OCEANOL - Ocean Observation Laboratory

Model Simulations

Model Description

We have been using the finite element numerical circulation model, called QUODDY5, developed at Dartmouth College's Thayer School of Engineering. QUODDY5 is a three-dimension, non-linear, prognostic, f-plane, finite-element coastal ocean circulation model with advanced turbulence closure. The model domain that has been used is defined by the the GHSD mesh. The resolution of this mesh varies from about 10 km in the gulf to about 5 km near the coastlines with even finer resolution in the regions of steep bathymetric slopes like the north flank Georges Bank. A 10 meters minimum depth was adopted for the coastal boundary elements.

Figure 1: The GHSD mesh for the QUODDY model domain, with the open ocean boundaries - (a) deep ocean, (b) western cross-shelf, (c) Halifax cross-shelf, and (d) Bay of Fundy - highlighted by the thick red, blue and black lines respectively. The water depths (in meters) are color-coded according to the scale on the right.

Boundary Conditions

Tidal Elevations:

The predicted semidiurnal (M2, N2 and S2) and diurnal (K1 and O1) tidal elevation were used as a forcing in the deep ocean and western cross-shelf sections (red line; Figure 1).

Normal Transport:

The predicted M2, M4, M6, N2, S2, K1 and O1 depth-averaged velocities were calculated for the GHSD mesh using a 3-D diagnostic model for continental shelf circulation studies FUNDY6. This model solves the linearized shallow water equations, forced by tidal or other barotropic boundary conditions, wind and/or density gradient, using linear Finite Elements. Solutions are obtained in the frequency domain; the limit of zero frequency represents the steady state.

Spring Time Simulations

May 30 2008

Winter Time Simulations