Three-dimensional numerical simulation for tidal motion in Singapore's coastal waters

This paper describes the development and application of a three-dimensional (3-D) multi-level hydrodynamic model to tidal motions in Singapore's coast al waters. In this model, a two-step Euler predictor-corrector algorithm is introduced to predict and correct the free surface water elevation. The go verning equations are explicitly and implicitly discretized into finite dif ference forms in a non-uniform staggered grid system. The velocity componen ts in the x, y and z directions are directly obtained. The 3-D model is tes ted against analytical solutions for two standard cases in rectangular basi ns. The model results for the velocities and the free surface water elevati ons coincide with analytical results. The model is applied to the Singapore coastal region and its surrounding waters. In the first simulation, the ti dal current behavior including current circulation, time history of sea lev els, currents and discharges as well as patterns of residual currents witho ut wind effects is predicted. The numerically predicted results show good a greement with field measurements. In the second simulation, the response of velocity fields to seasonal wind forcing is investigated. (C) 2000 Elsevie r Science B.V. All rights reserved.