One-dimensional numerical model for tidal waves on estuaries

Flooding has claimed millions of lives. Therefore, minimizing the affect needs to be taken into consideration and one way of dealing with this is by looking at the propagation of tidal wave. As in many parts of the world, this disaster can be simply due to tidal surges enhanced by adverse weather conditions particularly in the area along the river banks. For example, barrages are built on River Thames hoping to protect the Central London from such incidents happening. In this paper, how the tidal waves propagate on estuaries using the one-dimensional wave equation is studied based on a taut spring. The importance of geometry throughout the propagation is also discussed. Model results in this study show that water depth and coastal geometry has a significant role on wave velocity and wave height and these results could be useful as a tool in developing early warning system that minimizes loss of life and property near the coastal belts.