Modelling water circulation in Ria de Aveiro, Portugal

The purpose of this work is to predict tidal flow fields in Ria de Aveiro lagoon, to better understand its normal behaviour and response to extreme wind conditions. In order to predict depth averaged tidal flow fields a two-dimensional depth integrated finite difference numerical hydrodynamic model has been adapted to this area. A large number of simulations were performed in order to calibrate the model. In this paper extreme conditions of wind stresses were reproduced, with and without tide forcing, and the model was also forced only by the tide. The results reveal that bathymetry and coastal morphology strongly influence the circulation patterns in Ria de Aveiro. It is also possible to conclude that the lagoon dynamics is predominantly governed by the tidal regime, except in extreme conditions of strong wind, where its effect in the circulation is also present, specially in the shallow channels.