Numerical analysis of tidal dynamics in the region around Gulf of Mannar and Palk Strait

A 3D hydrodynamic model is presented to study tidal dynamics along the Indian coast and adjoining marginal seas as well as to investigate the volume transport of water across a tidal channel between the Gulf of Mannar and Palk Strait areas. The numerical model is validated in three stages, and its performance is further assessed by comparing the derived amplitudes of the semidiurnal and diurnal constituents with those of FES 2004 model. The accuracy of the model is ensured by comparing the tidal elevations at selected locations with the observed data. As a next level of validation, the elevations are subjected to the harmonic analysis in order to derive the harmonic constants. The numerical analysis of tidal energetics in the Palk Strait and Gulf of Mannar leads to conclude that M2 constituent undergoes more dissipation and the area-integrated mean dissipation rate of M2 and K1 is 3.22 and 0.25 GW. The temporal and spatial distributions of the sectional daily water volume transport are also analysed for the channel connecting the Palk Strait and the Gulf of Mannar. The localized geographical factors near the Adam’s bridge area strongly influence the tidal flow, and the water volume transport shows seasonal variations.