A numerical model for the entire Wadden Sea: Skill assessment and analysis of hydrodynamics

A numerical model of the Wadden Sea reveals that estuarine circulation intensity and its variability are driven by gravitational and wind straining, with regional differences observed among tidal gullies. The study assesses the model's accuracy using field data from 2009–2011, including surface elevation, current velocity, temperature, and salinity, alongside satellite imagery and ship observations. Key findings highlight that longitudinal buoyancy gradients dominate exchange flow in some inlets, while wind straining is more influential in others. The research also quantifies tidal straining, which varies based on local topography, wind direction, and freshwater runoff, providing insights into the complex hydrodynamics of this UNESCO-listed ecosystem.

Gräwe, U., Flöser, G., Gerkema, T., Duran‐Matute, M., Badewien, T. H., Schulz, E., & Burchard, H. (2016). A numerical model for the entire Wadden Sea: Skill assessment and analysis of hydrodynamics. Journal of Geophysical Research: Oceans, 121(7), 5231–5251. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1002/2016jc011655