Tidal regime in Gulf of Kutch, west coast of India, by 2D model

Abstract

A 2D barotropic numerical model is developed for the Gulf of Kutch with a view to synthesize available information on tides and currents in the Gulf. A comparison of model results with moored current meter observations shows that the model reproduces the amplitudes and phases of surface elevations and currents satisfactorily relative to the observations. The important tidal constituents in the Gulf are described by using model results. Computed M sub(2) residual currents show the presence of topographically generated eddies. An analysis of momentum balance shows that the dynamics of tidal propagation in the Gulf is characterized by a balance between the pressure gradient and friction near the coast, whereas in the central region, local acceleration balances the pressure gradient. The natural period of oscillations of the Gulf was determined to be about 10 h based on the model results