NUMERICAL SIMULATIONS
Validation
Wave and circulation numerical models were applied to the Grays Harbor, Washington,
region as part of the USACE navigation study. Computational grids were developed for
the tidal circulation model ADvanced CIRCulation (ADCIRC) (Luettich et al. 1992) and
the spectral wave model STeady-state spectral WAVE (STWAVE) (Smith et al. 2001).
Bathymetry for the computational grids represented conditions in 1999 (the field data
collection time period). The wave model validation described in Cialone and Kraus (2001)
showed good agreement between measured and modeled wave transformation through the
inlet entrance for the 1999 field data collection time period (month 1), but it was noted that
dynamically linking the wave and current models to include the transformation of waves
by currents and water level could improve results. Validation of the circulation model for
the first month of the 1999 field data collection time period also shows tidal elevations
compare well with measurements around the periphery of the bay at Stations 1 through 4
(Table 1), with the maximum error being 5.8 percent.
Comparison of calculated currents with measured also indicates good agreement at
Velocity Stations 2 through 6 (Table 2). This inlet throat area is clearly tide-dominated,
and such results can be expected. Station 1, however, shows poor agreement. Wave-
induced currents in this region are significant, hence improved calculation requires
dynamic linking of the wave and circulation models. In this paper, the influence of waves
on currents is examined by means of a coupled model approach.
Table 1. Wave Model Validation for Tide Stations 1 through 4
Station
Erms, m
Mean Error, m
Range, m
Percent Error, %
Tide 1
0.12
0.05
3.32
3.5
Tide 2
0.13
0.05
3.39
3.9
Tide 3
0.17
0.04
2.93
5.8
Tide 4
0.13
0.00
3.78
3.4
Table 2. Current Model Validation for Velocity Stations 1 through 6
Erms,
Mean Error,
Range,
cm/sec
cm/sec
cm/sec
Station
Percent Error, %
Velocity 1
28.4
23.8
149
19.1
Velocity 2
11.0
3.3
137
8.0
Velocity 3
11.3
4.5
131
8.6
Velocity 4
12.1
1.9
165
7.3
Velocity 5
10.7
-0.3
124
8.7
Velocity 6
12.0
-5.3
126
9.6
Cialone, Militello, Brown, and Kraus
3
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