Numerical investigation of tide and sea level anomalies propagation in Malacca Strait

Abstract

The importance of the Malacca Strait to trade is important but its importance in terms of ocean connectivity is often ignored. This paper is a study of the propagation of tide and sea level anomalies (SLA) (i.e., non-tidal component) in the Malacca Strait using a well calibrated numerical model. Four main tidal constituents are examined at different sections of the strait. Tidal amplitude in terms of water level and volumetric flux of these four constituents are derived using harmonic analysis. It is shown that the tidal flux propagation pattern behaves differently from the tidal water level propagation pattern in the strait. Detailed analysis of the tidal amplitudes of both water level and volumetric flux makes the location of the tidal mixing zone in the strait becomes apparent. Analyzing the SLA with regards to flux and net flux volume at each cross section in the strait shows that the tidal mixing zone plays a role in obstructing the propagation of SLA from Andaman Sea and Singapore Strait.