Model and method to predict the turbulent kinetic energy induced by tidal currents, application to the wave-induced turbulence

A prediction model for the turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) induced by tidal-currents is proposed as a function of barotropic velocity only, along with robust method evaluating different parameters involved using Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP) measurements from Alderney Race. We find that able to reproduce correctly TKE profiles coefficients correlation on average higher than 0.90 and normalised root-mean-square errors (NRMSE) less 14%. Different are also tested mean velocity, no satisfactory found but we have decent estimates shear friction velocity. Two applications then carried out. First budget terms estimated discussed. identify production dissipation most important mechanisms, discuss validity several theoretical results derived isotropic turbulence this application. strong departure estimation notably explained anisotropy. At last used infer wave-induced TKE. show importance removing tidal component, waves can influence down mid-depth.