On the determination of the tidal amplitude in a river estuary having an irregular topography

A method based upon the balance of mechanical energy is used to calculate the local tidal amplitude in a river estuary. The technique permits the specification of an irregular topography and variable coefficient of eddy viscosity in the landward direction. Numerical calculations are performed for a river having the approximate dimensions of the Thames between Southend and Teddington. The fitting of the topography involves the specification of the mean width and depth by a suitable functional law along the river. The parametric representation of the turbulence may be quantified by prescribing that the local eddy viscosity be proportional to the local mean depth. The resulting evaluations are then used to assess the effect upon the tidal dynamics of nonuniformities in the topography and structure of the turbulence.