Author(s): Laure Sicard; Victor J. Llorente; Sergio Martinez-Aranda; Pilar Garcia-Navarro
Linked Author(s): Pilar García-Navarro
Keywords: Estuarine dynamic; Splitting mode; Three-dimensional simulation
Abstract: A splitting mode in ocean dynamics refers to a numerical technique for modeling ocean circulation that separates fast-moving waves (barotropic mode) from slow-moving currents (baroclinic mode). In this contribution, a mode-splitting time-stepping scheme is implemented within the PEKA2D modeling framework to enable three-dimensional coastal ocean simulations. The approach integrates depth-averaged momentum using short time steps to resolve surface gravity waves, while advancing three-dimensional momentum processes with longer time steps. The implementation is designed to preserve accuracy and computational performance for simulating coastal circulation, turbulent mixing, supporting more realistic representation of well-mixed estuaries.
Year: 2026