An Ocean Model Using Cut-Cell Method

An ocean model using cut-cell method has been developed to simulate the flow field around the complicated topographic feature in the three dimensions. The finite-volume method is applied for the accuracy of the mass-and momentum-conservations. Formulations for the finite difference are given for the advection, pressure and viscous terms, including the continuity equation. As the first application, the present model is applied for the analysis of the tidal sea-surface elevation in a bay connected with the ocean by a very narrow and oblique channel. Although results by a Cartesian-coordinate model strongly depend on the direction of the channel, the results by the present model show good agreement with the theoretical values. As the second application, the present model is applied for the analysis of the flow around a tall seamount in steady currents. Those results are discussed in comparison with the results by an existing z-coordinate model.