Testing analytical tidal propagation models of the one-dimensional hydrodynamic equations in Morocco's estuaries

ABSTRACT

In this paper, we tested two analytical models for tidal propagation in two estuaries, i.e. Sebou and Loukkos (Morocco): (1) is a hybrid analytical model, based on new approximation of the friction term in the momentum equation, tidal damping expression and river discharge effect; and (2) is a analytical model for the closed channel, i.e. with a closed landward boundary. For given topography, friction, and tidal amplitude at the seaward boundary, the velocity amplitude, the wave celerity, the tidal damping, and the phase lag along the estuaries axis are calculated. These models were calibrated and validated using observed data. A good-fit between models and measurements is obtained, as verified by statistical performance tests, which suggests that the predictive models can be used to obtain a first-order estimation of tidal dynamics and reflected wave along the estuaries axis.

KEYWORDS:

• Tidal dynamics
• analytical solutions
• reflected wave
• Morocco’s convergent estuaries

Acknowledgments

The authors gratefully acknowledge two anonymous reviewers for their scientific suggestions and constructive comments.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.