TIME-DEPENDENT 2-LAYER MODEL OF FJORD CIRCULATION AND ITS APPLICATION TO ALBERNI INLET, BRITISH-COLUMBIA

A mathematical model for unsteady fjord circulation is presented in a form suitable for numerical solution, together with the corresponding finite difference scheme for subcritical flows. The method allows integration of the equations of motion with a time step independent of the spatial grid thus achieving a sufficient degree of economy for deep water simulations. Applications are made to Alberni Inlet for various boundary conditions and the model response is discussed in terms of observations from the fjord. A coefficient for interfacial friction, based on a linear velocity shear law, is calculated using observations from the inlet and found to be approximately 0·0025 m2 s-1 The effects of lateral friction are also included with a quadratic velocity shear relation. The bulk friction coefficient in this term is determined by calibration to be approximately 0·075 for an average inlet width of 1200 m. © 1979.