Observation and Simulation of the Pearl River Estuarine Circulation in Summer Season

This study reports a cruise survey on the Pearl River Estuary and adjacent costal water in the period of 3-11May 2014. The circulation and salinity structure were sampled for the different tidal phases. With the cruise data, a longitudinally orientated convergence or divergence of the lateral velocity close to the channel location for certain tidal conditions were observed. The Finite-Volume Community Ocean Model (FVCOM) is configured and run with high spatial resolution of 100 m in the PRE. An atmospheric model, the Weather Research and Forecasting Model (WRF) is also run to provide high spatial and temporal resolution of atmospheric forcing for the FVCOM model. The FVCOM modelling skill assessment is conducted using the cruise senility and velocity data, as well water levels, showing that the model can well simulate the velocity and salinity structures. The numerical model reveals that there is a strong neap-spring cycle for the PRE de-tided circulation with 0.37 m s^-1 during the neap tide about 42% stronger than that (0.26 m s^-1) during the spring tide in the surface layer. The modelling also shows that the estuarine circulation is modulated by the interaction between tide and wind forcing.