Water mass exchange at Ambon Bay based on trajectory model: a preliminary study

Abstract

Ambon Bay is divided into two parts, Inner Ambon Bay (IAB) and Outer Ambon Bay (OAB) which separated by 10 m narrow canal called sill. It causes IAB and OAB has different water dynamics. Generally, circulation dynamics at Ambon Bay affected by upwelling process in Banda Sea during southeast monsoon. During that period, tidal upwelling brought high density water from thermocline layer in OAB to surface and enter the IAB. The mechanism of water mass exchange can be describe using three-dimensional trajectory model which evaluate the origin and movement of water particles. This preliminary study shows the particle movement during one tidal cycle based on trajectory model results. Verification result shows that model error is 2.32%. Preliminary results show that after one tidal cycle, particles predominantly move to OAB rather than enter IAB through western side of the sill.