Tidal Prism Given Average Area Over Channel Length Calculator

Tidal Prism Filling Bay Formula:

\[ P = \frac{T \times V_m \times A_{avg}}{\pi} \]

Tidal Duration:

Year

Maximum Cross Sectional Average Velocity:

Meter per Second

Average Area over the Channel Length:

Square Meter

Tidal Prism Filling Bay:

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1. What is Tidal Prism Filling Bay?

Tidal Prism Filling Bay is the volume of water in an estuary or inlet between mean high tide and mean low tide, or the volume of water leaving an estuary at ebb tide. It represents the amount of water that flows in and out of a bay during a tidal cycle.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Tidal Prism Filling Bay formula:

\[ P = \frac{T \times V_m \times A_{avg}}{\pi} \]

Where:

\( P \) — Tidal Prism Filling Bay (Cubic Meter)
\( T \) — Tidal Duration (Year)
\( V_m \) — Maximum Cross Sectional Average Velocity (Meter per Second)
\( A_{avg} \) — Average Area over the Channel Length (Square Meter)
\( \pi \) — Archimedes' constant (approximately 3.1416)

Explanation: The formula calculates the tidal prism volume by multiplying tidal duration, maximum velocity, and average area, then dividing by pi to account for the circular nature of tidal flow patterns.

3. Importance of Tidal Prism Calculation

Details: Accurate tidal prism calculation is crucial for coastal engineering, estuary management, sediment transport studies, and understanding tidal flushing characteristics in bays and inlets.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter tidal duration in years, maximum cross sectional average velocity in meters per second, and average area over the channel length in square meters. All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the significance of tidal prism in coastal studies?
A: Tidal prism helps determine the flushing capacity of estuaries, sediment transport rates, and the overall hydrodynamics of coastal systems.

Q2: How does tidal duration affect the tidal prism?
A: Longer tidal durations generally result in larger tidal prisms as there's more time for water to flow in and out of the bay.

Q3: Why is pi used in the formula?
A: Pi is used to account for the circular or semi-circular flow patterns that often occur in tidal basins and estuaries.

Q4: What factors influence maximum cross sectional average velocity?
A: Channel geometry, tidal range, bottom friction, and basin morphology all influence the maximum velocity during a tidal cycle.

Q5: How accurate is this calculation method?
A: While providing a good estimate, actual field measurements may vary due to complex hydrodynamic factors not accounted for in this simplified formula.