Tidal energy fluxes and bottom boundary layer energy dissipation in the Bering Sea

Abstract

The spatial distribution of the energy flux, bottom boundary layer (BBL) energy dissipation, surface elevation amplitude and current magnitude of the major semidiurnal tidal constituents in the Bering Sea are examined in detail. These distributions are obtained from the results of a three-dimensional numerical simulation model (POM). Compared with observation data from seven stations, the root mean square errors of tidal height are 2.6 cm and 1.2 cm for M₂ and N₂ respectively, and those of phase-lag are 21.8° and 15.8° respectively. The majority of the tidal energy flux off the deep basin is along the shelf edge, although some of this flux crosses the shelf edge, especially in the southeast of the shelf break. The total M₂ energy dissipation in the Bering Sea is 30.43 GW, which is about 10 times of that of N₂ and S₂. The semidiurnal tidal energy enters mainly to the Bering Sea by Samalga Pass, Amukta Pass and Seguam Pass, accounting more than 60% of the total energy entering the Being Sea from the Pacific.

Keywords

tidal energy flux / bottom boundary layer (BBL) dissipation / tidal current / the Bering Sea

References

[1] Egbert G.D., Ray R.D. Significant dissipation of tidal energy in the deep ocean inferred from satellite altimeter data. Nature, 2000, 405: 775-778

[2] Davies A.M., Kwong S.C.M., Flather R.A. Formulation of a variable-funcyion three-dimensional model, with applications to the M2 and M4 tide on the North-west European. Continental Shelf Research, 1997, 17: 165-204

[3] Greenberg D.A. A numerical model investigation of tidal phenomena in the Bay of Fundy and Gulf of Maine. Marine Geodesy, 1979, 2: 161-187

[4] Huang R. On the balance of energy in the oceanic general circulation. Journal of Scientia Atmospherica Sinica, 1998, 22(4): 562-574

[5] Kowalik Z. Bering Sea tides. Loughlin T and Ohtani K. The Bering Sea: physical, chemical and biological dynamics, 1999, Fairbanks: Alaska Sea Grant Press, 93-127

[6] Li P., Zuo J., Wu D., Li L., Zhao W. Numerical simulation of semidiurnal constituents in the Bohai Sea, the Yellow Sea and the East China Sea with assimilating Topex/Poseidondata. Jourmal of Oceanologia et Limnologia Sinica, 2005, 36(1): 30-36

[7] Li P., Li L., Zuo J., Chen M., Zhao W. Tidal energy fluxes and dissipation in the Bohai Sea, the Yellow Sea and the East China Sea. Journal of Ocean University of China, 2005, 35(5): 713-718

[8] Liu SK, Leenderste JJ (1979). Three-dimensional model for estuaries and coastal seas: Bristol Bay simulations. The Rand Corp, R-2405-NOVA.

[9] Liu SK, Leenderste JJ (1981). A three-dimensional model of Norton Sound under ice cover. Proceedings of the Sixth International Conference on Port and Ocean Engineering under Arctic Conditions, Quebec, Canada, 433–443.

[10] Liu S.K., Leenderste J.J. Three-dimensional model of Bering and Chukchi Sea. Journal of Coastal Engineering, 1982, 18: 598-616

[11] Liu SK, Leenderste JJ (1990). Modeling of the Alaskan continental shelf waters. OCSEAP Final Reports, 123–275.

[12] Mellor J. Users guide for a three dimensional, primitive equation numerical ocean mode, 1998, Princeton: Princeton University Press

[13] Mofjeld HO (1984). Recent observations of tides and tidal currents from the northeastern Bering Sea shelf. NOAA Technical Memo ERL PME-57, 36.

[14] Mofjeld H.O. Observed tides on the northeastern Bering Sea shelf. Journal Geophysical Research, 1986, 91: 2593-2606

[15] Mofjeld HO, Schumacher JD, Pashinski DJ (1984). Theoretical and observed profiles of tidal currents at two sites of the southeastern Bering Sea shelf. NOAA Technical Memo ERL PMEL-62, 60

[16] Munk W., Wunsch C. Abyssal recipes II: Energetics of tidal and wind mixing. Jourmal of Deep-Sea Research I, 1998, 45(12): 1977-2010

[17] Pearson C.A., Mofjeld H.O., Tripp R.B. Tides of the eastern Bering Sea shelf. Proceedings of Oceanography and Resources, 1981, Seattle: University of Washington Press, 111-130

[18] Sunderman J. The semidiurnal principal lunar tide M2 in the Bering Sea. Journal of Deutsche Hydrographie Zeitschrift, 1977, 30: 91-101

[19] Wan Z., Qiao F., Yuan Y. Three-dimensional numerical modeling of tidal waves in the Bohai, Yellow and East China Seas. Chinese Journal of Oceanology and Limnology, 1998, 18: 611-616

[20] Foreman M, Cherniawsky J, Cummins P. A high resolution assimilating tidal model for the Bering Sea. http://www.pices.int/publications/presentations/PICES_13/PICES_13_S7/Foreman_S7.pdf