Aspects of nonlinear simulations using shallow-water models based on the wave continuity equation (Q1341083)

We evaluate two methods to minimize errors in the generation of nonlinear tidal constituents: (1) formulation of the advective terms in a manner consistent with the momentum balance; (2) use of a generalized form of the wave continuity equation. In a one-dimensional setting, it is shown that both significantly improve mass conservation and substantially reduce or eliminate errors in the generation of nonlinear tidal constituents. An application to the Bight of Abaco in the Bahamas using a simulator incorporating the two modifications demonstrates that the one- dimensional results carry over to two-dimensional problems. Moreover, the consistent treatment of the advective terms improves the stability of the simulator for nonlinear applications.