Effects of Offshore Forcing in the Nearshore Environment
Abstract
The broad objective of this project has been to extend our understanding on the role of large scale offshore forcing, including baroclinic tides, in nearshore dynamics. From this understanding we aim to develop modeling approaches that, combined with offshore baroclinic models, can account for the effects of offshore internal wave forcing on the circulation and sediment transport in the coastal zone. Specifically, the work has aimed towards addressing two questions: 1. How is offshore baroclinic tidal energy manifested in the nearshore environment, i.e. what is the transfer function between internal tides and nearshore currents? 2. What is the role of baroclinic tidal energy in nearshore circulation and, subsequently, on sediment transport? The work has focused on real-time observations combined with event-driven sampling methodology to highlight the role of offshore tidal and wave forcing in the circulation and transport dynamics in the nearshore. Important secondary objectives include validation of the Delft3D model in capturing the effects of baroclinic forcing and predicting hydrodynamic circulation and sediment transport in the spatially complex environment posed by a carbonate reef.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2009
- Accession Number
- ADA527023
Entities
People
- Geno Pawlak
- Mark Merrifield
Organizations
- University of Hawaiʻi System