Hydrodynamic Modelling in Inshore Reef Area Within Kuantan Coastal Region

Abstract

Current circulation provides major transport mechanism especially for benthic organism in the ocean. The present study described current circulation in inshore reef area within Kuantan coastal region by applying a numerical modelling of MIKE 21 Flow Model FM software. Model simulation produced good outcomes when compared with field data measurement with root mean square error (RMSE) for surface elevation, current speed and direction were below 20. Results also clearly indicated that current speed in inshore reef area was highly correlated with local tidal pattern in which higher flow speed were observed during high tides compared to low tide. Contrary to previous belief, our results clearly show the prevalence of tidal forcing in shaping current flow pattern in the study area since the impact of wind forcing was minimal during different monsoon seasons. This study gave new insight into how local tidal properties can regulate hydrodynamic pattern especially in fine-scale inshore reef area.

Dispersal Potential Index (DPi) As Alternative Indicator for Coral Larvae Dispersal Potential

“…Higher current speed might result in greater dispersal distance. In this case, current speed was scored between 0.1 m/s until 0.5 m/s based on the current speed range from hydrodynamic model for Kuantan coastal waters [8]. This current speed range is comparable with current speed range model in the east coast Peninsular Malaysia [9]; [10].…”