Modeling of meteorologically forced currents on the Scotian Shelf

The application of a 2-1/2D model for simulation of the ocean currents on the Scotian Shelf is described. A 1-D finite element model of the time-dependent buoyancy and current profiles which uses a steady-state turbulence energy closure scheme is coupled internally through the depth integrated current and bottom stress with a 2-D barotropic model. Hourly surface fluxes of momentum and buoyancy are computed using temporally interpolated analysis data from the Canadian Meteorological Centre. The stratification on the shelf is initialized using climatological data. Open boundaries are tidally forced with an imposed radiation condition. Some results of a limited comparison of the model with current meter data for August 4 to 8, 1983 are reported. The model is presently being evaluated using data from the Canadian Atlantic Storms Program (CASP).