Modeling Surfzone/Inner-shelf Exchange
Abstract
The time-scales exchange of the processes in the surfzone (< 10 min) and inner-shelf (hours+) are quite different. The interaction of these processes governs this exchange, and depends on the waves, wind, tide, and stratification. To study exchange between the surfzone and inner-shelf, the specific objectives are to: 1. Develop a model appropriate for studying surfzone/inner-shelf exchange by coupling the wave-resolving surfzone model funwaveC and ROMS. funwaveC has been validated for surfzone waves, currents, drifter and tracer dispersion, and runup. Finite-crest length wave breaking is incorporated into the model and thus it resolves rip current forcing mechanisms. The wave-averaged ROMS model (appropriate for the inner-shelf and some surfzone applications) incorporates all the inner-shelf exchange mechanisms, including those that are wave-induced. Two potential coupling paths will be explored. 2. Test and calibrate the model with coupled surfzone & inner-shelf observations from the ONR funded HB06 & IB09 experiments led by the PI. Both experiments had significant surfzone and inner-shelf dye, temperature, wave, current, and turbulence observations with which to compare to the coupled surfzone-inner shelf model. The observations of dye, temperature, and current vertical structure from the outer surfzone to inner-shelf will provide a challenging test for the model. 3. Use the model to diagnose mechanisms of tracer exchange and determine their importance given different incident wave, wind, stratification, tide, and coriolis conditions that would be appropriate for various regions in the world of interest to the Navy. This work will quantitatively improve out ability to make predictions of the fate of pollutants and contaminants, in addition to other tracers, in the nearshore region.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 30, 2013
- Accession Number
- ADA597751
Entities
People
- Falk Feddersen
Organizations
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography