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ASL uses High Performance Computing for Numerical Modeling

ASL has developed processes and systems to manage metocean projects. These include processes and systems for document management, data management, quality management, and health, safety and environment (HSE) systems. We are very proud of our success in collecting metocean data in some of the world’s most challenging oceanographic environments. ASL has developed its own hydrodynamic model and runs publicly available models such as 3-D unstructured Finite Volume Community Ocean Model (FVCOM), Delft3D, and SWAN. ASL has a complete MATLAB- based suite of software for the editing, analyses and visualization of metocean data.

Besides wave modeling for metocean studies, ASL has implemented the SWAN wave model in a number of other coastal projects, including modeling nearshore spectral wave transformation off the west coast of Vancouver Island (Jiang and Fissel, 2003), modeling nearshore spectral wave transformation off the west coast of Africa (Fissel and Jiang, 2004), modeling locally wind-generated waves in the Strait of Georgia and Roberts Bank (Jiang and Fissel, 2005), modeling ocean waves at Victoria's Fisherman’s Wharf (Fissel, et al., 2007), and wave modeling for Victoria International Marina with and without attenuators (Jiang and Fissel, 2008 and 2009; Fissel and Lin 2012; Lin and Fissel 2014).    (read full background)

numerical modeling

Median values of bottom shear stresses (BSS) in Nass Bay and Iceberg Bay based on model results from August 1 to November 30, 2017.


Applications

Numerical modeling is a powerful method of visualizing the dynamic behaviour of physical systems. Our three-dimensional computer models are capable of accurately simulating water circulation in the following environments:

  • Rivers
  • Estuaries
  • Coastal Waters
  • Continental Shelf and Deeper Waters

Our models are founded solidly on the science of fluid dynamics for circulation including such natural forces under the following conditions:

  • Tides
  • Density stratification and buoyancy
  • Wind stress
  • Drag arising from the shoreline and bottom
  • Coriolis

The variable discharge from such engineered works as dams, power stations and sewage treatment stations can readily be included in our models. These models are fully calibrated and validated through comparison with extensive data sets in a variety of project environments.

Numerical Modeling

Correlation coefficients between time series of BSS and absolute values of water level anomalies

Features and Benefits

Successful calibration and validation of a numerical model against field measurements is an affirmation of our understanding of the natural environment being studied. The power of our computer models lies in its ability to predict currents, temperature, salinity and sediment in regions where data is sparse or when extensive data collection is expensive or impractical. Our models can undertake "what if" studies to investigate the impact on river, estuarine or coastal circulation patterns of the placement, for instance:

  • A new dam or plant
  • The effect of changing discharge levels or operational configurations.
  • Coastal engineering structures.

The distribution and behaviour of key properties can be readily simulated including:

  • Tidal currents and circulations
  • Temperature, salinity, and suspended sediment concentration (SSC)
  • Bottom siltation and scour
  • Biological or chemical distributions: plankton abundance, coliform concentrations, oil spills.

Vector and Drifter Simulations near Prince Rupert



The two animations above represent vector and drifter nearfield numerical models respectively. This numerical modeling research work was done with IOS, DFO to provide preliminary computations of tidal currents in the vicinity of Prince Rupert using a high-resolution grid (Lin et al., 2018) applied through the Finite Volume Community Ocean Model (FVCOM).

Example of numerical modeling showing a one-day animation for SST and surface currents during spring tide (May 23, 2016), Queen Charlotte Strait, BC.
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