Dissipation and Bathymetric Sensitivities in an Unstructured Mesh Global Tidal Model Journal of Geophysical Research: Oceans

The mechanisms and geographic distribution of global tidal dissipation in barotropic tidal models are examined using a high resolution unstructured mesh finite element model. Mesh resolution varies between 2 and 25 km and is especially focused on inner shelves and steep bathymetric gradients. Tidal response sensitivities to bathymetric changes are examined to put into context response sensitivities to frictional processes. We confirm that the Ronne Ice Shelf dramatically affects Atlantic tides but also find that bathymetry in the Hudson Bay system is a critical control. We follow a sequential frictional parameter optimization process and use TPXO9 data-assimilated tidal elevations as a reference solution. From simulated velocities and depths, dissipation within Grant no. NA18OAR4590377 Grant no. NA19OAR0220123