Caribbean due to the improved grid resolution. Bathymetry for the Eastcoast
2001 grid was derived from three different bathymetric sources, NOS, DNC, and
ETOPO5. The accuracy and reliability of these databases dictated a priority/
availability system with NOS data being used where available, then DNC and
finally ETOPO5. Le Provost's (1998) worldwide tidal database, FES95.2, was
used to force the open-ocean boundary.
Further improvements to the WNAT model will be possible with more
accurately defined bathymetry. This is especially true in the non-U.S. waters,
namely the southern portion of the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. In
particular, in the vicinity of the Lesser Antilles, often the bathymetry does not
match the placement of islands, thus raising questions to the reliability of the
topography. A higher level of bathymetric detail in this area could make signifi-
cant improvements in the computed response in the Caribbean since this under-
water range of mounds controls the tidal exchange between the Atlantic and the
Caribbean. Better response in the Caribbean will also affect the responses in the
Gulf of Mexico due to the exchange between these two basins.
Finally, in addition to improving the global bathymetry, increasing grid and
bathymetric refinement in select bays and inlets with measurement data stations
will allow for further improvements in the match between computations and
measurements at these stations which do not lie in open water.
22
Chapter 6 Discussion and Conclusions
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