The influence of wind and wind wave turbulence upon tidal currents: Taylorʹs problem in three dimensions with wind forcing

A three-dimensional model of the North Sea, represented by a rectangular basin of constant depth, or shallowing in the south, open at its northern end, is used to examine the influence of enhanced turbulence and bottom friction due to wind induced currents and wind waves upon the position of M2 tidal amphidromes and tidal current distributions over the North Sea. ations show that enhanced levels of turbulence associated with the wind and with the wind induced currents significantly influence the profile of the M2 tidal current, and also affect the higher tidal harmonics. Enhanced bed friction associated with increased turbulence due to wind waves can have a significant effect upon the currents, particularly in shallow water. fluence of a time varying eddy viscosity, depending upon the magnitude of the current in coupling tidal and wind induced currents, and producing higher tidal harmonics, is examined using a single point model in the vertical. ng this combination of a three-dimensional model and a single point model in the vertical, the mechanisms affect the coupling of wind and tidal currents can be understood.