A numerical method for the two layer shallow water equations with dry states

A numerical method is proposed for solving the two layer shallow water equations with variable bathymetry in one dimension based on high-resolution f-wave-propagation finite volume methods. The method splits the jump in the fluxes and source terms into waves propagating away from each grid cell interface. It addresses the required determination of the system’s eigenstructure and a scheme for evaluating the flux and source terms. It also handles dry states in the system where the bottom layer depth becomes zero, utilizing existing methods for the single layer solution and handling single layer dry states that can exist independently. Sample results are shown illustrating the method and its handling of dry states including an idealized ocean setting.