Analysis of 3-dimensional Hydro-dynamical Model Simulation in the Gulf of Kutch, India and Its Comparison with Satellite Data

Abstract

A 3-D COSMOS numerical model initially developed has been used in the Gulf of Kutch situated in the northwest of India, to study tidal variation, ocean current, residual current, and sea surface temperature distribution, which are very important parameters in investigating natural ecosystem and suspended matter or pollution transportation in the Gulf. Wind speed, air-sea heat flux and five main tidal components are considered in this study and the results are compared with earlier research. The model results show that the model performs well in simulating hydrodynamical parameters. The main features of the surface current are the same as the results of Sinha, et al (2000) and the tidal current is the main factor as compared to wind-induced current due to high tidal variation. Residual current distribution owns similar features with previous studies but with a much clear eddy formation near the mouth area of the Gulf. Sea surface temperature distribution estimated from the model shows similar pattern with that measured by NOAA/AVHRR by including wind stress in the model, but salinity distribution varies little ranging from 36.09 to 36.13 PSU in our numerical model simulation.