Finite-element baroclinic multiscale model of the Columbia River plume
(2016) Liege Colloquium, Submesoscale processes: mechanisms, implications and new frontiers — Location: Université of Liège, Liège, Belgium (23.May.2016)
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- Unstructured grid models allow highly flexible spatial discretization and therefore accurate representation of complex phenomena, such as the hydrodynamics in Regions Of Freshwater Influence (ROFI) of large rivers, characterized by large density variations, rapid flow dynamics and complex topography. The whole river-sea continuum can therefore be simulated seamlessly. The complex interactions between tides, river inflow and ocean dense waters in shallow areas lead to strong density gradients and rapid currents, often difficult to handle in a numerical model. Many models tend to stabilize the computations by adding diffusion, leading to overly-smoothed fronts. The aim of this study is to analyze the baroclinicity of the SLIM model. SLIM3D is a baroclinic discontinuous Galerkin finite element model. It has so far only been used to model very shallow areas, such as an idealised Rhine ROFI or subregions of the Great Barrier Reef. We analyze the ability of SLIM 3D to reproduce the main features of the Columbia River ROFI dynamics with correct salinity wedge and plume extension. Whereas the salt wedge is mainly driven by tides and discharges, the plume dynamics is strongly wind-dependent. The salt intrusion is validated against observations into the esuary and the key features of the simulated plume in different wind regimes are discussed.
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Vallaeys, V., Kärnä, T., Baptista, A. M., Deleersnijder, E., & Hanert, E. (2016). Finite-element baroclinic multiscale model of the Columbia River plume. Liege Colloquium, Submesoscale processes: mechanisms, implications and new frontiers, Université of Liège, Liège, Belgium. https://hdl.handle.net/2078.5/229952