A NUMERICAL CALCULATION OF STORM TIDES INDUCED BY A TROPICAL STORM IMPINGING ON A CONTINENTAL SHELF

Abstract

The transient phase of a storm surge generated by an idealized tropical storm in a coastal area is investigated by numerical means. Linearized forms of the storm surge equations of motion are used without bottom friction. Open water boundaries are considered in a basin with varying depth. The basin is separated into regions of differing grid sizes that give a greater density of points in shallow water. It is found that inflow of wind across the isobars is significant in storm surge generation, whereas the motion of the storm plays a smaller role. The pressure gradient gives only static heights in deep water with three times the static height at the coast on passage of a moderately moving storm.