Modeling Tidal Transport in the Arabian Gulf

Abstract

This paper reports a numerical modeling study of tidal transport in the Arabian Gulf. Due to the large surface area and relative shallowness of the Gulf and the limiting computing resources, a two‐dimensional depth‐averaged model and a coarse spatial resolution of 19.05 km was used in the study. The model calculated tide ranges, and phases of low and high tides compared favorably with tide table data. To provide further insight into transport in the Gulf, an Eulerian‐Lagrangian Advection Dispersion (ELAD) model was developed and applied. Using velocity and depth information calculated from the hydrodynamics model, the ELAD model was used to characterize transport in the Gulf through a number of simulated tracer release scenarios. The study results reveal complex circulation patterns within the Gulf and suggest a slow exchange rate between the waters of the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. Refined spatial resolution by the model, and increased field observations are recommended for a more detailed calculation of tidal transport in the Gulf.