Year

1989

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy

Department

Department of Mathematics

Abstract

This thesis includes both a discussion of free and forced topographic trapped edge waves over various continental shelf profiles, and an examination of the boundary effects on sea level coastal current movement through a strait or channel.

Using the linearized long wave theory and the methods of complex analysis, edge wave solutions are analytically determined over a linear and exponential, finite and semi-infinite, continental shelf profile. The effects of both pressure and wind stress forcing of edge waves also discussed. An analysis of wind generated Class I and Class II edge waves is included, along with a comparison of the analytical results with the physical data obtained from current meter recordings taken along the south eastern coast of Australia. It is shown that the analytical compare favourably with the physical results.

A discussion of the applications of various open boundary methods, including the relatively new Characteristic method, to current flow through a strait or channel is included so that the methods can be compared when applied to the Strait of Belle Isle, Canada. A numerical model the Strait of Belle Isle is used to examine the effect various boundary conditions have on current flow through a strait or channel. The results obtained by using the Characteristic method, the gradient method, and specifying sea level values along the open boundary are compared and it shown that the Characteristic method gives what could be considered very 'realistic' results.

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Unless otherwise indicated, the views expressed in this thesis are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of the University of Wollongong.