Continental Shelf Circulation Induced by Tidal Jets - An Analytical Study.
Abstract
Results of an analytical investigation of the shelf and nearshore circulation induced by tidal inlets are presented for steady jets issuing into coastal waters having constant depth but arbitrary bottom friction. The surrounding fluid motion is assumed to be steady and potential (i.e., inviscid and irrotational). The effects of unsteadiness, Earth's rotation, and buoyancy have been neglected; however, the important effects of lateral mixing are included. In addition, mathematical formulations are developed to describe steady potential flow with variable bathymetry; and unsteady, inviscid, rotational flow due to Coriolis forces. To obtain the shelf circulation patterns over constant bottom topography, the tidal jet is represented by an equivalent distribution of sinks. The sinks are solutions of Laplace's equations which also governs the potential motion of the jet-induced circulation. The strength of each sink in the distribution is determined by equating the volume flow due to entrainment to the volume flow demanded by the sink, thereby establishing a complete physical and mathematical connection between the jet flow and the outer flow. Analytical expressions are derived for the stream function and velocity components. These quantities are evaluated analytically whenever possible and numerically using Gauss-Legendre quadrature.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 1979
- Accession Number
- ADA075158
Entities
People
- Prakash B. Joshio
- R. Bruce Taylor