Hydrodynamic simulation experiment of tidal pump in strait waters

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Tidal phenomena, characterized by the rise and fall of sea surface levels, play a critical role in marine dynamics, including the formation of upwelling and downwelling currents. These currents significantly influence nutrient distribution and material exchange in coastal waters. This study focuses on examining the occurrence of vertical current movements induced by tidal pumping in the Bangka Strait, with an emphasis on understanding their relationship to tidal asymmetry and bathymetric changes.METHODS: A numerical simulation approach was employed using the Mike 3 Flexible Mesh software to model the hydrodynamics of the Bangka Strait. The input data included tidal measurements from the Geospatial Information Agency and bathymetric data from the Indonesian Navy Hydro-Oceanography Center. The simulation covered a nine-day period, with a focus on tidal patterns and their influence on vertical currents. Model validation was conducted using statistical measures, ensuring strong correlation and minimal error between simulation results and field data.FINDINGS: The study revealed that during high tide, upward currents (upwelling) were observed with speeds ranging from 0.00004 to 0.00016 meters per second, while during low tide, downward currents (downwelling) occurred with speeds between around -0.00004 meters per second. Bathymetric changes, particularly at depths of 2 to 6 meters, caused significant deflections in vertical current direction. Tidal asymmetry was evident, with a tidal range of 3.8 meters in the northern Bangka Strait and 2 meters in the southern region. These variations influenced vertical current speeds and nutrient distribution patterns. This study revealed that the K₁ amplitude experienced the most notable increase during a supermoon event, indicating a likely strong correlation.CONCLUSION: The findings demonstrate the significant role of tidal pumping in shaping the hydrodynamics of the Bangka Strait, with implications for nutrient mixing and material transport. The results provide valuable insights for managing coastal resources and developing sustainable infrastructure in marine ecosystems. This study underscores the importance of numerical modeling in understanding complex marine dynamics and highlights the need for continued research to address the ecological and environmental impacts of tidal-induced currents.