Author(s)

S.C. Hagen & J.J. Westerink

Abstract

Presently, many numerical modelers use the inadequate wavelength to grid size (Ax) ratio criterion as an aid in designing grids to solve the shallow water equations. Recent research has shown that grids designed using a local truncation error analysis (LTEA) are a very attractive alternative to the wavelength to Ax criterion. By computing grid spacing such that the local second-order truncation error is limited, we have shown the need for high resolution in areas on the continental shelf very near the coast and in the vicinity of the shelf break and slope. This paper will examine the effects of combining the first through the fourth- order truncation error terms. Here the finite element grid generation is accomplished by computing grid spacing s

Keywords