A numerical model for solving the 2D shallow water equations is proposed he
rewith. This model is based on a finite volume technique in a generalized c
o-ordinate system, coupled with a semi-implicit splitting algorithm in whic
h a Helmholtz equation is used for the surface elevation. Several benchmark
problems have proven the good accuracy of this method in complex geometrie
s. Nevertheless, several numerical perturbations were noted in the surface
elevation. After finding the origin, a new numerical technique is suggested
, to avoid these perturbations. Several severe tests are proposed to valida
te this technique. Copyright (C) 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.