A three-dimensional wind driven circulation model of the Celtic and Irish Seas

Abstract The mathematical development of a three-dimensional wind induced circulation model of the Irish and Celtic Sea region is briefly described. The model has a grid resolution of 4′ northsouth and 6′ west-east and uses a spectral representation in the vertical, giving a continuous current profile from sea surface to seabed. The model is used to examine the storm surge of November 1977. Calculations show reasonable agreement with observed surge elevations at coastal gauges, but more interestingly show a rapid spatially and temporally evolving flow field. Such a time evolving flow field has a significant influence upon the movement of pollutants, in particular strong bottom currents which influence sediment movement.

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