MODELING THE CONTRIBUTION OF M(2) TIDAL AMPLIFICATION TO THE HOLOCENERISE OF MEAN HIGH WATER IN THE GULF OF MAINE AND THE BAY OF FUNDY

Increase in the M(2) (principal lunar semi-diurnal) component of the t idal range is an important contributor to the postglacial rise of the high-tide level in the Gulf of Maine and the Bay of Fundy in addition to relative sea-level rise. The increase occurred as the shape of this semi-enclosed embayment changed with sea-level rise and its natural p eriod approached resonance with the M(2) tide. A three-dimensional tid e model (3DENS) predicts the following M(2) tidal ranges averaged for the Gulf of Maine/Bay of Fundy as a percentage of the present range: 5 4-59% at 7000 yrs B.P., 73% at 5000 yrs B.P., 78% at 4000 yrs B.P., 85 % at 3000 yrs B.P., 94% at 2000 yrs B.P., and 98% at 1000 yrs B.P. Wit h a predicted sea-level rise of 0.15-0.90 m by the year 2100, M2 tidal range may increase 0.3-1.9%.