Estimation of slack tide using GPS measurements on a buoy

A case study on buoy 18 in the Schelde Estuary

Master thesis (2012)

Authors

Contributors

Department
Geoscience and Remote Sensing (CEG) (TU Delft)
Copyright: © 2012 Valk, M.
GPS Estuary Current Phase lag MGP Slack tide Schelde estuary
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Published Date

25-03-2012

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Faculty

Civil Engineering and Geosciences

Department

Geoscience and Remote Sensing

Abstract

In this paper I present a novel method to determine the time of occurrence of tidal slack with a GPS receiver mounted on an anchored buoy commonly used to delineate shipping lanes in estuaries and tidal channels. Slack tide occurs when the tide changes direction from ebb to flood flow, or from flood to ebb. The determination of this point in time is not only useful for shipping and salvaging, it is also important information for calibrating tidal models, for determining the maximum salt intrusion and for the further refinement of the theory on tidal propagation. The accuracy of the timing is well within 10 minutes and the method - able to operate in real-time - is relatively cheap and easy to implement on a permanent basis or in short field campaigns.