Maximum Current Velocity Research Articles

Estimation of tidal current energy along the Gulf of Khambhat using three-dimensional numerical modeling

A finite difference–based three-dimensional modeling has been conducted to evaluate tidal power density at different locations along the Gulf of Khambhat, India. The model uses the Navier–Stokes transport equation in three-dimensional plane under the assumption of shallow water and Boussinesq. The model results were validated with observed water levels and currents available in the literature. The Gulf has strong and varying currents and associated circulation patterns, especially in the northern region, due to complex bathymetry. The current velocities and corresponding power densities were computed for different vertical layers of the entire model domain. The maximum tidal current velocities are found in the northern region along the narrowing part of the Gulf. The estimated values are 2.6 and 1.5 m/s during spring and neap tidal cycles, respectively. Then, the energy flux approximation method has been used to estimate the tidal power densities along the gulf spatially and temporally. The estimated maximum available potential is about 3 and 0.7 kW/m2 during spring and neap at two arbitrary point locations, respectively.

Continuous river discharge monitoring with bottom-mounted current profilers at narrow tidal estuaries

The objective of this study is to verify whether accurate and continuous estimates of freshwater discharge at the mouth of a narrow estuary with a single channel can be obtained from a bottom-mounted current profiler (ADCP). The focus is on moderate- to high-discharge events that significantly affect the water circulation corresponding to low river flow conditions. Observations at the Guadiana Estuary (southern Iberia) indicate lateral subtidal flow variability, constant cross-channel area, and quasi-steady response of the axial velocity to discharge events. Based on the concept of maximum entropy, the mean and maximum channel velocities were related by a constant ratio, Ω, using data from three cross-channel surveys. This relationship was then used to estimate the freshwater discharge at the mouth based on the maximum velocity obtained from the detided ADCP velocity profiles. This approach was possible because the ADCP was deployed near the position of maximum current velocity, that is, over the deepest part of the channel. The results show good correspondence with observations, indicating that the entropy model can complete or substitute the records from upstream gauged stations that do not include the contribution from downstream tributaries. A Multilayer Perceptron neural net (MLP) based on the entropy approach was then implemented with the purpose of estimating the discharge when Ω is unknown. This latter analysis showsthat the relationship between maximum velocity and discharge is quasi-stationary. Consequently, the MLP can successfully estimate freshwater runoff if the training data represent all statistical properties of the river discharge dynamics. The results also indicate that Ω may vary not only with concomitant hydrographic conditions, but also with the recent (i.e., several days prior) discharge magnitude.

Evaluation of Beamforming and Direction Finding for a Phased Array HF Ocean Current Radar

AbstractThe errors in the current radial velocity measurements are examined using Bartlett beamforming and Multiple Signal Classification (MUSIC) direction-finding algorithms with a linear phased array antenna system. A variety of radar and environmental parameters are examined. Suggestions for the optimal choice of operating parameters are proposed. The MUSIC algorithm has shown promising performance in current measurement when beamforming is used to first establish the maximum current velocity. Comparisons of radar field data and current meter measurements show RMS radial velocity differences in magnitude of 7.44 and 6.64 cm s−1 for the Bartlett beamforming and MUSIC–Bartlett algorithms, respectively. The results indicate that there are advantages to using a MUSIC–Bartlett approach in operational applications.

Sensitivity of growth characteristics of tidal sand ridges and long bed waves to formulations of bed shear stress, sand transport and tidal forcing: A numerical model study

Tidal sand ridges and long bed waves are large-scale bedforms that are observed on continental shelves. They differ in their wavelength and in their orientation with respect to the principal direction of tidal currents. Previous studies indicate that tidal sand ridges appear in areas where tidal currents are above 0.5ms−1, while long bed waves occur in regions where the maximum tidal current velocity is slightly above the critical velocity for sand erosion and the current is elliptical. An idealized nonlinear numerical model was developed to improve the understanding of the initial formation of these bedforms. The model governs the feedbacks between tidally forced depth-averaged currents and the sandy bed on the outer shelf. The effects of different formulations of bed shear stress and sand transport, tidal ellipticity and different tidal constituents on the characteristics of these bedforms (growth rate, wavelength, orientation of the preferred bedforms) during their initial formation were examined systematically.The results show that the formulations for bed shear stress and slope-induced sand transport are not critical for the initial formation of these bedforms. For tidal sand ridges, under rectilinear tidal currents, increasing the critical bed shear stress for sand erosion decreases the growth rate and the wavelength of the preferred bedforms significantly, while the orientation angle slightly decreases. The dependence of the growth rate, wavelength and the orientation of the preferred bedforms on the tidal ellipticity is non-monotonic. A decrease in tidal frequency results in preferred bedforms with larger wavelength and smaller orientation angle, while their growth rate hardly changes. In the case of joint diurnal and semidiurnal tides, or spring-neap tides, the characteristics of the bedforms are determined by the dominant tidal constituent. For long bed waves, the number of anticyclonically/cyclonically oriented bedforms with respect to the principal current direction increases as the ellipticity of the cyclonic/anticyclonic tidal currents increases. Besides, under anticyclonic tidal currents, the growth rate of cyclonically oriented long bed waves increases as the tidal ellipticity increases. The model was also used to provide a possible explanation for the fact that the Dutch Banks have a larger wavelength than that of the Flemish Banks in the North Sea.

Effect of subseabed salt domes on Tidal Residual currents in the Persian Gulf

AbstractGeological studies in the Persian Gulf (PG) have revealed the existence of subseabed salt‐domes. With suitable filtering of a high‐resolution PG seabed topography, it is seen that the domes leave their signature in the seabed, i.e., numerous hills and valleys with amplitudes of several tens of meters and radii from a few up to tens of kilometers. It was suspected that the “shark skin” of the PG seabed may affect the tidal residual flow. The interaction of tidal dynamics and these obstacles was investigated in a nonlinear hydrodynamic numerical tidal model of the PG. The model was first used to characterize flow patterns of residual currents generated by a tidal wave passing over symmetric, elongated and tilted obstacles. Thereafter it was applied to the entire PG. The model was forced at its open boundary by the four dominant tidal constituents residing in the PG. Each tidal constituent was simulated separately. Results, i.e., tidal residual currents in the PG, as depicted by Lagrangian trajectories reveal a stationary flow that is very rich in eddies. Each eddy can be identified with a topographic obstacle. This confirms that the tidal residual flow field is strongly influenced by the nonlinear interaction of the tidal wave with the bottom relief which, in turn, is deformed by salt‐domes beneath the seabed. Different areas of maximum residual current velocities are identified for major tidal constituents. The pattern of trajectories indicates the presence of two main cyclonic gyres and several adjacent gyres rotating in opposite directions and a strong coastal current in the northern PG.

Force and torque exerted by internal solitary waves in background parabolic current on cylindrical tendon leg by numerical simulation

An internal gravity wave (IGW) model is employed to simulate the generation of internal solitary waves (ISWs) over a sill by tidal flows, and it is shown that the simulated ISW-induced current field agrees basically with that observed. Then we use this model to study the force and torque exerted by ISWs in background parabolic current on small-diameter cylindrical tendon leg of the oil platform. Eight numerical experiments are designed and the results are compared. It is found that, no matter whether a background parabolic current is considered or not, the maximum force lies at the depth of turning point (where the horizontal current in upper layer begins to turn to zero and flow against that in lower layer), a negative extremum torque appears at the depth of turning point, and the maximum torque appears at the bottom of tendon leg. With background parabolic currents, the depth of turning point becomes shallower, and the magnitude of force decreases with depth from the depth of turning point either upward or downward. In case the affecting depths of background parabolic currents are the same, both the maximum force and its appearing depth decrease with increasing current curvature. If the maximum current velocities are the same, the maximum force decreases whilst the depths of the maximum force and turning point increase with increasing current curvature. If the background current curvatures are the same, both the maximum force and its appearing depth decrease with increasing affecting depth of parabolic current.

Habitat heterogeneity reflected in mesophotic reef sediments

Modern reef sediments reflect the physical and chemical characteristics of the environment as well as the local reef fauna. Analysis of sedimentary reef facies can thus provide a powerful tool in interpreting ancient reef deposits. However, few studies have attempted to differentiate sedimentary facies in mesophotic coral ecosystems, low light habitats defined as residing 30–150m below sea level. The low-angle shelf mesophotic coral ecosystem south of the northern U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) consists of reefs with different structural characteristics ideal for studying the relationship between habitat variability and sedimentary facies. Textural, compositional, and geochemical analyses of surface sediments were used to identify mesophotic reef subfacies associated with distinct benthic communities and structural habitats. Sediment grain composition and bulk geochemistry were found to broadly record the distribution and abundance of coral and macroalgae communities, foundational mesophotic reef benthic organisms. Overall, sediment composition was found to be a good indicator of specific reef environments in low-angle mesophotic reef habitats. Sedimentological analyses indicate that hydrodynamic forces do not transport a significant amount of allochthonous sediment or potentially harmful terrigenous material to USVI mesophotic reefs. Episodic, maximum current velocities prevented deposition of most silt-size grains and smaller, but biological processes were found to have a greater influence on subfacies partitioning than hydrodynamic processes. Results provide a new analog for studies of ancient mesophotic coral ecosystem geological history and document the relationship between mesophotic reef subfacies, structural complexity, and habitat heterogeneity. They also demonstrate how mesophotic reefs along the same shelf system do not always share similar sedimentary characteristics and thus record a diverse set of ecological and environmental conditions.

Study of Current Sheath Velocity and Its Distribution Using Tridimensional Magnetic Probe in Sahand Plasma Focus

The current sheath velocity in 0.25 Torr gas pressure of Filippov type plasma focus is studied experimentally. By using two tridimensional magnetic probes on top of the anode surface, the current sheath velocity is measured for argon, oxygen and nitrogen. Additionally, the effect of charging voltage on the current sheath velocity is studied in both axial and radial phases. We found that, the maximum current sheath velocities at both radial and axial phases are respectively 4.33 ± 0.28 (cm/μs) and 3.92 ± 0.75 (cm/μs) with argon as the working gas at 17 kV. Also, the minimum values of current sheath velocity are 1.48 ± 0.15 (cm/μs) at the radial phase and 1.14 ± 0.09 (cm/μs) at the axial phase with oxygen at 12 kV. The current sheath velocity at the radial phase is higher than that at the axial phase for all gases and voltages. In this study, variation of the full width half maximum (FWHM) of magnetic probe signals with voltage is investigated for different gases at radial and axial phases.

A numerical modeling approach to support decision-making on design of integrated multitrophic aquaculture for efficiently mitigating aquatic waste

As a bio-mitigation strategy of aquafarming pollutants, the integrated multitrophic aquaculture (IMTA) system has been proposed and developed to mitigate the waste produced during co-cultivation. Although there have been considerable implementations of IMTA worldwide, its optimal design needs a further study. Through a numerical modeling approach, this study aims to facilitate decision-making when designing IMTA to more efficiently mitigate the negative change caused by aquaculture. An improved three-dimensional numerical model is adopted to simulate the dynamics of water current and organic waste in Gokasho Bay, Japan. Results show that (1) the maximum main surface water current velocity in Hazama-ura area is less than 10 cm s−1, where nutrient absorbers and/or suspended feeders can easily attach to a substratum; (2) southern-eastern direction water flow is dominant through the year suggesting that seaweeds (e.g., Laminaria japonica, Ulva ohnoi) or mussels (e.g., Mytilus edulis) are better arranged in the same direction; (3) horizontal distribution of organic waste on sea bottom indicates that when releasing sea cucumbers (e.g., Apostichopus japonicus), priority is given to the areas where the accumulated amount of particulate organic waste is high. Our case study provides a general idea on the optimal design of IMTA and can be scaled to the globe, especially regarding decision-making on locations for the extractive organisms. In conclusion, to improve the bio-mitigation efficiency of IMTA, location for nutrient absorbers and/or suspended feeders can be selected based on local water flow, and sea cucumbers need to be placed with a careful consideration of the waste distribution in local area.

Nature and velocity of pyroclastic density currents inferred from models of entrainment of substrate lithic clasts

Deposits of pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) often contain accidental lithic clasts of typical size of 0.1–1 m captured from an underlying substrate by the parent flows at distances up to several tens of kilometers from the eruptive vent. In order to gain insights into the nature of PDCs, this study investigates the conditions required for entrainment of particles from a granular substrate by a gas–particle density current, with special emphasis to ignimbrite-forming currents whose dynamics are controversial. The two types of physics of emplacement of PDCs proposed in literature are considered. The first model deals with a hydraulically rough, dilute turbulent PDC of bulk density of ∼1–10 kg/m3 and considers that entrainment through both traction and saltation is controlled by a Shield criterion at high (>104) particle Reynolds number. The second model considers entrainment by a PDC consisting of a dense basal flow of bulk density of the order of 103 kg/m3 and with high interstitial gas pore pressure. This model involves uplift of substrate particles, caused by an upward pressure gradient at the flow-substrate interface, and then transport and deposition on the aggrading basal deposit of the flow as demonstrated by recent laboratory experiments. Results show that a dilute PDC can entrain blocks of maximum size of ∼10–15 cm (for a block density of 2000–3000 kg/m3) if maximum current velocities up to ∼100 m/s are taken into account. This, in turn, suggests that larger (heavier) blocks found in deposits were captured by PDCs if these had a dense basal flow. The dense flow model predicts that PDCs have the potential to entrain metric blocks, whose maximum size (up to ∼2–5 m) decreases with decreasing atmospheric pressure (i.e. increasing altitude). Application of the model considering published data on the characteristics of accidental blocks in several well-studied ignimbrites indicates that the velocity of the parent dense PDCs was up to ∼25–30 m/s.

Inter-Comparison of Hydrodynamic Models of Gulf of Khambhat

The complex seabed contours and geometry of basin lead to a unique tidal pattern along India's Gulf of Khambhat (GoK). Estimation of tidal levels and associated currents in this basin is challenging due to the amplification of tides and intense current magnitudes. In this study, the finite difference based numerical model, Delft3D-FLOW has been set up. Spatially varying bottom roughness parameters have been used to estimate the tidal levels and currents for the entire basin and the results are compared with an earlier work of Sathish Kumar and Balaji (2014 and 2015) based on an alternative finite element based numerical model, Telemac2D. An inter-comparison of model results shows good agreement with each other and with the field measurements. The tidal levels are observed to vary from 2m to more than 10m in the narrowing portion of the gulf while the maximum current velocity is seen as 3m/s.

Investigation of Tsunami Hydrodynamic Parameters in Inundation Zones with Different Structural Layouts

In this study, we analyze the tsunami parameter “hydrodynamic demand” (HD) using advanced numerical modeling. The HD can be defined as the square of the Froude number, which represents the relative value of the drag force (damage level) of tsunami waves in the inundation zone. The other key hydrodynamic parameters investigated in this study include maximum flow depth (inundation depth), maximum current velocity and its direction, and maximum water elevation and discharge flux occurring during tsunami inundation. The analyses are performed on regular-shaped basins with various orientations and distribution of coastal and land structures in order to provide comparisons of the results in a number of different case studies. We also provide information for defining damage levels in residential areas and for testing the performance of coastal protection structures.

Spatial distribution characteristics of surface tidal currents in the southwest of Taiwan Strait

This study was conducted on the spatial distribution characteristics of surface tidal currents in the southwestern Taiwan Strait based on the quasi-harmonic analysis of current data obtained by two high frequency surface wave radar (HFSWR) systems. The analysis shows that the tidal current pattern in the southwestern Taiwan Strait is primarily semi-diurnal and influenced significantly by shallow water constituents. The spatial distribution of tidal current ellipses of M2 is probably affected by the interaction between two different systems of tide wave, one from the northern mouth of Taiwan Strait and the other from the Bashi Channel. The directions of the major axes of M2 tidal current ellipses coincide roughly with the axis of the Taiwan Strait. The spatial distribution of the magnitudes of the probable maximum current velocity (PMCS) shows gradual increase of the velocity from northeast to southwest, which is in accordance with the spatial distribution of the measured maximum current velocity (MMCS). The directions of the residual currents are in accordance with the direction of the prevailing monsoon wind at the Taiwan Strait and the direction of the Taiwan warm current during summer. The bathymetry also shows a significant effect on the spatial distribution characteristics of tidal currents.

Observed near-surface currents under four super typhoons

The upper ocean currents under four category-5 (super) typhoons [Chaba (2004), Maon (2004), Saomai (2006), and Jangmi (2008)] were studied using data from four drifters of the Surface Velocity Program (SVP) (Niiler, 2001) in the northwestern Pacific. Maximum current velocities occurring to the right of the super typhoon tracks were observed as 2.6ms−1 for slow-moving (2.9ms−1) Maon, 2.1ms−1 for typical-moving Chaba (5.1ms−1), 1.4ms−1 for fast-moving Jangmi (6.8ms−1), and 1.2ms−1 for fast-moving Saomai (8.1ms−1). Furthermore, dependence of the mixed layer current velocity under a super typhoon on its translation speed and statistical relationships between the maximum current speed and the Saffir–Simpson hurricane scale are also provided.

A Model Analysis for the Design and Deployment of an Eulerian Sediment Trap Mooring Array in a Western Boundary Upwelling System from Southeast Brazil

This work addresses the design and configuration of a Eulerian sediment trap mooring array, which was deployed at the shelf edge (zm ≈ 140 m) 80 km off Cabo Frio, SE- Brazil (23° S). The site was subject to interplay between the Tropical Waters (TW) of the Brazil Current (BC), intrusions from the South Atlantic Central Waters (SACW), which are the source of upwelling in the region, and other oceanographic processes. Detailed computations were used to optimize the total weight, buoyancy balance, and maximum acceptable tilt to avoid hydrodynamic bias in the trapping efficiency and array adaptation to the local oceanographic conditions with the assistance of Matlab and Muringa programs and Modular Ocean Model 4.0 (MOM; i.e., to assert the vertical distribution of the meridional current component). The velocity range of the current component was determined by short term measurements to be between 0.1 and 0.5 m/s. Projections led to a resulting minimum anchor weight of 456 kg. The necessary line tension was ascertained by using the appropriate distribution of a series of buoys along the array, which finally attained a high vertical load of 350 kg because of the attached oceanographic equipment. Additional flotation devices resulted in a stable mooring array as reflected by their low calculated tilt (2.6° ± 0.6°). A low drag of 16 N was computed for the maximum surface current velocity of 0.5 m/s. The Reynolds number values ranged from 4 × 104 to 2 × 105 and a cone-trap aspect ratio of 1.75 was used to assess the trap sampling efficiency upon exposure to different current velocities.

Surface tidal currents in the open sea area to the east of the Zhoushan Islands measured with high frequency surface wave radar

Based on the quasi-harmonic analysis of 11 d vector ocean currents obtained from two high frequency surface wave radars located at Zhujiajian Island and Shengshan Island, the spatial distribution characteristics of surface tidal currents in the open sea area to the east of the Zhoushan Islands of Zhejiang Province, China are studied. The following conclusions are drawn from the analysis: the tidal current pattern in the open sea area to the east of Zhoushan Islands is primarily regular semidiurnal, which is significantly affected by the shallow water constituents. The directions of the major axes of tidal current ellipses of M2 lie approximately in the NW-SE direction. With the increasing of distance away from the coast, the directions of the tidal current ellipses gradually shift toward the E-W direction. The tidal currents are mainly reversing currents. The spatial distribution of probable maximum current velocities decreases gradually from northeast to southwest which is basically in accordance with the spatial distribution of measured maximum current velocities. The residual currents near the coast are larger than those far away from the coast. The directions of the residual currents are basically north by east, and the angle to the due north increases gradually with the increasing distance away from the coast. The topography shows a certain impact on the spatial distribution of shallow water constituents, the rotation of tidal currents, the probable maximum currents and the residual currents.

Marine current energy resource assessment and design of a marine current turbine for Fiji

Pacific Island Countries (PICs) have a huge potential for renewable energy to cater for their energy needs. Marine current energy is a reliable and clean energy source. Many marine current streams are available in Fiji's waters and large amount of marine current energy can be extracted using turbines. Horizontal axis marine current turbine (HAMCT) can be used to extract marine current energy to electrical energy for commercial use. For designing a HAMCT, marine current resource assessment needs to done. A potential site was identified and resource assessment was done for 3 months. The coordinates for the location are 18°12′1.78″S and 177°38′58.21″E; this location is called Gun-barrel passage. The average depth is 17.5 m and the width is nearly 20 m – the distance from land to the location is about 500 m. A multi cell aquadopp current profiler (ADCP) was deployed at the site to record marine currents. Strong marine currents are recorded at this location, as a combination of both tidal and rip currents. The maximum current velocity exceeds 2.5 m/s, for days with large waves. The average velocity was 0.85 m/s and power density for the site was 525 W/m2. This site has good potential for marine current and HAMCT can be installed to extract power. A turbine with diameter between 5 and 8 m would be suitable for this site. Therefore, a 5 m HAMCT is designed for this location. The HF10XX hydrofoils were used from blade root (r/R = 0.2) to tip (r/R = 1.0). HF10XX series hydrofoil sections were designed to operate at varying turbine operating conditions; these hydrofoils have good hydrodynamic characteristics at the operating Reynolds number. The turbine is designed to operate at rated marine current speed of 1.5 m/s, cut in speed of 0.5 m/s and cut off speed of 3 m/s at a tip speed ratio (TSR) of 4.2.

The Cadiz Contourite Channel: Sandy contourites, bedforms and dynamic current interaction

Abstract The Cadiz Contourite Channel is the largest and most prominent contourite channel in the middle slope of the Gulf of Cadiz, and is known to channelise the southern branch of the Lower Core of Mediterranean Outflow Water (MOW) as it flows westwards from the Gibraltar Gateway. The channel lies in water depth between 650 and 1500 m, is 150 km long, 2–12 km wide, up to 120 m deep, and broadly s-shaped in plan view. It has several associated subparallel marginal channels and shorter spillover channel segments. Its geometry is controlled by the interaction of a strong bottom current with the seafloor morphology, affected by neotectonic deformation and diapiric intrusion. Bottom photographs and dredge hauls reveal a channel floor shaped by high-energy flow, in places with bare rock, boulders and gravel, and elsewhere covered with sandy contourites. The rocky substrate and derived clasts are formed of authigenic iron-rich carbonates, testifying the high degree of fluid escape from adjacent diapiric ridges and mud volcanoes. The sandy substrate shows a wide range of current-induced bedforms including small, straight-crested ripples, large sinuous sand waves and dunes (wavelength 3.5–5 m, height 0.3–0.9 m), weak surface lineation on sands, and aligned gravel stringers and deep erosive scours around large boulders. Bedform orientation indicates flows directed to the south/south-west (main channel) and west (spillover channel), which can be related to MOW bottom currents, and current velocities that vary between about 0.2 and 0.8 m s− 1, even in the same channel location. However, current vane orientation was clearly responding, at least in part, to tidal effects and periodicity in the Gulf of Cadiz at the time the photographs were taken. Maximum current velocities are achieved by a combination of barotropic and internal tides (probably generated at the continental slope) that reinforce the normal MOW flow. In addition, meteorologically-induced internal waves with periods shorter than tidal ones may exert an even greater influence on current intensity, especially when they occur at times of sudden changes of meteorological forcing. This effect further influences MOW variability. In all cases, the funnelling effect of the Cadiz Channel amplifies tidal or meteorologically-induced bottom currents.

Numerical Investigation of Impact of Pile Space on Flow around Two Vertical Cylindrical Piles

The flow around two vertical cylindrical piles exposed to a steady current is studied numerically by a three-dimensional hydrodynamic model, which is closured with a k-ε turbulence model. This model is firstly validated by experimental data obtained from a labortory experiment for a steady flow through a circular pile. Then this validated model is used to study flow pattern around two cylindrical piles. Finally, four key physical factors of the size of the horseshoe vortex and lee wake vortex, the maximum current velocity and bottom shear stress are analyzed under the different pile spaces. The main conclusions are: i) the size of the horseshoe vortex increases with the increase of the two pile space, while the size of the lee wake vortex changes slightly; ii) the maximum current velocity and the maximum bottom shear stress decrease with the increase of two pile space, and reach steady after the two pile space larger than six times of cylindrical pile diameter.

Simulation of suspended sediment transport initialized with satellite derived suspended sediment concentrations

Suspended sediment transport in the Gulf of Kachchh is simulated utilizing the suspended sediment concentration (SSC) derived from Oceansat OCM imagery, as the initial condition in MIKE-21 Mud Transport model. Optimization of the model mud parameters, like settling velocity and critical shear stress for erosion are realized with respect to the sediment size distribution and the bottom bed materials observed in the Gulf. Simulated SSCs are compared with alternate OCM derived SSC. The results are observed to be impetus where the model is able to generate the spatial dynamics of the sediment concentrations. Sediment dynamics like deposition, erosion and dispersion are explained with the simulated tidal currents and OCM derived sediment concentrations. Tidal range is observed as the important physical factor controlling the deposition and resuspension of sediments within the Gulf. From the simulation studies; maximum residual current velocities, tidal fronts and high turbulent zones are found to characterise the islands and shoals within the Gulf, which results in high sediment concentrations in those regions. Remarkable variability in the bathymetry of the Gulf, different bed materials and varying tidal conditions induces several circulation patterns and turbulence creating the unique suspended sediment concentration pattern in the Gulf.