -29.86 mm/year and -9.92 mm/year, respectively. The seasonal variations of sedimentation on these tidal flats showed that the deposition occurred with an inflow of muddy sediments in summer, whereas the erosion was dominated in autumn and winter. In August 2011, the distribution patterns of rare earth elements (REEs) relative to the upper continental crust (UCC) showed the enrichment of light REEs (LREEs: La-Nd), together with an apparent depletion of Eu in the KH- and KM-Lines. This pattern was more pronounced in the middle bay sediments (KH-Line) due to influence of muddy sediment transport from Jujin Stream during the rainy period (July and August). On the other hand, the outer bay sediments in the KM-Line were reflected more inflow of second sediment source, the Geum River. The major control factors for seasonal variations of sediments on the tidal flat could be heavy rainfall and tidal currents during summer and strong waves during winter. The net sedimentation showed that the deposition occurred in the inner tidal flat and erosion occurred in the middle and outer tidal flat of the bay.

A new high resolution tidal model in the Arctic Ocean

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cancet, Mathilde; Andersen, Ole; Lyard, Florent; Cotton, David; Benveniste, Jérôme

2016-04-01

The Arctic Ocean is a challenging region for tidal modeling, because of its complex and not well-documented bathymetry, together combined with the intermittent presence of sea ice and the fact that the in situ tidal observations are scarce at such high latitudes. As a consequence, the accuracy of the global tidal models decreases by several centimeters in the Polar Regions. It has a large impact on the quality of the satellite altimeter sea surface heights in these regions (ERS1/2, Envisat, CryoSat-2, SARAL/AltiKa and the future Sentinel-3 mission), but also on the end-users' applications that need accurate tidal information. Better knowledge of the tides will improve the quality of the high latitudes altimeter sea surface heights and of all derived products, such as the altimetry-derived geostrophic currents, the mean sea surface and the mean dynamic topography. In addition, accurate tidal models are highly strategic information for ever-growing maritime and industrial activities in this region. NOVELTIS and DTU Space have recently developed a regional, high-resolution tidal atlas in the Arctic Ocean, in the framework of an extension of the CryoSat Plus for Oceans (CP4O) project funded by ESA (STSE program). In particular, this atlas benefits from the assimilation of the most complete satellite altimetry dataset ever used in this region, including the Envisat data up to 82°N and the CryoSat-2 reprocessed data between 82°N and 88°N. The combination of all these satellites gives the best possible coverage of altimetry-derived tidal constituents. Tide gauge data have also been used either for assimilation or validation. This paper presents the methodology followed to develop the model and the performances of this new regional tidal model in the Arctic Ocean.

Tidal regime of intact planetoid capture model for the Earth-Moon system: Does it relate to the archean sedimentary rock record?

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Malcuit, Robert J.; Winters, Ronald R.

1993-01-01

Regardless of one's favorite model for the origin of the Earth-Moon system (fission, coformation, tidal capture, giant-impact) the early history of lunar orbital evolution would produce significant thermal and earth and ocean tidal effects on the primitive earth. Three of the above lunar origin models (fission, coformation, giant-impact) feature a circular orbit which undergoes a progressive increase in orbital radius from the time of origin to the present time. In contrast, a tidal capture model places the moon in an elliptical orbit undergoing progressive circularization from the time of capture (for model purposes about 3.9 billion years ago) for at least a few 10(exp 8) years following the capture event. Once the orbit is circularized, the subsequent tidal history for a tidal capture scenario is similar to that for other models of lunar origin and features a progressive increase in orbital radius to the current state of the lunar orbit. This elliptical orbit phase, if it occurred, should have left a distinctive signature in the terrestrial and lunar rock records. Depositional events would be associated terrestrial shorelines characterized by abnormally high, but progressively decreasing, ocean tidal amplitudes and ranges associated with such an orbital evolution. Several rock units in the age range 3.6-2.5 billion years before present are reported to have a major tidal component. Examples are the Warrawoona, Fortescue, and Hamersley Groups of Western Australia and the Pangola and Witwatersand Supergroups of South Africa. Detailed study of the features of these tidal sequences may be helpful in deciphering the style of lunar orbital evolution during the Archean Eon.

Measurement of tidal and residual currents in the Strait of Hormuz

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Azizpour, Jafar; Siadatmousavi, Seyed Mostafa; Chegini, Vahid

2016-09-01

Quantifying the current in the Strait of Hormuz (SH) is vital for understanding the circulation in the Persian Gulf. To measure the current in the strait, four subsurface moorings were deployed at four different stations close to SH from early November 2012 to the end of January 2013. Tidal current were dominant in the SH. The tides in the SH were complex partially standing waves and the dominant pattern varied from being primarily semi-diurnal to diurnal. The phase difference between tidal constituents of current and sea level elevation time series was used as an index to show the partially progressive wave pattern inside the study area. At mooring positions 3 and 4, located to the left of SH, the phase differences were close to 160° and 100°, respectively. It indicates partially progressive waves in opposite direction at these stations. K1 and M2 were the two main constituents at all stations inside the study area. At surface, the magnitude of semi-major axis of ellipses for M2 constituent was larger than corresponding value for K1 whereas at the bottom layer, the opposite pattern was observed. The M2 rotary coefficients at mooring 1 illustrated that current vector at the bottom layer rotated in opposite direction compared to current vectors at the middle and surface layers. The rotation was counterclockwise in the bottom layer, while it was clockwise in the surface and middle layers.

Significant Dissipation of Tidal Energy in the Deep Ocean Inferred from Satellite Altimeter Data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Egbert, G. D.; Ray, R. D.

2000-01-01

How and where the ocean tides dissipate their energy are longstanding questions that have consequences ranging from the history of the Moon to the mixing of the oceans. Historically, the principal sink of tidal energy has been thought to be bottom friction in shallow seas. There has long been suggestive however, that tidal dissipation also occurs in the open ocean through the scattering by ocean-bottom topography of surface tides into internal waves, but estimates of the magnitude of this possible sink have varied widely. Here we use satellite altimeter data from Topex/Poseidon to map empirically the tidal energy dissipation. We show that approximately 10(exp 12) watts-that is, 1 TW, representing 25-30% of the total dissipation-occurs in the deep ocean, generally near areas of rough topography. Of the estimated 2 TW of mixing energy required to maintain the large-scale thermohaline circulation of the ocean, one-half could therefore be provided by the tides, with the other half coming from action on the surface of the ocean.

Structure, age and origin of the bay-mouth shoal deposits, Chesapeake Bay, Virginia

USGS Publications Warehouse

Colman, Steven M.; Berquist, C.R.; Hobbs, C. H.

1988-01-01

The mouth of Chesapeake Bay contains a distinctive shoal complex and related deposits that result from the complex interaction of three different processes: (1) progradation of a barrier spit at the southern end of the Delmarva Peninsula, (2) strong, reversing tidal currents that transport and rework sediment brought to the bay mouth from the north, and (3) landward (bayward) net non-tidal circulation and sediment transport. Together, these processes play a major role in changing the configuration of the estuary and filling it with sediment. The deposits at the mouth of the bay hold keys both to the evolution of the bay during the Holocene transgression and to the history of previous generations of the bay. The deposit associated with the shoals at the mouth of the bay, the bay-mouth sand, is a distinct stratigraphic unit composed mostly of uniform, gray, fine sand. The position and internal structure of the unit shows that it is related to near-present sea level, and thus is less than a few thousand years old. The processes affecting the upper surface of the deposit and the patterns of erosion and deposition at this surface are complex, but the geometry and structure of the deposit indicate that it is a coherent unit that is prograding bayward and tending to fill the estuary. The source of the bay-mouth sand is primarily outside the bay in the nearshore zone of the Delmarva Peninsula and on the inner continental shelf. The internal structure of the deposit, its surface morphology, its heavy-mineral composition, bottom-current studies, comparative bathymetry, and sediment budgets all suggest that sand is brought to the bay mouth by southerly longshore drift along the Delmarva Peninsula and then swept into the bay. In addition to building the southward- and bayward-prograding bay-mouth sand, these processes result in sand deposition tens of kilometers into the bay. ?? 1988.

Tidal Dissipation In Rotating Low Mass Stars: Implications For The Orbital Evolution Of Close In Planets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gallet, Florian; Bolmont, Emeline; Mathis, Stéphane; Charbonnel, Corinne; Amard, Louis; Alibert, Yann

2017-10-01

Close-in planets represent a large fraction of the population of confirmed exoplanets. To understand the dynamical evolution of these planets, star-planet interactions must be taken into account. In particular, the dependence of the tidal interactions on the structural parameters of the star, its rotation, and its metallicity should be treated in the models. We quantify how the tidal dissipation in the convective envelope of rotating low-mass stars evolves in time. We also investigate the possible consequences of this evolution on planetary orbital evolution. In Gallet et al. (2017) and Bolmont et al. (2017) we generalized the work of Bolmont & Mathis (2016) by following the orbital evolution of close-in planets using the new tidal dissipation predictions for advanced phases of stellar evolution and non-solar metallicity. We find that during the pre-main sequence the evolution of tidal dissipation is controlled by the evolution of the internal structure of the star through the stellar contraction. On the main-sequence tidal dissipation is strongly driven by the evolution of the surface rotation that is impacted by magnetized stellar winds braking. Finally, during the more evolved phases, the tidal dissipation sharply decreases as radiative core retreats in mass and radius towards the red-giant branch. Using an orbital evolution model, we also show that changing the metallicity leads to diUerent orbital evolutions (e.g., planets migrate farther out from an initially fast rotating metal rich star). By using this model, we qualitatively reproduced the observational trends of the population of hot Jupiters with the metallicity of their host stars. However, more work still remain to be do so as to be able to quantitatively fit our results to the observations.

Hydrodynamic effects of kinetic power extraction by in-stream tidal turbines

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Polagye, Brian L.

The hydrodynamic effects of extracting kinetic power from tidal streams presents unique challenges to the development of in-stream tidal power. In-stream tidal turbines superficially resemble wind turbines and extract kinetic power from the ebb and flood of strong tidal currents. Extraction increases the resistance to flow, leading to changes in tidal range, transport, mixing, and the kinetic resource itself. These far-field changes have environmental, social, and economic implications that must be understood to develop the in-stream resource. This dissertation describes the development of a one-dimensional numerical channel model and its application to the study of these effects. The model is applied to determine the roles played by site geometry, network topology, tidal regime, and device dynamics. A comparison is also made between theoretical and modeled predictions for the maximum amount of power which could be extracted from a tidal energy site. The model is extended to a simulation of kinetic power extraction from Puget Sound, Washington. In general, extracting tidal energy will have a number of far-field effects, in proportion to the level of power extraction. At the theoretical limit, these effects can be very significant (e.g., 50% reduction in transport), but are predicted to be immeasurably small for pilot-scale projects. Depending on the specifics of the site, far-field effects may either augment or reduce the existing tidal regime. Changes to the tide, in particular, have significant spatial variability. Since tidal streams are generally subcritical, effects are felt throughout the estuary, not just at the site of extraction. The one dimensional numerical modeling is supported by a robust theory for predicting the performance characteristics of in-stream devices. The far-field effects of tidal power depend on the total power dissipated by turbines, rather than the power extracted. When the low-speed wake downstream of a turbine mixes with the free-stream, power is lost, such that the total power dissipated by the turbine is significantly greater than the power extracted. This dissertation concludes with a framework for three-dimensional numerical modeling of near-field extraction effects.

The role of Internal Solitary Waves on deep-water sedimentary processes: the case of up-slope migrating sediment waves off the Messina Strait.

PubMed

Droghei, R; Falcini, F; Casalbore, D; Martorelli, E; Mosetti, R; Sannino, G; Santoleri, R; Chiocci, F L

2016-11-03

Subaqueous, asymmetric sand waves are typically observed in marine channel/canyon systems, tidal environments, and continental slopes exposed to strong currents, where they are formed by current shear resulting from a dominant unidirectional flow. However, sand-wave fields may be readily observed in marine environments where no such current exists; the physical processes driving their formation are enigmatic or not well understood. We propose that internal solitary waves (ISWs) induced by tides can produce an effective, unidirectional boundary "current" that forms asymmetric sand waves. We test this idea by examining a sand-wave field off the Messina Strait, where we hypothesize that ISWs formed at the interface between intermediate and surface waters are refracted by topography. Hence, we argue that the deflected pattern (i.e., the depth-dependent orientation) of the sand-wave field is due to refraction of such ISWs. Combining field observations and numerical modelling, we show that ISWs can account for three key features: ISWs produce fluid velocities capable of mobilizing bottom sediments; the predicted refraction pattern resulting from the interaction of ISWs with bottom topography matches the observed deflection of the sand waves; and predicted migration rates of sand waves match empirical estimates. This work shows how ISWs may contribute to sculpting the structure of continental margins and it represents a promising link between the geological and oceanographic communities.

Seasonal variation of semidiurnal internal tides in the East/Japan Sea

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jeon, Chanhyung; Park, Jae-Hun; Varlamov, Sergey M.; Yoon, Jong-Hwan; Kim, Young Ho; Seo, Seongbong; Park, Young-Gyu; Min, Hong Sik; Lee, Jae Hak; Kim, Cheol-Ho

2014-05-01

The seasonal variation of semidiurnal internal tides in the East/Japan Sea was investigated using 25 month long output from a real-time ocean forecasting system. The z coordinate eddy-resolving high-resolution numerical model, called the RIAM ocean model, incorporates data assimilation that nudges temperature and salinity fields together with volume transport through the Korea Strait to produce realistic oceanic currents and stratification. In addition to atmospheric forcing, it includes tidal forcing of 16 major components along open boundaries. The model generates energetic semidiurnal internal tides around the northern entrance of the Korea Strait. Energy conversion from barotropic to baroclinic (internal) tides varies seasonally with maxima in September (ranging 0.48-0.52 GW) and minima in March (ranging 0.11-0.16 GW). This seasonal variation is induced by the seasonality in stratification near the southwestern East/Japan Sea. The propagation distance of the internal tides is associated with generation intensity and wavelength. From late summer to early winter, the semidiurnal internal tides travel relatively far from the generation region due to stratification changes; its energy dissipates less as a result of longer wavelengths. Our results suggest that spatiotemporal variation of internal-tide-induced mixing due to the seasonality in the generation, propagation, and dissipation of internal tides should be considered for a more realistic simulation of water masses and circulation in models of the East/Japan Sea.

Discovery of a Time Lag between the Soft X-Ray and Radio Emission of the Tidal Disruption Flare ASASSN-14li: Evidence for Linear Disk–Jet Coupling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pasham, Dheeraj R.; van Velzen, Sjoert

2018-03-01

The tidal disruption of a star by a supermassive black hole can result in transient radio emission. The electrons producing these synchrotron radio flares could either be accelerated inside a relativistic jet or externally by shocks resulting from an outflow interacting with the circumnuclear medium. Until now, evidence for the internal emission mechanism has been lacking; nearly all tidal disruption flare studies have adopted the external shock model to explain the observed properties of radio flares. Here we report a result that presents a challenge to external emission models: we discovered a cross-correlation between the soft X-ray (0.3–1 keV) and 16 GHz radio flux of the tidal disruption flare ASASSN-14li. Variability features in the X-ray light curve appear again in the radio light curve, but after a time lag of {12}-5+6 days. This demonstrates that the soft X-ray-emitting accretion disk regulates the radio emission. This coupling appears to be inconsistent with all previous external emission models for this source but is naturally explained if the radio emission originates from a freely expanding jet. We show that emission internal to an adiabatically expanding jet can also reproduce the observed evolution of the radio spectral energy distribution. Furthermore, both the correlation between X-ray and radio luminosity as well as our radio spectral modeling imply an approximately linear coupling between the accretion rate and jet power.

A Model for the Growth of Opportunistic Macroalgae ( Enteromorpha sp.) in Tidal Estuaries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Martins, I.; Marques, J. C.

2002-08-01

The aim of this work was to develop a model capable of simulating the gross and the net growth of Enteromorpha sp. in tidal estuaries. The model was developed for the Mondego Estuary (Western Portugal) taking into account the key factors that control green macroalgae in the area. Enteromorpha gross growth was defined as a function of light, temperature, salinity and internal nutrients (N and P). Net growth was defined as gross growth minus respiration. The model was calibrated using a set of experimental data obtained in the laboratory under semi-controlled conditions. Sub-models of tidal height and light extinction coefficient variation were included for predicting macroalgal growth in the field, which constituted the model validation. According to the results, model predictions are well within the observed results, both in the laboratory and in the field. The largest discrepancies between predicted and observed values in the field refer to winter months and July. Possibly at these periods of the year, the prevailing external conditions (very low salinity in winter and high temperature and PFD in July) induced some physiological responses by Enteromorpha, which were not described by the model (e.g. sporulation, desiccation). The model was also used to demonstrate the need to consider dynamic descriptions of the light extinction coefficient in the water column ( k) when assessing primary productivity in tidal environments. If macroalgal-specific (e.g. nutrient internal status) and site-specific parameters (e.g. minimal and maximal depth, photoperiod) are considered, the present model may be used in a broader scale.

Open Ocean Internal Waves, South China Sea

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1989-01-01

These open ocean internal waves were seen in the south China Sea (19.5N, 114.5E). These sets of internal waves most likely coincide with tidal periods about 12 hours apart. The wave length (distance from crest to crest) varies between 1.5 and 5.0 miles and the crest lengths stretch across and beyond this photo for over 75 miles. At lower right, the surface waves are moving at a 30% angle to the internal waves, with parallel low level clouds.

The Tethered Moon

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zahnle, Kevin; Lupu, Roxana Elena; Dubrovolskis, A. R.

2014-01-01

A reasonable initial condition on Earth after the Moonforming impact is that it begins as a hot global magma ocean1,2. We therefore begin our study with the mantle as a liquid ocean with a surface temperature on the order of 3000- 4000 K at a time some 100-1000 years after the impact, by which point we can hope that early transients have settled down. A 2nd initial condition is a substantial atmosphere, 100-1000 bars of H2O and CO2, supplemented by smaller amounts of CO, H2, N2, various sulfur-containing gases, and a suite of geochemical volatiles evaporated from the magma. Third, we start the Moon with its current mass at the relevant Roche limit. The 4th initial condition is the angular momentum of the Earth-Moon system. Canonical models hold this constant, whilst some recent models begin with considerably more angular momentum than is present today. Here we present a ruthlessly simplified model of Earth's cooling magmasphere based on a full-featured atmosphere and including tidal heating by the newborn Moon. Thermal blanketing by H2O-CO2 atmospheres slows cooling of a magma ocean. Geochemical volatiles - chiefly S, Na, and Cl - raise the opacity of the magma ocean's atmosphere and slow cooling still more. We assume a uniform mantle with a single internal (potential) temperature and a global viscosity. The important "freezing point" is the sharp rheological transition between a fluid carrying suspended crystals and a solid matrix through which fluids percolate. Most tidal heating takes place at this "freezing point" in a gel that is both pliable and viscous. Parameterized convection links the cooling rate to the temperature and heat generation inside the Earth. Tidal heating is a major effect. Tidal dissipation in the magma ocean is described by viscosity. The Moon is entwined with Earth by the negative feedback between thermal blanketing and tidal heating that comes from the temperature-dependent viscosity of the magma ocean. Because of this feedback, the rate that the Moon's orbit evolves is limited by the modest radiative cooling rate of Earth's atmosphere, which in effect tethers the Moon to the Earth. Consequently the Moon's orbit evolves orders of magnitude more slowly than in conventional models. Slow orbital evolution promotes capture by orbital resonances that may have been important in the Earth-Moon system

Observations of High-frequency Internal Wave Energy Offshore of Point Loma, California

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rhee, K.; Crosby, S. C.; Fiedler, J. W.

2016-12-01

As coastally directed internal wave energy shoals in shallow water, the resulting bores can transport cold, dense, nutrient-rich waters shoreward, influencing local fauna and ultimately dissipating tidal energy into heat. Understanding the mechanisms, propagation, and resultant transport is crucial for determining the physical-biological interactions along our coasts. We observed significant internal wave energy offshore of Point Loma, San Diego using a thermistor chain moored in 22m depth. Temperature observations spaced 1.5m apart from 0 to 18m were sampled at 2Hz and recorded for a period of ten days during July 2016. Temperature, salinity, oxygen, and nutrient profiles were obtained at 3 stations further offshore during deployment and recovery cruises. At the time of mooring deployment, thermocline depth was 10 to 20m. During recovery we observed a significant decrease of thermocline depth, which was likely caused by surface mixing during a strong wind event. During the 10-day deployment we observed many high frequency (5 to 10 minute periods) internal waves events. In addition, we noticed rapid temperature changes (4oC in less than a minute) suggestive of internal bores; however, other events appeared to be linear, possibly indicating unbroken internal waves. Here, we examine the critical slope for linear mode-1 propagation, the correlation of these events with tidal ebb and flow, and infer how a deeper mixed layer effects internal wave propagation.

Nonlinear internal waves and plumes generated in response to sea-loch outflow, AUV, and time-lapse photography observations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Toberman, Matthew; Inall, Mark; Boyd, Tim; Dumount, Estelle; Griffiths, Colin

2017-07-01

The tidally modulated outflow of brackish water from a sea loch forms a thin surface layer that propagates into the coastal ocean as a buoyant gravity current, transporting nutrients and sediments, as well as fresh water, heat and momentum. The fresh intrusion both propagates into and generates a strongly stratified environment which supports trains of nonlinear internal waves (NLIWs). NLIWs are shown to propagate ahead of this buoyancy input in response to propagation of the outflow water into the stratified environment generated by the previous release as well as in the opposing direction after the reflection from steep bathymetry. Oblique aerial photographs were taken and photogrammetric rectification led to the identification of the buoyant intrusion and the subsequent generation of NLIWs. An autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) was deployed on repeated reciprocal transects in order to make simultaneous CTD, ADCP, and microstructure shear measurements of the evolution of these phenomena in conjunction with conventional mooring measurements. AUV-based temperature and salinity signals of NLIWs of depression were observed together with increased turbulent kinetic energy dissipation rates of over 2 orders of magnitude within and in the wake of the NLIWs. Repeated measurements allow a unique opportunity to investigate the horizontal structure of these phenomena. Simple metric scaling demonstrates that these processes are likely to be feature of many fjordic systems located on the west coast of Scotland but may also play a key role in the assimilation of the outflow from many tidally dominated fjordic systems throughout the world.

Factors controlling mud accumulation in the Heuksan mud belt off southwestern Korea

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chang, Tae Soo; Ha, Hun Jun; Chun, Seung Soo

2015-12-01

The Heuksan mud belt (hereafter HMB) is 20~50 km wide, ~200 km long, and ~50 m thick, having accumulated in the course of the Holocene transgression on the tide-dominated epicontinental shelf southwest of Korea. The internal architecture of the HMB is characterized by offshore prograding clinoforms. Of particular interest are the depositional processes responsible for this anomalously thick mud accumulation within a relatively short period of time. Tidal currents are important in the dispersal of mud in the HMB, although these alone cannot explain such an enormous mud deposit. In order to understand the formative processes of the HMB, a detailed sedimentary facies analysis, including high-resolution grain-size measurements, has been conducted on more than 30 short cores and three long drill cores recovered from the mud belt. Five major mud facies were identified. Of these, mud sequences showing a thickening-thinning trend of alternating silt and clay laminae suggestive of a tidal origin occur dominantly at inner to mid shelf locations. By contrast, internally structureless muds with sharp bases and no bioturbation, which are interpreted of representing fluid-mud deposits, are widespread at mid to outer shelf locations. Wave-generated mud ripples and storm beds on the inner shelf suggest that storm waves in winter resuspend previously deposited mud to form near-bed fluid-mud suspensions with resulting gravity-driven mud transport across the low-gradient outer shelf. This previously not recognized process is probably a major factor controlling depositional processes on the giant mud belt, enabling rapid accumulation and offshore progradation even during transgression, i.e., at times of sea-level rise.

One-dimensional Analytical Modelling of Floating Seed Dispersal in Tidal Channels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shi, W.; Purnama, A.; Shao, D.; Cui, B.; Gao, W.

2017-12-01

Seed dispersal is a primary factor influencing plant community development, and thus plays a critical role in maintaining wetland ecosystem functioning. However, compared with fluvial seed dispersal of riparian plants, dispersal of saltmarsh plant seeds in tidal channels is much less studied due to its complex behavior, and relevant mathematical modelling is particularly lacking. In this study, we developed a one-dimensional advection-dispersion model to explore the patterns of tidal seed dispersal. Oscillatory tidal current and water depth were assumed to represent the tidal effects. An exponential decay coefficient λ was introduced to account for seed deposition and retention. Analytical solution in integral form was derived using Green's function and further evaluated using numerical integration. The developed model was applied to simulate Spartina densiflora seed dispersal in a tidal channel located at the Mad River Slough in North Humboldt Bay, California, USA, to demonstrate its practical applicability. Model predictions agree satisfactorily with field observation and simulation results from Delft3D numerical model. Sensitivity analyses were also conducted to evaluate the effects of varying calibrated parameters on model predictions. The range of the seed dispersion as well as the distribution of the seed concentration were further analyzed through statistical parameters such as centroid displacement and variance of the seed cloud together with seed concentration contours. Implications of the modelling results on tidal marsh restoration and protection, e.g., revegetation through seed addition, were also discussed through scenario analysis. The developed analytical model provides a useful tool for ecological management of tidal marshes.

Intraannual variability of tides in the thermosphere from model simulations and in situ satellite observations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Häusler, K.; Hagan, M. E.; Forbes, J. M.; Zhang, X.; Doornbos, E.; Bruinsma, S.; Lu, G.

2015-01-01

In this paper, we provide insights into limitations imposed by current satellite-based strategies to delineate tidal variability in the thermosphere, as well as the ability of a state-of-the-art model to replicate thermospheric tidal determinations. Toward this end, we conducted a year-long thermosphere-ionosphere-mesosphere-electrodynamics general circulation model (TIME-GCM) simulation for 2009, which is characterized by low solar and geomagnetic activity. In order to account for tropospheric waves and tides propagating upward into the ˜30-400 km model domain, we used 3-hourly MERRA (Modern-Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Application) reanalysis data. We focus on exospheric tidal temperatures, which are also compared with 72 day mean determinations from combined Challenging Minisatellite Payload (CHAMP) and Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) satellite observations to assess the model's capability to capture the observed tidal signatures and to quantify the uncertainties associated with the satellite exospheric temperature determination technique. We found strong day-to-day tidal variability in TIME-GCM that is smoothed out when averaged over as few as ten days. TIME-GCM notably overestimates the 72 day mean eastward propagating tides observed by CHAMP/GRACE, while capturing many of the salient features of other tidal components. However, the CHAMP/GRACE tidal determination technique only provides a gross climatological representation, underestimates the majority of the tidal components in the climatological spectrum, and moreover fails to characterize the extreme variability that drives the dynamics and electrodynamics of the ionosphere-thermosphere system. A multisatellite mission that samples at least six local times simultaneously is needed to provide this quantification.

Optimal ventilation of the anesthetized pediatric patient.

PubMed

Feldman, Jeffrey M

2015-01-01

Mechanical ventilation of the pediatric patient is challenging because small changes in delivered volume can be a significant fraction of the intended tidal volume. Anesthesia ventilators have traditionally been poorly suited to delivering small tidal volumes accurately, and pressure-controlled ventilation has become used commonly when caring for pediatric patients. Modern anesthesia ventilators are designed to deliver small volumes accurately to the patient's airway by compensating for the compliance of the breathing system and delivering tidal volume independent of fresh gas flow. These technology advances provide the opportunity to implement a lung-protective ventilation strategy in the operating room based upon control of tidal volume. This review will describe the capabilities of the modern anesthesia ventilator and the current understanding of lung-protective ventilation. An optimal approach to mechanical ventilation for the pediatric patient is described, emphasizing the importance of using bedside monitors to optimize the ventilation strategy for the individual patient.

Sea level rise drives increased tidal flooding frequency at tide gauges along the U.S. East and Gulf Coasts: Projections for 2030 and 2045.

PubMed

Dahl, Kristina A; Fitzpatrick, Melanie F; Spanger-Siegfried, Erika

2017-01-01

Tidal flooding is among the most tangible present-day effects of global sea level rise. Here, we utilize a set of NOAA tide gauges along the U.S. East and Gulf Coasts to evaluate the potential impact of future sea level rise on the frequency and severity of tidal flooding. Using the 2001-2015 time period as a baseline, we first determine how often tidal flooding currently occurs. Using localized sea level rise projections based on the Intermediate-Low, Intermediate-High, and Highest projections from the U.S. National Climate Assessment, we then determine the frequency and extent of such flooding at these locations for two near-term time horizons: 2030 and 2045. We show that increases in tidal flooding will be substantial and nearly universal at the 52 locations included in our analysis. Long before areas are permanently inundated, the steady creep of sea level rise will force many communities to grapple with chronic high tide flooding in the next 15 to 30 years.

Time series analysis for the estimation of tidal fluctuation effect on different aquifers in a small coastal area of Saijo plain, Ehime prefecture, Japan.

PubMed

Kumar, Pankaj; Tsujimura, Maki; Nakano, Takanori; Minoru, Tokumasu

2013-04-01

Considering the current poor understanding of the seawater-freshwater (SW-FW) interaction pattern at dynamic hydro-geological boundary of coastal aquifers, this work strives to study tidal effect on groundwater quality using chemical tracers combined with environmental isotopes. In situ measurement data of electrical conductivity and groundwater level along with laboratory measurement data of hydro-chemical species were compared with tidal level data measured by Hydrographic and Oceanographic Department, Saijo City, Japan for time series analysis. Result shows that diurnal tides have significant effect on groundwater level as well as its chemical characteristics; however, the magnitude of effect is different in case of different aquifers. Various scatter diagrams were plotted in order to infer mechanisms responsible for water quality change with tidal phase, and results show that cations exchange, selective movement and local SW-FW mixing were likely to be the main processes responsible for water quality changes. It was also found that geological structure of the aquifers is the most important factor affecting the intensity of tidal effect on water quality.

Using tidal streams to investigate the rotation of the Milky Way's dark matter halo

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Valluri, Monica; Snyder, Sarah Jean; Price-Whelan, Adrian M.

2017-06-01

The dark matter halos surrounding Milky Way-like galaxies that are formed in cosmological simulations are triaxial. These simulated triaxial halos are expected to be slowly rotating with log-normal distribution of pattern speeds centered on ~0.148h km/s/kpc (Bailin & Steinmetz 2004, ApJ., 616, 27). Stellar streams arising from a satellite experiencing tidal disruption inside such a slowly rotating triaxial halo are expected to be subject to additional forces (e.g. Coriolis forces) that affect the structure of the tidal streams. Using the Python Galaxy dynamics package Gala (Price-Whelan, http://gala.adrian.pw) we have generated simulations of tidal streams in a range of triaxial potentials to explore how the structure of Milky Way's tidal streams, especially the structure of stream bifurcations and the stream orbital plane, are altered by a slow figure rotation of the triaxial dark matter halo. We investigate what can be inferred about halo rotation from current and future data including upcoming data from Gaia. This work is supported by NASA-ATP award NNX15AK79G to the University of Michigan.

Sea level rise drives increased tidal flooding frequency at tide gauges along the U.S. East and Gulf Coasts: Projections for 2030 and 2045

PubMed Central

Fitzpatrick, Melanie F.; Spanger-Siegfried, Erika

2017-01-01

Tidal flooding is among the most tangible present-day effects of global sea level rise. Here, we utilize a set of NOAA tide gauges along the U.S. East and Gulf Coasts to evaluate the potential impact of future sea level rise on the frequency and severity of tidal flooding. Using the 2001–2015 time period as a baseline, we first determine how often tidal flooding currently occurs. Using localized sea level rise projections based on the Intermediate-Low, Intermediate-High, and Highest projections from the U.S. National Climate Assessment, we then determine the frequency and extent of such flooding at these locations for two near-term time horizons: 2030 and 2045. We show that increases in tidal flooding will be substantial and nearly universal at the 52 locations included in our analysis. Long before areas are permanently inundated, the steady creep of sea level rise will force many communities to grapple with chronic high tide flooding in the next 15 to 30 years. PMID:28158209

Tidal evolution of the Moon from a high-obliquity, high-angular-momentum Earth.

PubMed

Ćuk, Matija; Hamilton, Douglas P; Lock, Simon J; Stewart, Sarah T

2016-11-17

In the giant-impact hypothesis for lunar origin, the Moon accreted from an equatorial circum-terrestrial disk; however, the current lunar orbital inclination of five degrees requires a subsequent dynamical process that is still unclear. In addition, the giant-impact theory has been challenged by the Moon's unexpectedly Earth-like isotopic composition. Here we show that tidal dissipation due to lunar obliquity was an important effect during the Moon's tidal evolution, and the lunar inclination in the past must have been very large, defying theoretical explanations. We present a tidal evolution model starting with the Moon in an equatorial orbit around an initially fast-spinning, high-obliquity Earth, which is a probable outcome of giant impacts. Using numerical modelling, we show that the solar perturbations on the Moon's orbit naturally induce a large lunar inclination and remove angular momentum from the Earth-Moon system. Our tidal evolution model supports recent high-angular-momentum, giant-impact scenarios to explain the Moon's isotopic composition and provides a new pathway to reach Earth's climatically favourable low obliquity.

Evaluation of Fractional Regional Ventilation Using 4D-CT and Effects of Breathing Maneuvers on Ventilation

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mistry, Nilesh N., E-mail: nmistry@som.umaryland.edu; Diwanji, Tejan; Shi, Xiutao

2013-11-15

Purpose: Current implementations of methods based on Hounsfield units to evaluate regional lung ventilation do not directly incorporate tissue-based mass changes that occur over the respiratory cycle. To overcome this, we developed a 4-dimensional computed tomography (4D-CT)-based technique to evaluate fractional regional ventilation (FRV) that uses an individualized ratio of tidal volume to end-expiratory lung volume for each voxel. We further evaluated the effect of different breathing maneuvers on regional ventilation. The results from this work will help elucidate the relationship between global and regional lung function. Methods and Materials: Eight patients underwent 3 sets of 4D-CT scans during 1more » session using free-breathing, audiovisual guidance, and active breathing control. FRV was estimated using a density-based algorithm with mass correction. Internal validation between global and regional ventilation was performed by use of the imaging data collected during the use of active breathing control. The impact of breathing maneuvers on FRV was evaluated comparing the tidal volume from 3 breathing methods. Results: Internal validation through comparison between the global and regional changes in ventilation revealed a strong linear correlation (slope of 1.01, R{sup 2} of 0.97) between the measured global lung volume and the regional lung volume calculated by use of the “mass corrected” FRV. A linear relationship was established between the tidal volume measured with the automated breathing control system and FRV based on 4D-CT imaging. Consistently larger breathing volumes were observed when coached breathing techniques were used. Conclusions: The technique presented improves density-based evaluation of lung ventilation and establishes a link between global and regional lung ventilation volumes. Furthermore, the results obtained are comparable with those of other techniques of functional evaluation such as spirometry and hyperpolarized-gas magnetic resonance imaging. These results were demonstrated on retrospective analysis of patient data, and further research using prospective data is under way to validate this technique against established clinical tests.« less

Evaluation of tidal stream energy and its impacts on surrounding dynamics in the Eastern Region of Pingtan Island, China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, He; Wang, Xin; Wang, Bingzhen; Bai, Yang; Wang, Peitao

2017-11-01

Using an improved FVCOM numerical model, combined with the momentum-sinking scheme based on the structural characteristics of specific turbines, this study analyzed the temporal and spatial distributions of tidal energy resources before and after the deployment of tidal turbines near Pingtan Island, China. Considering factors such as the distribution of tidal stream energy, bathymetry, topography, and the design parameters of the turbines, an appropriate location for a demonstration tidal turbine was selected and the corresponding energy resource was evaluated. Several sites with strong tidal streams were considered: south of the northern cape, east of the southern cape, and the southern end of Haitan Bay. The former was thought most suitable for the deployment of a tidal energy turbine, with projected power generation for approximately 470 h per month. The average power of this demonstration was about 2.4 kW, and the annual electricity output was approximately 17.47 MWh. The intervention of the turbine device had little influence on the near-field tidal stream or water level. The tidal stream was reduced slightly in the area south of the northern cape, although the effect weakened further from the turbine. Conversely, the velocity increased slightly on both sides of the demonstration site. The difference in current speed with and without the turbine was greater at slack tide than still tide. The influence of turbine operation on water level was minor. The method adopted in this study can be considered a reference for the selection of sites for the demonstration of tidal stream energy. However, the method is unable describe the dynamic characteristics of the turbulent flow surrounding the deployed turbines, which has an important role regarding the optimal designs of the turbine blade and pile foundations. Therefore, we will continue to work to improve this model in future research.

How do how internal and external processes affect the behaviors of coupled marsh mudflat systems; infill, stabilize, retreat, or drown?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carr, J. A.; Mariotti, G.; Wiberg, P.; Fagherazzi, S.; McGlathery, K.

2013-12-01

Intertidal coastal environments are prone to changes induced by sea level rise, increases in storminess, and anthropogenic disturbances. It is unclear how changes in external drivers may affect the dynamics of low energy coastal environments because their response is non-linear, and characterized by many thresholds and discontinuities. As such, process-based modeling of the ecogeomorphic processes underlying the dynamics of these ecosystems is useful, not only to predict their change through time, but also to generate new hypotheses and research questions. Here, a three-point dynamic model was developed to investigate how internal and external processes affect the behavior of coupled marsh mudflat systems. The model directly incorporates ecogeomorphological feedbacks between wind waves, salt marsh vegetation, allochthonous sediment loading, tidal flat vegetation and sea level rise. The model was applied to examine potential trajectories of salt marshes on the Eastern seaboard of the United States, including those in the Plum Island Ecosystems (PIE), Virginia Coast Reserve (VCR) and Georgia Coastal Ecosystems (GCE) long term ecological research (LTER) sites. While these sites are undergoing similar rates of relative sea level rise (RSLR), they have distinct differences in site specific environmental drivers including tides, wind waves, allochthonous sediment supply and the presence or absence of seagrass. These differences lead to the emergence of altered behaviors in the coupled salt marsh-tidal flat system. For marsh systems without seagrass or significant riverine sediment supply, conditions similar to those at PIE, results indicated that horizontal and vertical marsh evolution respond in opposing ways to wave induced processes. Marsh horizontal retreat is triggered by large mudflats and strong winds, whereas small mudflats and weak winds reduce the sediment supply to the salt marsh, decreasing its capability to keep pace with sea level rise. Marsh expansion and an eventual lateral equilibrium are possible only with large allochthonous sediment supply. Once marshes expanded, marsh retreat can be prevented by a sediment supply smaller than the one that filled the basin. At the GCE, the Altamaha River allows for enhanced allochthonous supply directly to the salt marsh platform, reducing the importance of waves on the tidal flat. As a result, infilling or retreat become the prevalent behaviors. For the VCR, the presence of seagrass decreases near bed shear stresses and sediment flux to the salt marsh platform, however, seagrass also reduces the wave energy acting on the boundary of the marsh reducing boundary erosion. Results indicate that the reduction in wave power allows for seagrass to provide a strong stabilizing affect on the coupled salt marsh tidal flat system, but as external sediment supply increases and light conditions decline the system reverts to that of a bare tidal flat. Across all systems and with current rates of sea level rise, retreat is a more likely marsh loss modality than drowning.

Tidal-bundle sequences in the Jordan Sandstone (Upper Cambrian), southeastern Minnesota, U.S.A.: Evidence for tides along inboard shorelines of the Sauk Epicontinental Sea

USGS Publications Warehouse

Tape, C.H.; Cowan, Clinton A.; Runkel, Anthony C.

2003-01-01

This study documents for the first time tidal bundling in a lower Paleozoic sheet sandstone from the cratonic interior of North America, providing insights into the hydrodynamics of ancient epicontinental seas. The Jordan Sandstone (Upper Cambrian) in the Upper Mississippi Valley contains large-scale planar tabular cross-sets with tidal-bundle sequences, which were analyzed in detail at an exceptional exposure. Tidal-bundle sequences (neap-spring-neap cycles) were delineated by foreset thickening-thinning patterns and composite shale drapes, the latter of which represent accumulations of mud during the neap tides of neap-spring-neap tidal cycles. Fourier analysis of the bundle thickness data from the 26 measurable bundle sequences revealed cycles ranging from 15 to 34 bundles per sequence, which suggests a semidiurnal or mixed tidal system along this part of the Late Cambrian shoreline. We extend the tidal interpretation to widespread occurrences of the same facies in outcrops of lesser quality, where the facies is recognizable but too few bundles are exposed for tidal cycles to be measured. By doing so, this study shows that tidally generated deposits have a significant geographic and temporal extent in Upper Cambrian strata of central mid-continent North America. The deposition and preservation of tidal facies was related to the intermittent development of shoreline embayments during transgressions. The tidally dominated deposits filled ravined topographies that were repeatedly developed on the updip parts of the shoreface. Resulting coastal geomorphologies, accompanied perhaps by larger-scale changes in basinal conditions and/or configuration, led to changes in depositional conditions from wave-dominated to tide-dominated. Outcrops of the Jordan Sandstone tidal facies in the Upper Mississippi Valley represent the farthest inboard recorded transmission of ocean-generated tides in the Laurentian epicontinental seas, demonstrating that tidal currents were significant agents in the transport of sand along the far cratonic interior shorelines of Cambrian North America. The results of this study improve the facies-level understanding of the genesis of sheet sandstones. Furthermore, tidalites documented here occur in a specific position within a sequence stratigraphic architecture for the Jordan Sandstone. This provides a framework to compare these ancient deposits and processes to younger (e.g., Carboniferous) epicontinental systems where stratal and sediment dynamics are better documented. ?? 2003, SEPM (Society for Sedimentary Geology).

Vertical and Tidal Variability of the Floc Size Distribution in a Partially Mixed, Low Turbidity, Anthropogenically Altered Geum River Estuary, Korea

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, G. H.; Figueroa, S. M.; Shin, H. J.

2016-12-01

After the construction of the Geum River Estuary dam in 1994, current velocities and water turbidity decreased while the rate of mud deposition doubled, causing the water to become increasingly shallower. To better understand the sediment transport processes in the estuary, profiles of current speed, salinity, and the in-situ floc size distribution were measured during the wet season over three spring tidal cycles in the inner estuary. Although the primary particle size distribution (PPSD) was bimodal clay and coarse silt, the in-situ floc size distribution was observed to be unimodal during conditions promoting flocculation, with a mode (400 um) almost an order of magnitude larger than the coarse silt mode of the PPSD. Sediment resuspension and deflocculation were observed throughout the water column during flood while rapid flocculation and settling were observed in the surface water during calmer slack tides. During ebb, a halocline developed due to tidal straining which trapped macroflocs and created a mid-depth maximum in median floc size. These observations imply periodic stratification is important for floc dynamics even during spring tides and suggests that asymmetry in flocculation during the short term (tidal cycle) could be an important factor in the long term sediment deposition in Geum River Estuary.

Global ocean tide mapping using TOPEX/Poseidon altimetry

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sanchez, Braulio V.; Cartwright, D. E.; Estes, R. H.; Williamson, R. G.; Colombo, O. L.

1991-01-01

The investigation's main goals are to produce accurate tidal maps of the main diurnal, semidiurnal, and long-period tidal components in the world's deep oceans. This will be done by the application of statistical estimation techniques to long time series of altimeter data provided by the TOPEX/POSEIDON mission, with additional information provided by satellite tracking data. In the prelaunch phase, we will use in our simulations and preliminary work data supplied by previous oceanographic missions, such as Seasat and Geosat. These results will be of scientific interest in themselves. The investigation will also be concerned with the estimation of new values, and their uncertainties, for tidal currents and for the physical parameters appearing in the Laplace tidal equations, such as bottom friction coefficients and eddy viscosity coefficients. This will be done by incorporating the altimetry-derived charts of vertical tides as boundary conditions in the integration of those equations. The methodology of the tidal representation will include the use of appropriate series expansions such as ocean-basin normal modes and spherical harmonics. The results of the investigation will be space-determined tidal models of coverage and accuracy superior to that of the present numerical models of the ocean tides, with the concomitant benefits to oceanography and associated disciplinary fields.

High-Accuracy Tidal Flat Digital Elevation Model Construction Using TanDEM-X Science Phase Data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lee, Seung-Kuk; Ryu, Joo-Hyung

2017-01-01

This study explored the feasibility of using TanDEM-X (TDX) interferometric observations of tidal flats for digital elevation model (DEM) construction. Our goal was to generate high-precision DEMs in tidal flat areas, because accurate intertidal zone data are essential for monitoring coastal environment sand erosion processes. To monitor dynamic coastal changes caused by waves, currents, and tides, very accurate DEMs with high spatial resolution are required. The bi- and monostatic modes of the TDX interferometer employed during the TDX science phase provided a great opportunity for highly accurate intertidal DEM construction using radar interferometry with no time lag (bistatic mode) or an approximately 10-s temporal baseline (monostatic mode) between the master and slave synthetic aperture radar image acquisitions. In this study, DEM construction in tidal flat areas was first optimized based on the TDX system parameters used in various TDX modes. We successfully generated intertidal zone DEMs with 57-m spatial resolutions and interferometric height accuracies better than 0.15 m for three representative tidal flats on the west coast of the Korean Peninsula. Finally, we validated these TDX DEMs against real-time kinematic-GPS measurements acquired in two tidal flat areas; the correlation coefficient was 0.97 with a root mean square error of 0.20 m.

Dynamic equilibrium behaviour observed on two contrasting tidal flats from daily monitoring of bed-level changes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hu, Zhan; van der Wal, Daphne; Cai, Huayang; van Belzen, Jim; Bouma, Tjeerd J.

2018-06-01

Dynamic equilibrium theory (DET) has been applied to tidal flats to systematically explain intertidal morphological responses to various distributions of bed shear stress (BSS). However, it is difficult to verify this theory with field observations because of the discrepancy between the idealized conceptions of theory and the complex reality of intertidal dynamics. The core relation between intertidal morphodynamics and BSS distribution can be easily masked by noise in complex datasets, leading to conclusions of insufficient field evidence to support DET. In the current study, hydrodynamic and morphodynamic data were monitored daily for one year on two tidal flats with contrasting wave exposures. BSS distribution was obtained by validated numerical models. Tidal flat dynamic equilibrium behaviour and BSS were linked via Empirical Orthogonal Function (EOF) analysis. We show that the principal morphodynamic modes corresponded well with the respective modes of BSS found at both sites. Tide-induced BSS was the dominant force at both sites, regardless of the level of wave exposure. The overall erosional and steepening trend found at the two flats can be attributed to the prevailing action of tidal forcing and reduced sediment supply. Hence, EOF analysis confirmed that tidal flat morphodynamics are consistent with DET, providing both field and model evidence to support this theory.

A Long-Term Space Astrophysics Research Program. An X-Ray Perspective of the Components and Structure of Galaxies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fabbiano, G.

1998-01-01

We present optical and archival X-ray data on the disturbed morphology radio elliptical NGC 1316 (Fornax A) that displays numerous low surface brightness shells, loops and tails. An extended (81x27 min or 9x3 kpc) emission line region (EELR) at a projected distance of 35 kpc from the nucleus has been discovered in a approximately 9Ox35 kpc, approximately 3.Ox1O(solar luminosity(B)) tidal tail. The position and extreme size of the EELR suggest it is related to the merger process. We suggest that the ionization mechanism of the EELR is shock excitation, and the gas is remnant from the merger progenitor. X-ray emission is detected near two tidal tails. Hot, approximately 5 x 10(exp 6)K gas is probably the predominant gas component in the tidal tail ISM. However based on the current tidal tail (cold + warm + hot) gas mass, a large fraction of the tidal tail progenitor gas may already reside in the nucleus of NGC 1316. The numerous and varied tidal tail system suggests that a disk-disk or disk-E merger could have taken place greater than or equal to 1 Gyr ago, whilst a low mass, gas rich galaxy started to merge approximately 0.5 Gyr ago.

Important influence of respiration on human R-R interval power spectra is largely ignored

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brown, T. E.; Beightol, L. A.; Koh, J.; Eckberg, D. L.

1993-01-01

Frequency-domain analyses of R-R intervals are used widely to estimate levels of autonomic neural traffic to the human heart. Because respiration modulates autonomic activity, we determined for nine healthy subjects the influence of breathing frequency and tidal volume on R-R interval power spectra (fast-Fourier transform method). We also surveyed published literature to determine current practices in this burgeoning field of scientific inquiry. Supine subjects breathed at rates of 6, 7.5, 10, 15, 17.1, 20, and 24 breaths/min and with nominal tidal volumes of 1,000 and 1,500 ml. R-R interval power at respiratory and low (0.06-0.14 Hz) frequencies declined significantly as breathing frequency increased. R-R interval power at respiratory frequencies was significantly greater at a tidal volume of 1,500 than 1,000 ml. Neither breathing frequency nor tidal volume influenced average R-R intervals significantly. Our review of studies reporting human R-R interval power spectra showed that 51% of the studies controlled respiratory rate, 11% controlled tidal volume, and 11% controlled both respiratory rate and tidal volume. The major implications of our analyses are that breathing parameters strongly influence low-frequency as well as respiratory frequency R-R interval power spectra and that this influence is largely ignored in published research.

Earth Observations taken by Expedition 34 crewmember

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-01-18

ISS034-E-032377 (18 Jan. 2013) --- Internal waves off Northern Trinidad are featured in this image photographed by an Expedition 34 crew member on the International Space Station. This photograph shows the north coast of the island of Trinidad in the southeastern Caribbean Sea, where heating of the land is setting off the growth of cumulus clouds. The light blue northwest-southeast trending plume at center is sediment from one of the rivers that flows into the sea here. Adjacent to, and appearing to cross the sediment plume, a series of subtle interacting arcs can be seen in the sea. These are known as internal waves which are the surface manifestation of slow waves moving tens of meters beneath the sea surface. These produce enough of an effect on the sea surface to be seen from space, but only where they are enhanced due to reflection of sunlight, or sunglint, back towards the space station. The image shows at least three sets of internal waves interacting. The most prominent set (top left) shows a “packet” of several waves moving from the northwest due to the tidal flow towards the north coast of Trinidad. Two less prominent, younger sets can be seen further out to sea. A very broad set enters the view from the north and northeast, and interacts at top center with the first set. All the internal waves are probably caused by the shelf break near Tobago (outside the image to top right). The shelf break is the step between shallow seas (around continents and islands) and the deep ocean. It is the line at which tides usually start to generate internal waves. The sediment plume at center is embedded in the Equatorial Current (also known as the Guyana Current) and is transporting material to the northwest—in almost the opposite direction to the movement of the internal waves. The current flows strongly from east to west around Trinidad, all the way from equatorial Africa, driven by year-round easterly winds. Seafarers in the vicinity of Trinidad are warned that the current, and its local reverse eddies, make navigation of smaller craft in these waters complicated and sometimes dangerous.

Hydrodynamic observations in support of Moored Autonomous pCO2 buoy efforts at La Parguera Marine Reserve

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rodriguez-Abudo, S.; Melendez, M.; Morell, J. M.; Padilla, A.; Salisbury, J.

2016-02-01

Time series of near-reef carbonate chemistry obtained through the National Coral Reef Monitoring Program (NCRMP) at La Parguera Marine Reserve, Puerto Rico exhibit seasonal and diurnal variations modulated by diverse processes including coral community metabolism, thermodynamics and hydrodynamics. While surface CO2 dynamics have been fairly well characterized with moored pCO2 efforts, detailed hydrodynamic information resulting from La Parguera's complex morphological, meteorological, and oceanographic processes is currently lacking. This project focuses on a one-month-long hydrodynamic assessment near a fore reef site located within 100 m of the NCRMP pCO2 buoy. Current profiles spanning 12 m of depth were resolved with a bottom-mounted ADCP. Preliminary results show that under no wind conditions, dominant currents are tidally driven and aligned with the reef channel. Depth-averaged currents exhibit diurnal and semidiurnal peaks, not inconsistent with tidal and wind forcing. The analysis also shows that at times surface current direction can differ from near-reef currents by as much as 200 degrees, suggesting a possible mismatch between carbonate chemistry resolved at the surface and that felt by the reef structure. Moreover, buoy measurements are potentially resolving carbonate chemistry from both, oceanic and inshore water masses. Our findings suggest that monitoring and potentially predicting near-reef CO2 dynamics require interdisciplinary expertise and integrated approaches. This project provides new insights into the effects of tidal and meteorological forcing on the carbonate chemistry of near-reef coral ecosystems.

Tidal saline wetland regeneration of sentinel vegetation types in the Northern Gulf of Mexico: An overview

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jones, Scott F.; Stagg, Camille L.; Krauss, Ken W.; Hester, Mark W.

2016-06-01

Tidal saline wetlands in the Northern Gulf of Mexico (NGoM) are dynamic and frequently disturbed systems that provide myriad ecosystem services. For these services to be sustained, dominant macrophytes must continuously recolonize and establish after disturbance. Macrophytes accomplish this regeneration through combinations of vegetative propagation and sexual reproduction, the relative importance of which varies by species. Concurrently, tidal saline wetland systems experience both anthropogenic and natural hydrologic alterations, such as levee construction, sea-level rise, storm impacts, and restoration activities. These hydrologic alterations can affect the success of plant regeneration, leading to large-scale, variable changes in ecosystem structure and function. This review describes the specific regeneration requirements of four dominant coastal wetland macrophytes along the NGoM (Spartina alterniflora, Avicennia germinans, Juncus roemerianus, and Batis maritima) and compares them with current hydrologic alterations to provide insights into potential future changes in dominant ecosystem structure and function and to highlight knowledge gaps in the current literature that need to be addressed.

Tidal saline wetland regeneration of sentinel vegetation types in the Northern Gulf of Mexico: An overview

USGS Publications Warehouse

Jones, Scott F; Stagg, Camille L.; Krauss, Ken W.; Hester, Mark W.

2016-01-01

Tidal saline wetlands in the Northern Gulf of Mexico (NGoM) are dynamic and frequently disturbed systems that provide myriad ecosystem services. For these services to be sustained, dominant macrophytes must continuously recolonize and establish after disturbance. Macrophytes accomplish this regeneration through combinations of vegetative propagation and sexual reproduction, the relative importance of which varies by species. Concurrently, tidal saline wetland systems experience both anthropogenic and natural hydrologic alterations, such as levee construction, sea-level rise, storm impacts, and restoration activities. These hydrologic alterations can affect the success of plant regeneration, leading to large-scale, variable changes in ecosystem structure and function. This review describes the specific regeneration requirements of four dominant coastal wetland macrophytes along the NGoM (Spartina alterniflora, Avicennia germinans, Juncus roemerianus, and Batis maritima) and compares them with current hydrologic alterations to provide insights into potential future changes in dominant ecosystem structure and function and to highlight knowledge gaps in the current literature that need to be addressed.

Near bottom velocity and suspended solids measurements in San Francisco Bay, California

USGS Publications Warehouse

Gartner, Jeffrey W.; Cheng, Ralph T.; Cacchione, David A.; Tate, George B.

1997-01-01

Ability to accurately measure long-term time-series of turbulent mean velocity distribution within the bottom boundary layer (BBL) in addition to suspended solids concentration (SSC) is critical to understanding complex processes controlling transport, resuspension, and deposition of suspended sediments in bays and estuaries. A suite of instruments, including broad band acoustic Doppler current profilers (BB-ADCPs), capable of making very high resolution measurement of velocity profiles in the BBL, was deployed in the shipping channel of South San Francisco Bay (South Bay), California in an investigation of sediment dynamics during March and April 1995. Results of field measurements provide information to calculate suspended solids flux (SSF) at the site. Calculations show striking patterns; residual SSF varies through the spring-neap tidal cycle. Significant differences from one spring tide to another are caused by differences in tidal current diurnal inequalities. Winds from significant storms establish residual circulation patterns that may affect magnitude of residual SSF more than increased tidal energy at spring tides.

Sedimentary Facies and Stratigraphy of the Changjiang (Yangtze River) Delta

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dalrymple, R. W.; Zhang, X.; Lin, C. M.

2017-12-01

A disproportionate number of the world's largest deltas are tide-dominated or strongly tide-influenced, in part because the low gradient of these rivers allows the tide to penetrate far inland, generating strong tidal currents at the river mouth. These deltas also tend to be mud-dominated because a significant fraction of the bedload is trapped farther inland. Despite their great importance as sediment depo-centers, as analogues for ancient sedimentary successions, and as areas of intense human occupation, they are the most poorly understood coastal system. The Changjiang (Yangtze River), the 4th largest river in the world in terms of sediment discharge, is one such tide-dominated system, with a mean tidal range of 2.7 m and tidal-current speeds of 1 m/s at its mouth. It shows a fairly typical series of low-relief channels and bars in the mouth-bar area and passes seaward and down-drift into a coastal mud belt that extends 800 km to the south of the river mouth. The deposits from both the transgressive-phase and modern delta are all dominated by mud, except for the fluvial-channel deposits that are clean sand. Channel-floor deposits in areas with appreciable tidal influence contain abundant fluid-mud layers (1-3 cm thick), intercalated with relatively coarse sand; such mud layers show evidence of tidal cyclicity. The overlying tidal-bar deposits commonly become sandier upward because of the upward loss of fluid-mud layers. The tidal channels and bars that characterize the mouth-bar and delta-front area are dominated by randomly organized structureless mud layers, 5-30 cm thick, that are interpreted to be storm-generated fluid-mud deposits. These mud layers become less abundant upward, generating upward-sanding successions. These facies are very similar to those seen in the Amazon and Fly River deltas, suggesting that this is a common motif, and indicating the importance of fluid mud in the dynamics of such systems. Facies proximality can be determined by careful comparison of sand-size trends, tidal mud-layer thicknesses (relative to the turbidity maximum) and the abundance of wave-generated fluid-mud layers. Application of these concepts shows that the transgressive phase of the delta consists of three retrogradationally stacked parasequences, each 7-15 m thick, overlain by the 40 m-thick highstand delta.

Physics of rotation: problems and challenges

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maeder, Andre; Meynet, Georges

2015-01-01

We examine some debated points in current discussions about rotating stars: the shape, the gravity darkening, the critical velocities, the mass loss rates, the hydrodynamical instabilities, the internal mixing and N-enrichments. The study of rotational mixing requires high quality data and careful analysis. From recent studies where such conditions are fulfilled, rotational mixing is well confirmed. Magnetic coupling with stellar winds may produce an apparent contradiction, i.e. stars with a low rotation and a high N-enrichment. We point out that it rather confirms the large role of shears in differentially rotating stars for the transport processes. New models of interacting binaries also show how shears and mixing may be enhanced in close binaries which are either spun up or down by tidal interactions.

A combined observational and modeling approach to the study of coastal areas: the case of the Gulf of Trieste

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cosoli, Simone; Licer, Matjaz; Malacic, Vlado; Papapostolou, Alexandros; Axaopoulos, Panagiotis

2015-04-01

During the last decade high-frequency (HF) radar systems have been installed operationally throughout the world, and extensive validation efforts have proven their reliability in mapping near-surface currents at high spatial and temporal resolutions. Nowadays, they are considered as a reliable benchmark for the validation of numerical circulation models and of tidal current models. Similarly to HFR data, ocean circulation models are now considered reliable tools that are routinely put into operational use to provide a wide range of products of public interest. To insure the scientific integrity, assessing the skill of the model products is a crucial point, especially in coastal areas where tidal processes (such as currents or mixing) are important, bathymetry and changes in the vertical and horizontal structure of temperature, salinity, and density due either to seasonal variations or impulsive-type freshwater input are also critical. Here we present the case of the Gulf of Trieste, northern Adriatic Sea, a complex coastal region in which circulation is controlled by a number of complex processes that include tides, wind, waves and variations in river discharge with significant temporal variability. By comparing radar observations, data from moorings and coastal tide gauges, with the output of different circulation models (NAPOM -an operational version of Princeton Ocean Model (POM) for the Northern Adriatic; and OTPS, a barotropic tidal model for the Northern Adriatic), we show that: HFR observations and model simulations are complementary tools in complex coastal regions, in the sense that they reciprocally help accounting for their intrinsic limitations (i.e., lack of vertical resolution in HFR data; areas with significant topographic gradients for models); tidal models accurately describe tidal features in the region; and that existing intrinsic data-model discrepancies can be interpreted and used to propose correction to the models.

Complete energetic description of hydrokinetic turbine impact on flow channel dynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brasseale, E.; Kawase, M.

2016-02-01

Energy budget analysis on tidal channels quantifies and demarcates the impacts of marine renewables on environmental fluid dynamics. Energy budget analysis assumes the change in total kinetic energy within a volume of fluid can be described by the work done by each force acting on the flow. In a numerically simulated channel, the balance between energy change and work done has been validated up to 5% error.The forces doing work on the flow include pressure, turbulent dissipation, and stress from the estuary floor. If hydrokinetic turbines are installed in an estuarine channel to convert tidal energy into usable power, the dynamics of the channel change. Turbines provide additional pressure work against the flow of the channel which will slow the current and lessen turbulent dissipation and bottom stress. These losses may negatively impact estuarine circulation, seafloor scour, and stratification.The environmental effects of turbine deployment have been quantified using a three dimensional, Reynolds-averaged, Navier-Stokes model of an idealized flow channel situated between the ocean and a large estuarine basin. The channel is five kilometers wide, twenty kilometers long and fifty meters deep, and resolved to a grid size of 10 meters by 10 meters by 1 meter. Tidal currents are simulated by an initial difference in sea surface height across the channel of 160 centimeters from the channel entrance to the channel exit. This creates a pressure gradient which drives flow through the channel. Tidal power turbines are represented as disks that force the channel in proportion to the strength of the current. Three tidal turbines twenty meters in diameters have been included in the model to simulate the impacts of a pilot scale test deployment.This study is the first to appreciate the energetic impact of marine renewables in a three dimensional model through the energy equation's constituent terms. This study provides groundwork for understanding and predicting the environmental impacts of marine renewables.

Modeling internal wave generation by seamounts in oceans

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, L.; Buijsman, M. C.; Comino, E. L.; Swinney, H.

2017-12-01

Recent global bathymetric data at 30 arc-sec resolution has revealed that there are 33,452 seamounts and 138,412 knolls in the oceans. To develop an estimate for the energy converted from tidal flow to internal gravity waves, we have conducted numerical simulations using the Massachusetts Institute of Technology circulation model (MITgcm) to compute the energy conversion by randomly distributed Gaussian-shaped seamounts. We find that for an isolated axisymmetric seamount of height 1100 m and radius 1600 m, which corresponds to the Wessel height-to-radius ratio 0.69, the conversion rate is 100 kW, assuming a tidal speed amplitude 1 cm/s, buoyancy frequency 1e-3 rad/s, and circularly polarized tidal motion, and taking into account the earth's rotation. The 100 kW estimate is about 60% less than the 3-D linear theory prediction because fluid goes around a seamount instead of over it. Our estimate accounts the suppression of energy conversion due to wave interference at the generation site of closely spaced seamounts. We conclude that for randomly distributed Gaussian seamounts of varying widths and separations, separated on average by 18 km as in the oceans, wave interference reduces the energy conversion by seamounts by only about 16%. This result complements previous studies of wave interference for 2-D ridges.

Constraining neutron-star tidal Love numbers with gravitational-wave detectors

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Flanagan, Eanna E.; Hinderer, Tanja

Ground-based gravitational wave detectors may be able to constrain the nuclear equation of state using the early, low frequency portion of the signal of detected neutron star-neutron star inspirals. In this early adiabatic regime, the influence of a neutron star's internal structure on the phase of the waveform depends only on a single parameter {lambda} of the star related to its tidal Love number, namely, the ratio of the induced quadrupole moment to the perturbing tidal gravitational field. We analyze the information obtainable from gravitational wave frequencies smaller than a cutoff frequency of 400 Hz, where corrections to the internal-structuremore » signal are less than 10%. For an inspiral of two nonspinning 1.4M{sub {center_dot}} neutron stars at a distance of 50 Megaparsecs, LIGO II detectors will be able to constrain {lambda} to {lambda}{<=}2.0x10{sup 37} g cm{sup 2} s{sup 2} with 90% confidence. Fully relativistic stellar models show that the corresponding constraint on radius R for 1.4M{sub {center_dot}} neutron stars would be R{<=}13.6 km (15.3 km) for a n=0.5 (n=1.0) polytrope with equation of state p{proportional_to}{rho}{sup 1+1/n}.« less

Structural Design of a Horizontal-Axis Tidal Current Turbine Composite Blade

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bir, G. S.; Lawson, M. J.; Li, Y.

2011-10-01

This paper describes the structural design of a tidal composite blade. The structural design is preceded by two steps: hydrodynamic design and determination of extreme loads. The hydrodynamic design provides the chord and twist distributions along the blade length that result in optimal performance of the tidal turbine over its lifetime. The extreme loads, i.e. the extreme flap and edgewise loads that the blade would likely encounter over its lifetime, are associated with extreme tidal flow conditions and are obtained using a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software. Given the blade external shape and the extreme loads, we use a laminate-theory-basedmore » structural design to determine the optimal layout of composite laminas such that the ultimate-strength and buckling-resistance criteria are satisfied at all points in the blade. The structural design approach allows for arbitrary specification of the chord, twist, and airfoil geometry along the blade and an arbitrary number of shear webs. In addition, certain fabrication criteria are imposed, for example, each composite laminate must be an integral multiple of its constituent ply thickness. In the present effort, the structural design uses only static extreme loads; dynamic-loads-based fatigue design will be addressed in the future. Following the blade design, we compute the distributed structural properties, i.e. flap stiffness, edgewise stiffness, torsion stiffness, mass, moments of inertia, elastic-axis offset, and center-of-mass offset along the blade. Such properties are required by hydro-elastic codes to model the tidal current turbine and to perform modal, stability, loads, and response analyses.« less

Dynamics of satellites, asteroids, and rings

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dermott, Stanley F.

1987-01-01

Work is reported on: (1) the shapes and the internal structures of satellites; (2) the tidal heating of Miranda; (3) the dynamics of arc-like rings; and (4) the structure of the zodiacal cloud that was revealed by the Infrared Astronomy Satellite. Significant progress was made in determining the shape and internal structure of Mimas and in understanding the dynamical evolution of Miranda's orbit.

Nowcast model for hazardous material spill prevention and response, San Francisco Bay, California

USGS Publications Warehouse

Cheng, Ralph T.; Wilmot, Wayne L.; Galt, Jerry A.

1997-01-01

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) installed the Physical Oceanographic Real-time System (PORTS) in San Francisco Bay, California, to provide real-time observations of tides, tidal currents, and meteorological conditions to, among other purposes, guide hazardous material spill prevention and response. Integrated with nowcast modeling techniques and dissemination of real-time data and the nowcasting results through the Internet on the World Wide Web, emerging technologies used in PORTS for real-time data collection forms a nowcast modeling system. Users can download tides and tidal current distribution in San Francisco Bay for their specific applications and/or for further analysis.

On the natural frequency of tidal current power systems—A discussion of sea testing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Ye; Yi, Jin-Hak; Song, Huimin; Wang, Qi; Yang, Zhaoqing; Kelley, Neil D.; Lee, Kwang-Soo

2014-07-01

To study the wet natural frequency (in water) and dry natural frequency (in air) of a tidal current turbine, we conducted a two-year measurement campaign by deploying a full-scale prototype of the system. In this article, a theoretical model is developed and validated with the frequency measurements. It reveals the measured wet natural frequency of the system could approach half that of the dry one. The measurements also show that inflow turbulence is very important in the excitation of system resonances that can lead to system failure. We also briefly discuss how the wet frequency varies over a long period.

Shape design and CFD analysis on a 1MW-class horizontal axis tidal current turbine blade

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singh, P. M.; Choi, Y. D.

2013-12-01

This study aims to develop a 1MW-class horizontal axis tidal current turbine rotor blade which can be applied near the southwest island regions of South Korea. On the basis of actual tidal current conditions of southern region of Korea, configuration design of 1MW class turbine rotor blade is carried out by BEMT (Blade element momentum theory). The hydrodynamic performance including the lift and drag forces, is conducted with the variation of the angle of attack using an open source code of X-Foil. The purpose of the study is to study the shape of the hydrofoil used and how it affects the performance of the turbine. After a thorough study of many airfoils, a new hydrofoil is developed using the S814 and DU-91-W2- 250 airfoils, which show good performance for rough conditions. A combination of the upper and lower surface of the two hydrofoils is tested. Three dimensional models were developed and the optimized blade geometry is used for CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) analysis with hexahedral numerical grids. Power coefficient, pressure coefficient and velocity distributions are investigated according to Tip Speed Ratio by CFD analysis.

Effects of tides on the cross-isobath movement of the low-salinity plume in the western Yellow and East China Seas in winter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Bin; Hirose, Naoki; Yuan, Dongliang; Moon, Jae-Hong; Pan, Xishan

2017-07-01

Offshore extension of the fresh Subei coast water is identified in winter based on in site salinity observation data in this and previous studies. A high-resolution regional ocean circulation model is used to investigate the cross-isobath movement of low salinity-water over the Yellow and East China Seas, and it has reproduced the salinity distribution observed in the winter of 2014-2015 successfully. The model suggests that the low-salinity water is basically degenerated back to the eastern coast of China in winter because of strong northeasterly wind. However, a part of the low-salinity water extends offshore in the southeast direction across the 20-50 m isobaths over the Yangtze Bank, which cannot be explained by either the northerly winter monsoon or the Changjiang discharge. Numerical experiments suggest that the cross-isobath transport of the soluble substances is highly attributed to the tidal residual current, flowing southeastward across 20-50 m isobaths over the whole Yangtze Bank. The results of controlled experiments also indicate that the bottom shear of the tidal current, rather than the tidal mixing, plays a significant role in the cross-isobath current during winter.

Assessment of Power Potential of Tidal Currents and Impacts of Power Extraction on Flow Conditions in Indonesia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Orhan, Kadir; Mayerle, Roberto

2017-04-01

Climate change is an urgent and potentially irreversible threat to human societies and the planet and thus requires an effective and appropriate response, with a view to accelerating the reduction of global greenhouse gas emissions. At this point, a worldwide shift to renewable energy is crucial. In this study, a methodology comprising of the estimates of power yield, evaluation of the effects of power extraction on flow conditions, and near-field investigations to deliver wake characteristics, recovery and interactions is described and applied to several straits in Indonesia. Site selection is done with high-resolution, three-dimensional flow models providing sufficient spatiotemporal coverage. Much attention has been given to the meteorological forcing, and conditions at the open sea boundaries to adequately capture the density gradients and flow fields. Model verifications using tidal records show excellent agreement. Sites with adequate depth for the energy conversion using horizontal axis tidal turbines, average kinetic power density greater than 0.5 kW/m2, and surface area larger than 0.5km2 are defined as energy hotspots. Spatial variation of the average extractable electric power is determined, and annual tidal energy resource is estimated for the straits in question. The results showed that the potential for tidal power generation in Indonesia is likely to exceed previous predictions reaching around 4,800MW. Models with higher resolutions have been developed to assess the impacts of devices on flow conditions and to resolve near-field turbine wakes in greater detail. The energy is assumed to be removed uniformly by sub-grid scale arrays of turbines. An additional drag force resulting in dissipation of the pre-existing kinetic power from 10% to 60% within a flow cross-section is introduced to capture the impacts. k-ɛ model, which is a second order turbulence closure model is selected to involve the effects of the turbulent kinetic energy and turbulent kinetic energy dissipation. Preliminary results show the effectiveness of the method to capture the effects of power extraction, and wake characteristics and recovery reasonably well with low computational cost. It was found that although there is no significant change regarding water levels, an impact has been observed on current velocities as a result of velocity profile adjusting to the increased momentum transfer. It was also seen that, depending on the level of energy dissipation, currently recommended tidal farm configurations can be conservative regarding the spacing of the tidal turbines.

Impact of the tidal power dam in the Rance estuary: geomorphological changes, hydrosedimentary processes and reconstructions plans

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Susperregui, A.

2010-12-01

The Rance basin (France) offers potential to make a full-scale assessment of the environmental impact of a tidal power station after 50 years of operation. Consequences on biology, hydrodynamics and sedimentology were observed and nowadays, some of these changes are still acting on the natural system. The tidal dynamic was completely artificialised by the dam construction. The two main consequences are the reduction of exundation area and the extension of slack duration. Sedimentary dynamic depending on hydrodynamics conditions, changes in sediment distribution were also observed. Before the tidal power station construction, sands lined the gravel bed channel, recovered the bottom and formed beaches and banks. Coves and the upstream part of the estuary were dominated by a fine sedimentation, forming mudflats in a classical configuration slikke/schorre. Nowadays, mudflats extended to the center of the basin and all coves are occupied. The important inertia induced by the slack extension caused a slowing down on currents velocities, making easier the fine suspension deposit. The siltation is most important upstream, were the turbidity maximum was shifted, generating problems for navigation and banks access. A solution of sediment management was envisaged from 2001, by the digging of a sediments trap of 91 000 m3, near the Châtelier Lock. Sedimentation monitoring in this trap shows an intense filling over the first two years of functioning, then a slowing down leading to a complete filling from 2005. This trap also showed a beneficial interest on the sedimentation rates of the mudflats closed to it, which decreased. To understand how fine sediment is eroded and transported into this maritime area, an optical backscatter sensor was installed 1.5 km upstream of the tidal power station. During spring tides, the tidal power station functions in a “double-acting” cycle. This particular working leads to an important increase of turbidity during the artificial tidal cycle. Currents seem very strong close to the turbines and are responsible for intense bottom erosion in their area, as it is observed in the most downstream mudflat. The importance of flood currents versus ebb ones, combined to slack extension, explain the upstream sediments fluxes. But we cannot assume for the moment that is the only fine sediment source. A second turbidimeter is installed on the oceanic front of the dam to determine if there is a coastal contribution and results will be dealt soon. Figure 2: Example of turbidity raise during a “double-acting” cycle.

Spin-orbital Tidal Dynamics and Tidal Heating in the TRAPPIST-1 Multiplanet System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Makarov, Valeri V.; Berghea, Ciprian T.; Efroimsky, Michael

2018-04-01

We perform numerical simulations of the TRAPPIST-1 system of seven exoplanets orbiting a nearby M dwarf, starting with a previously suggested stable configuration. The long-term stability of this configuration is confirmed, but the motion of planets is found to be chaotic. The eccentricity values are found to vary within finite ranges. The rates of tidal dissipation and tidal evolution of orbits are estimated, assuming an Earth-like rheology for the planets. We find that under this assumption, the planets b, d, and e were captured in the 3:2 or higher spin–orbit resonances during the initial spin-down, but slipped further down into the 1:1 resonance. Depending on its rheology, the innermost planet b may be captured in a stable pseudosynchronous rotation. Nonsynchronous rotation ensures higher levels of tidal dissipation and internal heating. The positive feedback between the viscosity and the dissipation rate—and the ensuing runaway heating—are terminated by a few self-regulation processes. When the temperature is high and the viscosity is low enough, the planet spontaneously leaves the 3:2 resonance. Further heating is stopped either by passing the peak dissipation or by the emergence of partial melt in the mantle. In the post-solidus state, the tidal dissipation is limited to the levels supported by the heat transfer efficiency. The tides on the host star are unlikely to have had a significant dynamical impact. The tides on the synchronized inner planets tend to reduce these planets’ orbital eccentricity, possibly contributing thereby to the system’s stability.

Cosmic ray impact on extrasolar earth-like planets in close-in habitable zones.

PubMed

Griessmeier, J-M; Stadelmann, A; Motschmann, U; Belisheva, N K; Lammer, H; Biernat, H K

2005-10-01

Because of their different origins, cosmic rays can be subdivided into galactic cosmic rays and solar/stellar cosmic rays. The flux of cosmic rays to planetary surfaces is mainly determined by two planetary parameters: the atmospheric density and the strength of the internal magnetic moment. If a planet exhibits an extended magnetosphere, its surface will be protected from high-energy cosmic ray particles. We show that close-in extrasolar planets in the habitable zone of M stars are synchronously rotating with their host star because of the tidal interaction. For gravitationally locked planets the rotation period is equal to the orbital period, which is much longer than the rotation period expected for planets not subject to tidal locking. This results in a relatively small magnetic moment. We found that an Earth-like extrasolar planet, tidally locked in an orbit of 0.2 AU around an M star of 0.5 solar masses, has a rotation rate of 2% of that of the Earth. This results in a magnetic moment of less than 15% of the Earth's current magnetic moment. Therefore, close-in extrasolar planets seem not to be protected by extended Earth-like magnetospheres, and cosmic rays can reach almost the whole surface area of the upper atmosphere. Primary cosmic ray particles that interact with the atmosphere generate secondary energetic particles, a so-called cosmic ray shower. Some of the secondary particles can reach the surface of terrestrial planets when the surface pressure of the atmosphere is on the order of 1 bar or less. We propose that, depending on atmospheric pressure, biological systems on the surface of Earth-like extrasolar planets at close-in orbital distances can be strongly influenced by secondary cosmic rays.

Tidal deformation, Orbital Dynamics and JIMO

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ratcliff, J. T.; Wu, X.; Williams, J. G.

2003-12-01

Observations of Europa, Ganymede and Callisto obtained from encounters by the Galileo spacecraft strongly suggest the possibility of liquid oceans under the icy shells of these Jovian satellites. The strong tidal environments in which these moons are found and the fact that a planetary body with internal fluid undergoes greater deformation than an otherwise solid body make a compelling case for using tidal observations as a method for ocean detection. Given the high degree of uncertainty in our knowledge of the interiors of these moons, a comprehensive geodetic program measuring different physical signatures related to tidal deformation and interior structure is preferred to using separate and various interior parameters that may not be as closely tied to actual measurable quantities. Potential and displacement tidal Love numbers, libration amplitudes of the surface ice shell and rocky mantle, static topography and gravity fields and other quantities should all be included in the measurement objectives. Many geodetic techniques rely heavily upon orbital positions of the spacecraft. Their accurate determination depend on factors such as the orbital configuration, the gravity fields of the icy moons, as well as the duration and geometry of tracking. Given the competing science, engineering and planetary protection demands, orbital accuracy subject to constraints has become a critical mission design issue. Orbit determination simulations and covariance analyses will be used to investigate the achievable accuracies of spacecraft position and geodetic signatures under different orbital and tracking scenarios.

The Integration of Environmental Constraints into Tidal Array Optimisation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

du Feu, Roan; de Trafford, Sebastian; Culley, Dave; Hill, Jon; Funke, Simon W.; Kramer, Stephan C.; Piggott, Matthew D.

2015-04-01

It has been estimated by The Carbon Trust that the marine renewable energy sector, of which tidal stream turbines are projected to play a large part, could produce 20% of the UK's present electricity requirements. This has lead to the important question of how this technology can be deployed in an economically and environmentally friendly manner. Work is currently under way to understand how the tidal turbines that constitute an array can be arranged to maximise the total power generated by that array. The work presented here continues this through the inclusion of environmental constraints. The benefits of the renewable energy sector to our environment at large are not in question. However, the question remains as to the effects this burgeoning sector will have on local environments, and how to mitigate these effects if they are detrimental. For example, the presence of tidal arrays can, through altering current velocity, drastically change the sediment transport into and out of an area along with re-suspending existing sediment. This can have the effects of scouring or submerging habitat, mobilising contaminants within the existing sediment, reducing food supply and altering the turbidity of the water. All of which greatly impact upon any fauna in the affected region. This work pays particular attention to the destruction of habitat of benthic fauna, as this is quantifiable as a direct result of change in the current speed; a primary factor in determining sediment accumulation on the sea floor. OpenTidalFarm is an open source tool that maximises the power generated by an array through repositioning the turbines within it. It currently uses a 2D shallow water model with turbines represented as bump functions of increased friction. The functional of interest, power extracted by the array, is evaluated from the flow field which is calculated at each iteration using a finite element method. A gradient-based local optimisation is then used through solving the associated adjoint equations, and the turbines are repositioned accordingly. The use of local optimisation drastically reduces the number of iterations therefore allowing each iteration to be more expensive. This means that this technique can be readily applied to large arrays and also that there is enough leeway in computational cost that additional constraints or functionals can be introduced without the model becoming impractical to apply. The work presented here utilises OpenTidalFarm and incorporates into it ecological and sedimentological constraints that limit the extent to which the array can alter the current speed in specified locations. The addition of these constraints will likely affect the total power generated by the array, and this work details our first steps in investigating the trade off between the maximisation of power generation and the limitation of the array's impact upon its environment.

The Global Mode-1 S2 Internal Tide

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Zhongxiang

2017-11-01

The global mode-1 S2 internal tide is observed using sea surface height (SSH) measurements from four satellite altimeters: TOPEX/Poseidon, Jason-1, Jason-2, and Geosat Follow-On. Plane wave analysis is employed to extract three mode-1 S2 internal tidal waves in any given 250 km by 250 km window, which are temporally coherent over a 20 year period from 1992 to 2012. Depth-integrated energy and flux of the S2 internal tide are calculated from the SSH amplitude and a conversion function built from climatological hydrographic profiles in the World Ocean Atlas 2013. The results show that the S2 and M2 internal tides have similar spatial patterns. Both S2 and M2 internal tides originate at major topographic features and propagate over long distances. The S2 internal tidal beams are generally shorter, likely because the relatively weaker S2 internal tide is easily overwhelmed by nontidal noise. The northbound S2 and M2 internal tides from the Hawaiian Ridge are observed to travel over 3500 km across the Northeast Pacific. The globally integrated energy of the mode-1 S2 internal tide is 7.8 PJ (1 PJ = 1015 J), about 20% that of M2 (36.4 PJ). The histogram of S2 to M2 SSH ratios peaks at 0.4, consistent with the square root of their energy ratio. In terms of SSH, S2 is greater than M2 in ≈10% of the global ocean and ≥50% of M2 in about half of the global ocean.

The principal factors contributing to the flux of salt in a narrow, partially stratified estuary

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lewis, R. E.; Lewis, J. O.

1983-06-01

Observations of the velocity and salinity structure of the Tees estuary were made at eight stations along the estuary axis between Victoria Bridge and the sea during the summer of 1975. The measurements were made on ten separate tidal periods covering neap and spring tides. The data were collected over a period of relatively low freshwater flows and the residual current was found to have a strong dependence on the Stokes drift. At the upstream stations, the residuals were more than an order of magnitude greater than the currents anticipated from the freshwater discharge. Although the mean stratification decreased as the tidal range increased, the vertical circulation was stronger on spring tides than on neaps. Vertical variations in the amplitude and phase of the tidal current results in a current which strengthens the vertical circulation. However, this effect only made a relatively small contribution to the observed vertical circulation. The relative contribution of the individual salt flux terms to the net upstream transport of salt varies along the estuary. As the estuary narrows, the contribution by the oscillatory terms dominates that from the shear in the steady state flow. Of these oscillatory terms, the correlation of velocity and salinity fluctuations plays a key rôle in the salt transport. The depth mean values make a greater contribution than deviations from the depth mean and the flux due to phase variations over depth is smaller than either of these. Since the Stokes drift is compensated by a down-stream steady state flow, it does not contribute to the tidal mean transport of salt. At the seaward end of the estuary, the salt fluxes due to the steady state vertical shear and the convariance of the tidal fluctuations act in a complementary way to counter the seaward transport of salt by the freshwater flow. With the possible exceptions of the wide or narrow reaches of the Tees, the longitudinal fluxes of salt due to transverse variations in velocity, salinity and depth and turbulent fluctuations are of secondary importance as contributors to the estuary salt budget. On both neap and spring tides, the computed total salt transports at the Newport and Victoria bridges did not match the values required for a salt balance with the corresponding freshwater flows. These fluxes were probably the cause of the observed downstream displacement of the tidal mean salinity distribution between neap and spring tides.

Open ocean Internal Waves, Namibia Coast, Africa.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1990-01-01

These open ocean Internal Waves were seen off the Namibia Coast, Africa (19.5S, 11.5E). The periodic and regularly spaced sets of incoming internal appear to be diffracting against the coastline and recombining to form a network of interference patterns. They seem to coincide with tidal periods about 12 hours apart and wave length (distance from crest to crest) varies between 1.5 and 5.0 miles and the crest lengths stretch beyond the image.

Open ocean Internal Waves, Namibia Coast, Africa.

NASA Image and Video Library

1990-12-10

These open ocean Internal Waves were seen off the Namibia Coast, Africa (19.5S, 11.5E). The periodic and regularly spaced sets of incoming internal appear to be diffracting against the coastline and recombining to form a network of interference patterns. They seem to coincide with tidal periods about 12 hours apart and wave length (distance from crest to crest) varies between 1.5 and 5.0 miles and the crest lengths stretch beyond the image.

Open ocean Internal Waves, Namibia Coast, Africa.

NASA Image and Video Library

1990-12-10

These open ocean Internal Waves were seen off the Namibia Coast, Africa (23.0S, 14.0E). The periodic and regularly spaced sets of internal waves most likely coincide with tidal periods about 12 hours apart. The wave length (distance from crest to crest) varies between 1.5 and 5.0 miles and the crest lengths stretch across and beyond the distance of the photo. The waves are intersecting the Namibia coastline at about a 30 degree angle.

Open ocean Internal Waves, Namibia Coast, Africa.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1990-01-01

These open ocean Internal Waves were seen off the Namibia Coast, Africa (23.0S, 14.0E). The periodic and regularly spaced sets of internal waves most likely coincide with tidal periods about 12 hours apart. The wave length (distance from crest to crest) varies between 1.5 and 5.0 miles and the crest lengths stretch across and beyond the distance of the photo. The waves are intersecting the Namibia coastline at about a 30 degree angle.

Astrobiological and Geological Implications of Convective Transport in Icy Outer Planet Satellites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pappalardo, Robert T.; Zhong, Shi-Jie; Barr, Amy

2005-01-01

The oceans of large icy outer planet satellites are prime targets in the search for extraterrestrial life in our solar system. The goal of our project has been to develop models of ice convection in order to understand convection as an astrobiologically relevant transport mechanism within icy satellites, especially Europa. These models provide valuable constraints on modes of surface deformation and thus the implications of satellite surface geology for astrobiology, and for planetary protection. Over the term of this project, significant progress has been made in three areas: (1) the initiation of convection in large icy satellites, which we find probably requires tidal heating; (2) the relationship of surface features on Europa to internal ice convection, including the likely role of low-melting-temperature impurities; and (3) the effectiveness of convection as an agent of icy satellite surface-ocean material exchange, which seems most plausible if tidal heating, compositional buoyancy, and solid-state convection work in combination. Descriptions of associated publications include: 3 published papers (including contributions to 1 review chapter), 1 manuscript in revision, 1 manuscript in preparation (currently being completed under separate funding), and 1 published popular article. A myriad of conference abstracts have also been published, and only those from the past year are listed.

Coupled Orbital and Thermal Evolution of Ganymede

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Showman, Adam P.; Stevenson, David J.; Malhotra, Renu

1997-10-01

We explore the hypothesis that passage through an eccentricity-pumping resonance could lead to the resurfacing of Ganymede. To do so, we couple R. Malhotra's (1991,Icarus94,399-412) orbital model for the tidal evolution of the Laplace resonance to an internal model of Ganymede. Our model explores the conditions under which Ganymede can undergo global thermal runaway, assuming that theQ/kof Ganymede is strongly dependent on internal temperature. (HereQis the tidal dissipation function andkis the second-degree Love number.) We allow the system to pass through the ω1/ω2≈ 2 or ω1/ω2≈ 1/2 resonance, where ω1≡ 2n2-n1, ω2≡ 2n3-n2, andn1,n2, andn3are the mean motions of Io, Europa, and Ganymede. If Ganymede's initial internal temperature is either “too hot” or “too cold,” no runaway occurs, while for intermediate temperatures (∼200 K in the upper mantle), conditions are “just right,” and runaway occurs. The range of mantle temperatures that allows runaway depends on the model for tidalQ; we use the Maxwell model, which tiesQto the creep viscosity of ice. Runaways can induce up to ∼50-100 K warming and formation of a large internal ocean; they occur over a 107to 108-year period. Assuming carbonaceous chondritic abundances of radionuclides in Ganymede's rocky portion, however, we find that the interior cannot cool to the initial temperatures needed to allow large runaways. If our model is correct, large runaways cannot occur, although small runaways are still possible. Different formulations of tidalQor convective cooling may allow large runaways. Large runaways are also possible if radionuclides are substantially depleted, although this is unlikely. We next consider the consequences of a large runaway, assuming it can occur. Ganymede can undergo 0.5% thermal expansion (by volume) during the largest thermal runaways. Melting of the ice mantle provides up to 2% expansion despite the fact that contraction produced by melting ice I offsets expansion produced by melting high-pressure ice phases. Solid-solid phase transitions cause negligible satellite expansion. Lithospheric stresses caused by expansion of 2% over 107to 108years are ∼102bars at the surface, and drop to a few bars at several kilometers depth. Such stresses could cause cracking to depths of several kilometers. The cracking and near-surface production of warm or partially molten ice make resurfacing a plausible outcome of a large thermal runaway. The tidal heating events proposed here may also be relevant for generation of Ganymede's modern-day magnetic field.

Performance of the Volumetric Diffusive Respirator at Altitude

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-08-18

information if it does not display a currently valid OMB control number. PLEASE DO NOT RETURN YOUR FORM TO THE ABOVE ADDRESS. 1. REPORT DATE (DD-MM...increased by 30-40%. Tidal volume remained within 15% of sea level values. Respiratory rate fell, while inspiratory time increased and high frequency...altitude, positive end expiratory pressure and peak inspiratory pressure were increased by 30-40%. Tidal volume remained within 15% of sea level

Dispersion mechanisms of a tidal river junction in the Sacramento–San Joaquin Delta, California

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Gleichauf, Karla T.; Wolfram, Philip J.; Monsen, Nancy E.

In branching channel networks, such as in the Sacramento–San Joaquin River Delta, junction flow dynamics contribute to dispersion of ecologically important entities such as fish, pollutants, nutrients, salt, sediment, and phytoplankton. Flow transport through a junction largely arises from velocity phasing in the form of divergent flow between junction channels for a portion of the tidal cycle. Field observations in the Georgiana Slough junction, which is composed of the North and South Mokelumne rivers, Georgiana Slough, and the Mokelumne River, show that flow phasing differences between these rivers arise from operational, riverine, and tidal forcing. A combination of Acoustic Dopplermore » Current Profile (ADCP) boat transecting and moored ADCPs over a spring–neap tidal cycle (May to June 2012) monitored the variability of spatial and temporal velocity, respectively. Two complementary drifter studies enabled assessment of local transport through the junction to identify small-scale intrajunction dynamics. We supplemented field results with numerical simulations using the SUNTANS model to demonstrate the importance of phasing offsets for junction transport and dispersion. Different phasing of inflows to the junction resulted in scalar patchiness that is characteristic of MacVean and Stacey’s (2011) advective tidal trapping. Furthermore, we observed small-scale junction flow features including a recirculation zone and shear layer, which play an important role in intra-junction mixing over time scales shorter than the tidal cycle (i.e., super-tidal time scales). Thus, the study period spanned open- and closed-gate operations at the Delta Cross Channel. Synthesis of field observations and modeling efforts suggest that management operations related to the Delta Cross Channel can strongly affect transport in the Delta by modifying the relative contributions of tidal and riverine flows, thereby changing the junction flow phasing.« less

The frequency and properties of young tidal dwarf galaxies in nearby gas-rich groups

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee-Waddell, K.; Spekkens, K.; Chandra, P.; Patra, N.; Cuillandre, J.-C.; Wang, J.; Haynes, M. P.; Cannon, J.; Stierwalt, S.; Sick, J.; Giovanelli, R.

2016-08-01

We present high-resolution Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT) H I observations and deep Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope (CFHT) optical imaging of two galaxy groups: NGC 4725/47 and NGC 3166/9. These data are part of a multi-wavelength unbiased survey of the gas-rich dwarf galaxy populations in three nearby interacting galaxy groups. The NGC 4725/47 group hosts two tidal knots and one dwarf irregular galaxy (dIrr). Both tidal knots are located within a prominent H I tidal tail, appear to have sufficient mass (Mgas ≈ 108 M⊙) to evolve into long-lived tidal dwarf galaxies (TDGs) and are fairly young in age. The NGC 3166/9 group contains a TDG candidate, AGC 208457, at least three dIrrs and four H I knots. Deep CFHT imaging confirms that the optical component of AGC 208457 is bluer - with a 0.28 mag g - r colour - and a few Gyr younger than its purported parent galaxies. Combining the results for these groups with those from the NGC 871/6/7 group reported earlier, we find that the H I properties, estimated stellar ages and baryonic content of the gas-rich dwarfs clearly distinguish tidal features from their classical counterparts. We optimistically identify four potentially long-lived tidal objects associated with three separate pairs of interacting galaxies, implying that TDGs are not readily produced during interaction events as suggested by some recent simulations. The tidal objects examined in this survey also appear to have a wider variety of properties than TDGs of similar mass formed in current simulations of interacting galaxies, which could be the result of pre- or post-formation environmental influences.

Dispersion mechanisms of a tidal river junction in the Sacramento–San Joaquin Delta, California

DOE PAGES

Gleichauf, Karla T.; Wolfram, Philip J.; Monsen, Nancy E.; ...

2014-12-17

In branching channel networks, such as in the Sacramento–San Joaquin River Delta, junction flow dynamics contribute to dispersion of ecologically important entities such as fish, pollutants, nutrients, salt, sediment, and phytoplankton. Flow transport through a junction largely arises from velocity phasing in the form of divergent flow between junction channels for a portion of the tidal cycle. Field observations in the Georgiana Slough junction, which is composed of the North and South Mokelumne rivers, Georgiana Slough, and the Mokelumne River, show that flow phasing differences between these rivers arise from operational, riverine, and tidal forcing. A combination of Acoustic Dopplermore » Current Profile (ADCP) boat transecting and moored ADCPs over a spring–neap tidal cycle (May to June 2012) monitored the variability of spatial and temporal velocity, respectively. Two complementary drifter studies enabled assessment of local transport through the junction to identify small-scale intrajunction dynamics. We supplemented field results with numerical simulations using the SUNTANS model to demonstrate the importance of phasing offsets for junction transport and dispersion. Different phasing of inflows to the junction resulted in scalar patchiness that is characteristic of MacVean and Stacey’s (2011) advective tidal trapping. Furthermore, we observed small-scale junction flow features including a recirculation zone and shear layer, which play an important role in intra-junction mixing over time scales shorter than the tidal cycle (i.e., super-tidal time scales). Thus, the study period spanned open- and closed-gate operations at the Delta Cross Channel. Synthesis of field observations and modeling efforts suggest that management operations related to the Delta Cross Channel can strongly affect transport in the Delta by modifying the relative contributions of tidal and riverine flows, thereby changing the junction flow phasing.« less

Application of 2D numerical model to unsteady performance evaluation of vertical-axis tidal current turbine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Zhen; Qu, Hengliang; Shi, Hongda; Hu, Gexing; Hyun, Beom-Soo

2016-12-01

Tidal current energy is renewable and sustainable, which is a promising alternative energy resource for the future electricity supply. The straight-bladed vertical-axis turbine is regarded as a useful tool to capture the tidal current energy especially under low-speed conditions. A 2D unsteady numerical model based on Ansys-Fluent 12.0 is established to conduct the numerical simulation, which is validated by the corresponding experimental data. For the unsteady calculations, the SST model, 2×105 and 0.01 s are selected as the proper turbulence model, mesh number, and time step, respectively. Detailed contours of the velocity distributions around the rotor blade foils have been provided for a flow field analysis. The tip speed ratio (TSR) determines the azimuth angle of the appearance of the torque peak, which occurs once for a blade in a single revolution. It is also found that simply increasing the incident flow velocity could not improve the turbine performance accordingly. The peaks of the averaged power and torque coefficients appear at TSRs of 2.1 and 1.8, respectively. Furthermore, several shapes of the duct augmentation are proposed to improve the turbine performance by contracting the flow path gradually from the open mouth of the duct to the rotor. The duct augmentation can significantly enhance the power and torque output. Furthermore, the elliptic shape enables the best performance of the turbine. The numerical results prove the capability of the present 2D model for the unsteady hydrodynamics and an operating performance analysis of the vertical tidal stream turbine.