A Mathematical Model of the Tide in the Potomac River.
Abstract
Previous one-dimensional mathematical models of tidal phenomena have not discussed the spacial averaging inherent in the finite difference approximation to the equations of motion. In the direction of the river axis, the geometry changes on a much smaller scale than the typical three or four mile step used in modeling. In this study, the longitudinal averaging is accomplished in a manner consistent with the inviscid long-wave equations. When the results are applied to the Potomac River, good agreement is obtained with observed mean range and mean high water phase. Manning's roughness coefficient (assumed spacially constant) is near the lower end of tabulated values. The model of the Potomac tide indicates that the tidal wave has distinct standing wave characteristics and that the tidal elevations in the river are not seriously affected by changes in the flow over Little Falls (except near the head). (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 1973
- Accession Number
- AD0756253
Entities
People
- Stephen R. Rives Jr
Organizations
- Johns Hopkins University