Two-dimensional vertical finite element modeling of tidal flow in the Yangtze River estuary

A two-dimensional vertical finite element model of estuarine tidal flow has been established by laterally integrating the Navier-Stokes equations. In this model, a moving grid finite element method has been used together with an arbitrarily shaped quadrilateral element. This model has been validated by using field observed data from two monitoring stations at the North Passage of the Yangtze River estuary. Three types of modeled results have been obtained: 1) tidal elevations at two monitoring stations; 2) vertical profiles of tidal current velocities at two monitoring stations; and 3) longitudinal distributions of tidal current velocities at maximum flood and ebb tides at the North Passage of the Yangtze River estuary. In addition, there could be a reasonable agreement between modeled results and observed data.