Numerical modeling of tide-induced currents in Thane Creek, west coast of India

A 2D numerical model was applied to study tide-induced currents in the Thane Creek. The model was forced by the tide at Apollo Bunder, calibrated with the observed tide at Pir Pau, and verified with the tide data collected at Vashi and Airoli. Predictions of amplitudes are in fair agreement with the observations. Even though the predictions are more or less in agreement in phase at high tide, it differs at low tide by nearly 30 min. A comparison of the modeled currents with data at Vashi suggests that the current values are reasonably accurate. The circulation pattern indicates the maximum velocities during the neap and spring are 0.4 and 1.5 m/s, respectively, in the vicinity of the Elephanta Island. The water mass passing through the eastern side tends to move toward Panvel Creek, whereas the orientation of water mass passing through the western side is toward the main channel of the creek depending on the tidal excursion. The study on residual current reveals that two anticyclonic eddies are present around Elephanta and Butcher islands. These eddies and high residual current values show intense mixing capacity in the southern region.