Record Details

Data assimilation and bathymetric inversion in a two‐dimensional horizontal surf zone model

ScholarsArchive at Oregon State University

Field Value
Title Data assimilation and bathymetric inversion in a two‐dimensional horizontal surf zone model
Names Wilson, G. W. (creator)
Özkan‐Haller, H. T. (creator)
Holman, R. A. (creator)
Date Issued 2010-12-21 (iso8601)
Abstract A methodology is described for assimilating observations in a steady state twodimensional
horizontal (2‐DH) model of nearshore hydrodynamics (waves and currents),
using an ensemble‐based statistical estimator. In this application, we treat bathymetry as a
model parameter, which is subject to a specified prior uncertainty. The statistical estimator
uses state augmentation to produce posterior (inverse, updated) estimates of bathymetry,
wave height, and currents, as well as their posterior uncertainties. A case study is presented,
using data from a 2‐D array of in situ sensors on a natural beach (Duck, NC). The prior
bathymetry is obtained by interpolation from recent bathymetric surveys; however, the
resulting prior circulation is not in agreement with measurements. After assimilating data
(significant wave height and alongshore current), the accuracy of modeled fields is
improved, and this is quantified by comparing with observations (both assimilated and
unassimilated). Hence, for the present data, 2‐DH bathymetric uncertainty is an important
source of error in the model and can be quantified and corrected using data assimilation. Here
the bathymetric uncertainty is ascribed to inadequate temporal sampling; bathymetric
surveys were conducted on a daily basis, but bathymetric change occurred on hourly
timescales during storms, such that hydrodynamic model skill was significantly degraded.
Further tests are performed to analyze the model sensitivities used in the assimilation and to
determine the influence of different observation types and sampling schemes.
Genre Article
Topic Two-dimensional horizontal surf zone
Identifier Wilson, G. W., H. T. Özkan‐Haller, and R. A. Holman (2010), Data assimilation and bathymetric inversion in a twodimensional horizontal surf zone model, J. Geophys. Res., 115, C12057, doi:10.1029/2010JC006286.

© Western Waters Digital Library - GWLA member projects - Designed by the J. Willard Marriott Library - Hosted by Oregon State University Libraries and Press