A description of tidal propagation in Hooghly estuary using numerical and analytical solutions

Abstract

A tidal propagation characteristic of Hooghly estuary is presented using numerical (ADCIRC) and analytical models (Friedrichs and Aubrey, 1994) along with observations. The analytical model is based on Friedrichs and Aubrey (1994) that simplifies the governing hydrodynamic equations greatly by retaining only those terms that are significant without losing the overall understanding of the propagation process. The analytical model is compared with corresponding 2-D depth averaged numerical (ADCIRC) model that retains all non-linear terms. The assumptions for simplification are found to be reasonable in the light of close agreement among analytical, numerical models and observations. A plan-form geometrical characteristic as well as hydrodynamic variable of the Hooghly has been compared with that of Delaware estuary for corroborating similar tidal propagation process. The Hooghly estuary has flood dominant asymmetric tidal propagation and a positive amplitude growth factor (μ). The observed tidal celerity (phase speed) on an average is slightly more than frictionless celerity. Using the conventions of Toffolon et al. (2006), Hooghly can be classified into ‘strongly convergent – strongly dissipative’ estuary. From the results it can be construed that the estuary is yet to stabilise and reach its equilibrium morphology. It can be close to its equilibrium as very little amplification (0.1 m) is noticed in the predominant semi-diurnal constituent M2 over 78 km (barely 7%) in the estuary. The parameters of width variation (γ) and the ratio between friction and inertia (χ) have been used to define the marginal condition for amplification. The relative position of Hooghly in terms of marginal condition is consistent with similar set of estuaries elsewhere that have been grouped using the above parameters.