Flow estimation for the Persian Gulf using a Kelvin wave expansion

Hydrodynamic simulations of tidal currents in the Persian Gulf are presented. Water surface level and velocity have been determined by a Kelvin wave expansion as a new hydrodynamic calibration tool for estimating the dynamical field and flow patterns. In the procedure, leading to the Kelvin wave expansion, data of tidal constituents from co-tidal charts play a role. Results of the simplified model have been compared with both measurements as well with the results of a full reference hydrodynamic model to reveal that this calibration approach is a promotion not only towards simplicity, but also towards a speed up of the computation. Also a short-term oil spill simulation was undertaken. Comparison of the actual and simulated oil spill drift was found acceptable, allowing for future application in risk assessment analysis in the northern part of the Iranian waters.